Dear new Parents and Students,

Welcome to all the new students and families to the Westglen School Band Program! I am looking forward to a great year, and to getting to know all of the students and their families over the coming months.

During the first weeks of school, the students and I will be exploring the different instruments families in the band and making a major decision: which instrument your child will play for the years to come. We will gather as much information as possible, think long and hard, and will come up with what I hope is the best instrument choice for each student.

Learning to understand and appreciate music is a lifelong journey – a journey that requires dedication and persistence, but a journey that is one of the most rewarding that anyone can undertake. I am excited to be a part of this journey with your children.

Over the next four years, students can look forward to playing great concerts, going to camps, listening to great music, achieving personal goals, and most importantly, to making friends and being part of a team. In no other subject in school, can students experience such an amazing variety of activities and grow so much as people. It has been clinically proven – music makes you smarter!

I have designed thisguide to answer the most frequently asked questions and give you an overview of the music program at Westglen. It does look like a lot of information, but please do not be overwhelmed!

If you ever have any questions or concerns, just please contact me by phone at the school (335-8700) or email . I am looking forward to meeting you all over the days and weeks to come.

All the best,

Heather Biggin

Important Dates for Grade 5 Students

Thursday, September 1st instrument trials begin in class

Monday, September 19thinstrument selection sheets go home to parents

Tuesday, September 20st all sheets must be returned to Mrs. Biggin

Wednesday, September 21st students will be informed of their instrument assignment

Thursday, September 22ndSt. John’s Music Rental Night 7pm in the bandroom

Monday September 26th instrument startup clinicsfor all grade 5 students- studentsmust have instruments at this time

Grade 5 Instrument Trials

During the first few weeks of school we will be spending our class time trying the flute, clarinet, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. Students will rate these instruments on how well they liked the instrument, and how easy they found it to make the correct instrument tone.

During this time I will be keeping track of suitability and aptitude for specific instruments. At the end of the trial period, students can make their top three choices from the instruments listed above. Once the selection sheet has been signed by a parent, I will assign each student to an instrument. Students can inform me if they wish to be considered for percussion but it cannot be one of there three choices. Students will be selected for percussion entirely at the band director’s discretion.

Instrument Selection

Choosing an instrument to play in band is a big decision. Many factors are taken into consideration when picking an instrument for a student including: whether or not they already own or play a band instrument, whether or not they have studied music before, the child’s physical features, and their enthusiasm for an instrument.

Another big factor that the band director must consider is the balance of the ensemble. It’s not enjoyable to play in a band made up of only flutes and drummers (there would be some pretty big holes in the music). So, I have to make sure that the ensemble is well balanced with all the instruments present.

Fortunately, most students receive their first choice; however there will be some who are given their second or third choice based on all of the considerations above. Please do not rent/purchase instruments until I have let the students know which instrument they have been chosen to play.

Because choosing and instrument is such a complex issue, it is the general policy in the program to not allow students to switch instruments unless there are special circumstances. Students are therefore expected to continue with the instrument they play in grade 5 as they continue through grades 6, 7 and 8. One exception, of course, is a student switching to saxophone or double reed instruments in grade 7. Students who play the flute or clarinet for the first two years are invited to audition to play these instruments in grade 7.

Each student will have great successes on their instrument and some frustrations. This is all part of the territory, and it rarely solves the problem for a student to switch instruments – in many cases it just causes more frustrations. There is only one way to improve and that it to practice and stick with it! Remember these two key words: persistence and dedication.

School Instrument Rentals

Students, who play percussion, tuba, baritone, and french horn, rent their instruments from WestglenSchool. A rental contract must be completed and returned to the school before an instrument can go home. The cost for a school rental is $125. This fee must be paid along with the child’s school fees to the school office.

Westglen School is responsible for the regular maintenance and repair to school instruments resulting from regular wear and tear. However, instrument repairs resulting from student negligence will be the responsibility of the student/parent. It is up to the band director to determine what is reasonable. You may wish to add instruments (rental or otherwise) to your home insurance rider in case of any unexpected accidents.

Percussion User Fee

All students selected to play percussion are required to pay a $125 user fee, as is the case with any school rental, to cover the cost of the repair, maintenance and upgrading of the percussion equipment. As a part of their user fee, students will receive a rental bell kit that includes a set of bells with stand, mallets, drumsticks, and a snare drum practice pad. These kits are to taken home for practice use and brought to school for use during band classes and concerts. Students will be responsible for loss or damage to this equipment above and beyond regular wear and tear.

Instrument Rentals/Purchases

Students who play flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone are required to rent or purchase their instruments from music stores or through private sales. Most music stores offer several options for purchasing or renting instruments to make financing suitable to your needs. There is a limited supply of the above-listed instruments for rent from the school, and families with special circumstances can apply for these instruments by approaching the band director.

Instrument Rental/Purchase Night

On Thursday, September 22ndat 7 P.M, there will be an instrument rental night in the band room with St. John’s Music. All parents needing to rent/purchase instruments for their child should attend this meeting unless you have already made other arrangements.It is not necessary for your child to be present, but you arewelcome to bring them if you wish. Please be in attendance for 7 pm as there will be an explanation of your rental/purchase options at this time. Please be sure to bringidentification and a method of paymentwith you to this meeting.

Instrument maintenance supplies will also be available for purchase. I encourage you to pick up the necessary items at this time.

Used Instruments

Each year there are individuals from our community who wish to sell second hand instruments. If you are looking to buy a used instrument, please check the bulletin board in the band room for any local ads. If you have instruments that you wish to sell, please drop a small notice to the school office and I will post it on this board.

Purchasing a Musical Instrument

Buying a musical instrument is not something that the average person has experience doing. Please consider the following guidelines when looking for an instrument for your child: Playability, Durability, Repairability, and Warranty-ability. Most instruments available from department/wholesale clubs do not have replacement parts available and therefore do not meet the “repairability” criteria.

Attached at the end of this handbook is some additional information that I hope you will find helpful. Below is a list of instrument brand names that have been around for decades and have a good track record.

Some Common Musical Instrument Brand Names

Yamaha Vito

GemeinhardtHolton

KingGetzen

BuffetBach

BundyConn

JupiterLeBlanc

OldsSelmer

ArmstrongEvette

When instruments need repairs

If you are renting from a music store, you must take the instrument to that store for repairs. Payments for repairs are to be paid at the repair shops directly and are not made through the school.There are two music stores that offer pick-up and deliver options for families at WestglenSchool. They are 53rdStreetMusic from Red Deer, and St. John’s Music from Calgary. The school is responsible for repairs (normal wear and tear) for school owned instruments only.

Music Stores

For your convenience I am including the addresses and phone numbers of three music stores that have been offering great service to our band program over the years. Both offer instrument sales, rentals, repairs, and supplies.

53rd Street Music

#101 4902 53rd StreetRed Deer

1-866-344-5544 or (403) 346-4180

St. John’s MusicLong & McQuade

105 58th Ave. S.E. Calgary105 58th Ave. S.W. Calgary

1-800-663-3304 or (403) 265-6300(403) 244-5555

Instrument Maintenance Supplies

Attached at the end of this handbook is a list of instrument maintenance supplies that are required to keep instruments in good working order. Students will be instructed how to maintain their instrument and use these supplies Instrument repair costs are high, so each student should be careful to properly maintain their instrument. Supplies can be purchased from most music stores. It is most cost-effective to purchase supplies directly through the music stores, and I encourage you to do so. I keep a supply of essentials in my classroom such as reeds and valve oil that can be purchased before and after class on an individual basis. The money collected goes directly back to keeping the supplies replenished.

Print Music

Grade 5 students must purchase their method book from the school, and this will be their band “text book” for grades 5 through 6. Once instruments have been assigned, students will be supplied with this book from the band teacher. Payment for this book will be part of your child’s school fees.

All other sheet music and method books are on loan to the students for their use. Like any school textbook, it is expected that these materials be returned to the school in good condition. Any lost or damaged music must be replaced by the student.

Practicing

Scheduling regular home practice time is the number one way you can help your child be successful when leaning to play an instrument! Students are asked to practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day, four - five times a week. However, students should be encouraged to practice as much and as often as they can. Without regular practice instructional time is wasted, and your child’s progress is affected.

Students are expected to keep track of their daily practice on a monthly practice record. This is designed to help encourage and develop effective and regular practice. Please look for these practice records to come home with your child and sign them before they are returned to class.

Concert and Class/Rehearsal Expectations

When students forget their instruments and/or music at home they miss valuable instruction, and it also limits the productivity of the whole class.Band is a team activity – every person is necessary to creating a satisfying musical experience. Students are expected to have their instrument and music for each band class. Likewise, it is an expectation that each studentattend all concerts, extra rehearsals, clinics and camps.

How can you help your child?

  1. Arrange a regular time and a quiet place for them to practice.
  2. Show an interest in your child’s music studies. Help with practice as much as possible by counting and learning along. Attend any concert they may be involved in.
  3. Never make fun of the strange sounds beginners make!
  4. Help your child keep a daily account of practice minutes (monthly practice record)
  5. Make sure that your child has the necessary supplies to keep the instrument in good repair. Be very careful with instruments. Repair costs can be high.
  6. Encourage, but don’t force, your child to play for others (home, church, clubs, etc.)
  7. See that your child’s instrument, music, and practice record come to school and home again.
  8. Purchase some extra music for your child to play. Hymn tunes, Christmas tunes, and pop music are always favourites.
  9. Discuss with me anything that will help me understand your child.
  10. Encourage, encourage, encourage!

Parent/Student Teacher Conference

As in all other classes at WestglenSchool, we will be holding Student-Led Conferences. Students are asked to bring their instruments and music, and attend with their parents. The best way for us to discuss your child’s progress in band is to have your son/daughter demonstrate the skills and concepts they have been learning in class.

Concert Attire

The standard concert attire for all students in grades 6-8 consists of a black dress shirt, black pants/skirt, black shoes and black socks. Grade 5 students are NOT required to wear this, however they are asked to wear appropriate clothes for concerts. Please no blue jeans or t shirts!

Instrument Maintenance Supplies

In order to keep instruments in good working condition, students should have the supplies listed below. Students are responsible for supplying these items. Some supplies are available from your band director; others are available at music stores.

Flutes

  • A lint free cloth to clean the inside of the flute
  • A cloth to clean the outside of the flute (optional polishing cloth)

Clarinets/Saxophones

  • Swab (preferably a handkerchief swab)
  • Mouthpiece brush
  • Reeds
  • Cork grease

Trumpets

  • Plastic coated snake
  • Mouthpiece brush
  • Tuning slide grease
  • Valve oil
  • A cloth to clean the outside of the trumpet (optional polishing cloth)

French Horns

  • Tuning slide grease
  • Mouthpiece brush
  • Valve oil
  • A cloth to clean the outside (optional polishing cloth)

Baritones/Tubas

  • Tuning slide grease
  • Mouthpiece brush
  • Valve oil
  • A cloth to clean the outside (optional polishing cloth)
  • Mouthpiece Guard

Trombones

  • Slide cream
  • Spray bottle
  • Tuning slide grease
  • Mouthpiece brush
  • Plastic coated snake

Please detach, sign and return this sheet to Mrs. Biggin.

STUDENT ______HOMEROOM ______

1) I have received and read the information in the band handbook.

______

Parent/Guardian Signature

2) My child ______does/does not (circle one) have a

band instrument available for his/her use. If yes, please list the

instrument ______.