Do you want to play an instrument?!?
The Band and Orchestra is open to all 4th and 5th grade students to join!!
Parent / Student
Band and Orchestra
Information Packet
Dear Parents and Students,
The Music Department would love each and every student in South Butler to play an instrument. Any 4th or 5th grader can join either Band or Orchestra. Both groups are fun and educational. Please read through the information provided for you in this packet.
If you have any questions please contact the following teachers:
Band: (brass, woodwinds, percussion)
Mrs. Zbrzezny 724-352-1700 X2303
Orchestra (strings):
Mrs. Johnston 724-352-1700 X3304
Thank you!
South Butler County Music Department
Band / Orchestra Sign-up Form
Instrument lessons for new members of the band or orchestra are scheduled to begin sometime during the week of October 4th. If your child is interested in joining, please return this form as soon as possible. It will also be helpful if your child has an instrument available for them to promptly begin their first lesson.
The instrumental staff would love to guide your child through an enriching musical education.
Please detach and return to Mrs. Zbrzezny 724-352-1700 X2303
Please return sign-up forms by September 28th.
Band / Orchestra Sign-up Form
Child’s Name ______
Please print
Child’s Grade______
4th or 5th
Child’s Homeroom Teacher’s Name______
Please Circle Instrument Chosen: ( A parent or guardian will need to provide their child with an instrument. If you have difficulty providing one for your child please contact Mrs. Zbrzezny at the Intermediate building)
Flute Clarinet Oboe Saxophone
Trumpet French Horn Baritone Trombone
Percussion Violin Viola Cello String Bass
Parent’s Signature ______
Phone number ( )______
General Information
Beginner Band/Orchestra
Instruments:
● Parents or guardians need to provide an instrument for their student.
● The Music Department recommends renting an instrument.
o Most affordable
o Low cost every month rather than purchasing an instrument
o Excellent quality instruments rather than borrowing a used or old instrument
o Least amount of commitment
o List of instrument dealers who rent are included in packet
● If your child will be using an older instrument and you are unsure about its playing condition, please feel free to bring it in for one of the music teachers to assess it’s condition.
Pull-out Lesson Schedule:
● Students starting an instrument are pulled out of class once a week for group instruction.
● Lesson length is between 20 to 30 minutes.
Full Band and Orchestra rehearsals:
● Full ensemble rehearsals, in addition to lesson group instruction, are added after a few months of instruction.
● The Intermediate Elementary Beginner Band and Orchestra have yearly performances.
Band and Orchestra are two separate groups based on your child’s instrument choice
● Band instruments include: Flute, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and percussion.
● Orchestra instruments in the elementary level include: violin, viola, cello, and string bass.
● Students are only permitted to study one instrument in school.
Practicing your Instrument
● Students are required to practice their instrument.
● A consistent practice regiment at home is recommended.
● New performance assignments are given weekly.
● We can guarantee improvement ….if you practice.
Future Band and Orchestra opportunities at our school district
● Middle school and high school jazz band.
● Middle school and high school concert band.
● High school marching band.
● Middle school and high school orchestra.
● High school District, Region and State Honors band and orchestra.
● Many, many more opportunities are in your child’s future through instrumental study!!
Local Music Instrument Dealers
The following local businesses rent band and orchestra instruments:
A-K Music
2724 Leechburg Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-339-4333
Brighton Music Center
2110 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
412-821-5908
Johnstonbaugh’s Music Center
4375 Gibsonia Road
Gibsonia, PA 15044
724-444-5660
May’s Music Shoppe
247 E. Jefferson Street
Butler, PA 16001
724-283-5811
Murphy’s Music
140 Market Street
Leechburg, PA 15656
724-842-8671
Musik Innovations
9795 Perry Hwy.
Wexford, PA 15090
412-366-3631
800-677-TUNE (8863)
Noteworthy Music
1410 Pittsburgh Road
Valencia, PA 16059
724-443-0040
724-898-0040
Western Pennsylvania Center for the Arts
300 James Street
Verona, PA 15147
724-816-8662
724-822-4461
Volkwein’s Music
138 Industry Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
412-788-5900
800-553-8742
Band Instrument Choices:
Flute
Clarinet
Oboe
Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone
French Horn
Percussion
Orchestra Instrument Choices:
Violin
Viola
Cello Bass
How Can My Child Benefit From Band/Orchestra?
South Butler School District Band/Orchestra Pride
South Butler School District’s Music Department prides themselves on offering a challenging and rewarding instrumental program. We strive to reach the full potential of every student who takes part in instrumental music education. Our comprehensive instrumental program, starting in fourth grade and continuing through twelfth, can be one of your child’s most gratifying experiences in school.
Instrumental Education Benefits
Instrumental instruction can foster many desirable life goals and positive school experiences. The benefits of instrumental education include…….
Success in School
Studying music provides benefits no other subject can offer. Arts education opens a child’s mind to complex creative thinking, which leads them to a greater understanding of the world around them.
Performing and listening to different styles of music fosters creativity and imagination. By being exposed to a varied repertoire of music a student can increase their creative potential.
Participation in band or orchestra provides positive social interaction. Each program creates an environment of peer support. They provide excellent structured activities for their members to share in. These performing ensembles communicate an atmosphere of school spirit, which is central to a school’s positive social environment.
Colleges encourage applicants to have experience in arts education. Administrators seek to enroll students into their higher learning systems who are willing to accept challenges. Participation in a performing arts group shows that your child has contributed in activities and experiences that were not only positive for him or her, but for their community.
Fun! The fun learning experiences shared through the instrumental program can be an excellent motivational tool for students.
Success in Life:
Your child will gain a greater appreciation for the arts. Experiencing arts is a way to fully enjoy all of what life has to offer.
By studying an instrument, your child will gain self-discipline. Success does not happen overnight. Hours of practice and patience are needed to succeed. These learning experiences teach your child that hard work does pay off and that if one sticks to their goals they will be rewarded.
Your child will gain self-confidence. By contributing positively to a group’s goals your child will gain personal satisfaction and greater feelings of self-worth. Performing ensembles require 100% from every member. Life skills such as teamwork and group communication skills develop rapidly and bring the group together in order to reach goals and gain satisfaction for a job well done.
Starting Off Right
Fourth grade is the most opportune time for your child to begin instrumental instruction. Our instrumental curriculum begins in fourth grade because it is important to start at a time when they are able to take on new responsibilities and develop their personal interests and abilities.
Do not be deterred to start your fifth grader. If for some reason you missed the opportunity last year, there is still time for your child to become a member. Before entering the middle school, basic musical skills should be reached. Based on the speed at which fifth graders attain these skills, one year can be sufficient.
The final point…..
Don’t wait, an excellent opportunity is waiting for your child!!