Welcome to the Instrumental Music Parent Information

Meeting

Mr. ThompsonInstrumental Music Director

Courtesy Tone Deaf Comics

To download this Power Point, go to http://westminsterelemband.weebly.com

and click on the “4th Grade Signup Information” link.

The Instrumental Music Department at WES

• Beginning Band• Intermediate Band• Beginning Orchestra• Intermediate Orchestra

Instruments Offered at WES

• Flute• Clarinet• Oboe• Alto Saxophone• Trumpet• French Horn• Trombone• Baritone

• Violin

• Viola

• Cello

• Double Bass

• Percussion (Bells, Drum)

Instrumental Music Signup• Signup forms will go home Friday and are due

Friday 9/18

• Students will need to make a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice.

• Most 1st choices will be given, but some 2nd choices will be needed to keep the group balanced (ESPECIALLY PERCUSSION!!!)

Instrument Assignment• Instrument assignments and supply lists

will go home after school on Friday, 9/18.

• Please DO NOT purchase an instrument prior to receiving your instrument assignment.

• Lessons begin on Tuesday, 9/29

How Does Band and Orchestra Work?

• Instrumental Music is a “Pull Out” class.

• Students Meet two times each week for ½ hour.

• Lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis

• Band students will meet for a 3rd time each week during specials for Full Band rehearsal later in the year to prepare for concerts

Lesson Schedules(Printed an available in the band room to students on the

Wednesday before the beginning of schedule)

Instrument Assignment and Supplies List

When Searching for an Instrument:

• Go to one of the local music stores. It is HIGHLY recommended that you AVOID NON-MUSIC STORES!!!

• Rent. Do not buy.

Westminster Music Stores• Coffey Music – 31 W. Main St.

• Menchey Music (Formerly Stu’s Music Shop) – 723 Baltimore Blvd – Rt. 140 East just past Ben’s Rental

• These music stores will have our supply list on file and know EXACTLY what you need

Practice Records(90 minutes per week is recommended)

“Grading” Scale80-90 = A70-79 = B60-69 = C50-59 = D49 & below = NI(Needs Improvement)

Progress Reports

Students are RESPONSIBLE for making up missed work due to

lessons!

• participation is a privilege!• extra burden placed on classroom and

special area teachers• “music buddies”

Preparing For Your Child’s First Lesson

• DO NOT play or assemble the instrument until your child comes to his/her first lesson.

• Have both the instrument and book in school for the first lesson. We will play on the first day!

• Instruments can be stored either in the band room on the instrument storage shelves (preferred), in the classrooms, or in lockers (flutes and clarinets)

OUR SCHOOL WILL NOT REPLACE LOST OR STOLEN

INSTRUMENTS!!!

Consider adding any instruments you rent or purchase to your

homeowners’ insurance policy.

If your child’s instrument is in need of a repair. . .

• bring it to school and have Mr. Thompson look at it first

• return it to the music store for repair (rental agreement)

• ask for the use of a “Loaner” instrument

Cleaning Your Instrument“…to put in the bathtub or not to put in

the bathtub…”

• Brass – YES!

• Woodwinds – NO!

What can YOU do to help your child succeed?

• be sure your child is prepared on lesson days

• provide your child with a good, quality instrument and have needed repairs done as soon as possible

• encourage a daily practice routine ~ practice should be done in the same place at the same time each day

• invest a few dollars in a music stand ~ this promotes good posture and breath support

• show your interest and praise your child’s efforts; have your child “teach” you what he/she has learned

• show resolve by encouraging a realistic commitment to the instrument

• be PATIENT!!!! • provide an opportunity to

hear concerts in our community ~ music can be a lifelong endeavor

2015-2016 Concert Dates:Winter Concerts

Night Concert: Tues., Dec 15, 2015, 7:00 PM at WESDay Concert: Wed., Dec 23, 2014, at WES

Spring Concerts

Night Concert: Wed., May 25, 2016, 7:00 PM at WESDay Concert: Wed. May 25, afternoon at WES

We ask that all friends, family, and community members interested in attending our music concerts to please attend the EVENING concerts.

Evening Concert Dress Code

• Boys: White button shirt or polo shirt, black pants, dark shoes. Tie is optional

• Girls: White blouse or polo shirt, dark pants or skirt at least knee length, dark shoes

• Day Concerts: School Clothes

If you ever have any questions or concerns, or if your child gets discouraged, please contact me!

410-751-3222blthomp@carrollk12.org

WES Instrumental Music Website:http://westminsterelemband.weebly.com