Dear Prospective Band Parent

Dear Prospective Band Parent,

Today your child attended a band and string ensemble recruiting assembly. Its main purpose was to introduce students to the instruments that will be taught in next year’s elementary instrumental music program. As a parent, you will play a very important role in the future success of your child’s music making, should he/she decide to join the program.

With this in mind, Iwould like to take this opportunity to invite you and your family to Smithtown Elementary’s Annual Band & Orchestra Open House, on Monday, May 17, at 7:30pm.

Studying music through learning an instrument is a uniquely rewarding experience. Many of its benefits are well-celebrated: the discipline it develops through practicing; the skills of teamwork it develops through rehearsing and performing with others; the sense of pride it engenders after a performance of great music; and the opportunity to discover one's own culture and those of others through a creative medium practiced by nearly every culture, religion, and country.
We believe music is one of society's greatest inventions. It is a form of artistry that is both scientific andaesthetic. It can simultaneously be studied like a science and enjoyed as an entertainment. Listening to music is an important part of its appreciation, but performingit is even more meaningful, and we're proud that Smithtown Elementary school supports these programs.
In fact, you and your child may have already decided, "Yes, I want to study an instrument!"But we realize you may have questions: Which instrument should my child play? How much of a financial commitment will I have to make? Where can I rent or purchase an instrument? How and when are the lessons and rehearsals scheduled?

Before the end of the school year we will test or “audition” each student who has returned the attached sign-up form by June 10. Our goal is to match each student with the instrument that gives him/her the greatest chance for success. In addition, our goal is to develop a balanced instrumentation, which is essential to create a superior ensemble and a positive experience for everyone.

The band instruments available for study are:

* Clarinet, Trumpet, and Trombone (we will need many of these instruments)

* Flute, Alto Saxophone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion (a limited number of each of these will be selected).

The string instruments available to study are:

* Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass

I hope you will join us in the Band Room at 7:30pm on May 17th. Refreshments will be served, and you will have the opportunity to hear performances by some of our current students in the 4th, 7th, and 10th grades!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us either by email or phone.
Musically yours,
Mr. Tom Johnson
Band & Orchestra Director
Smithtown Elementary School

Overview of the Smith Town Elementary

Instrumental Music Program

The three parts of the program

1. Daily individual practice (6 days per week, 30 minutes per day)

2. One group lesson (weekly during school)

3. Concert Band rehearsals (twice-weekly during school)

Student Responsibilities

1. Practice for 30 minutes six days/week.
2. Treat instrument, lesson book, and music with care and respect.
3. Attend all lessons and rehearsals on-time and properly prepared.
4. Use a positive “can do” attitude.

Parent Responsibilities

1. Provide an instrument in good working order.
2. Be encouraging and supportive.
3. Help child plan ahead for practice time. Help child set a schedule and follow it.
4. Verify and sign the practice sheet the night before a lesson.

Music Teacher Responsibilities

1. I will teach children proper ways to handle and care for their instruments.
2. I will teach children the proper ways to play their instrument.
3. I will provide students with information about various aspects of music history, music theory, and performance practice.
4. I will help every student become the best player he/she can be while cultivatinghis/her passion and love of music.
5. I will provide opportunities for students to perform in individual, small group, and large group settings.
6. I will help students create, perform, appreciate, and critique music.
7. I will encourage students to find the beauty in music and interpret it in expressive ways.

Sign Up Sheet for Instrumental Music Program

Fill out the top portion only and return to your classroom teacher by June 10th

Student’s Name: ______

Parent’s Name: ______

Phone: ______

Address: ______

Classroom Teacher: ______

Check below:

______My child currently takes piano lessons # of years:______

______We own the following instrument(s):______

Is this instrument currently in use? ______

All sheets returned late will be put on a waiting list.

Please do NOT write below here – for teacher use only. This will be completed with the teacher and student together.

1stchoice ______2ndchoice ______3rd choice ______

(We will use this scoring sheet to help choose the best instrument for each student.)