Mrs. Cancino’s Fifth Grade Band Newsletter

September 5, 2016

Dear Band Parents:

Hopefully you’ve been hearing sounds at home…they may not be that musical just yet, but be patient and encouraging! If you haven’t yet picked up your child’s instrument and band book (Standard of Excellence 1), please contact me as soon as possible. All of my schools have begun playing, and I don’t want your child to have to play catch-up right off the bat.

In class this week, we’ve started reviewing the basic vocabulary that they should have been seeing over the last five years in music class. The sooner they begin to memorize these terms, the better they’ll be able to understand instructions. For instance, I might say, “please find measure two and locate the quarter note; does it have a flat or sharp?” A student who hasn’t learned the terms I’m using will be lost. The words they need are in the book, and if they are focused and paying attention in class, they’ll learn them. Quiz them at home…see what they’ve already picked up.

We have started sound production on the mouthpieces, and in some cases have put the instrument together. I sent with your child a packet on how to assemble the instruments. Until it becomes second-nature, please have them follow those instructions, for the safety of their instruments. I also uploaded videos of me demonstrating sound production on each instrument. I am no videographer, so they’re not fancy, just meant to help you guide your new band member. Please check on my website on the “how-to” tab to find them.

For the next month or so, we will be moving slowly, adding notes and rhythms, practicing simple tunes. It is imperative that your child is reviewing this material at home at this early stage. It’s so much easier to learn 2 notes than to realize after I’ve taught 10 notes that they need to pay attention in class and practice at home.

The students’ first test will be next week (probably the week after for Parks, since they just started this week). Your child will need to produce a sound on the mouthpiece/headjoint of their instrument (for percussion, demonstrate proper grip and stick technique) and play me four quarter notes with correct articulation (a.k.a. tonguing). Ask your child to show you what I’m talking about.

I distributed band folders to my classes this week. Everyone now has a way to stay organized and bring his/her materials (book, handouts, music pages) to class. Ask to see the folder and all the wonderful goodies it’s been stocked with.

Have a wonderful week J

Mrs. Cancino

Matula, Mitchell, Barnhart, Parks

http://www.ccboe.com/departments/music/