BAND NOTES--CAES/CTES
Rental Night Wednesday, September 21, 2011
5:00 p.m. at CAES
Welcome back to all my existing and potential instrumental music students after this unexpectedly long delay to the opening of our schools. I am both happy and grateful to be returning to my students and look forward to getting the instrumental music programs up and running during these opening weeks.
Demonstrations will be happening during this first week in all 4th grade general music classes. CAES 5th/6th Fifth and sixth graders who wish to begin playing an instrument need to see me at CAES if they are unsure of their choice. I will see the CTES fifth and sixth graders in their general music classes at CTES on Friday (9/16).
Ellis Music has set the date of Wednesday, September 21st for delivery of rental instruments for Chester-Andover and Cavendish Town Elementary Schools at 5:00 pm. They will travel to Bellows Falls around 5:45/6:00 and set up for a 7:00 session at BFMS. Chester and Cavendish families who find 5:00 too early are welcome to attend the BFMS event. A parent or guardian must accompany each student since contracts need to be signed and the first installment needs to be paid. Please let me know if the date does not work, and I will help you with alternate arrangements for delivery.
It is our wish at CAES and CTES to allow every student who wants to play an instrument the opportunity. Through the generosity of donors, both schools own a limited number of instruments. These instruments are intended for students whose families are not in a position to rent. Families in this position are encouraged to contact me. It is very important that all beginners return the survey as I order instruments, assign loaners, and schedule lessons based on that information.
Practice Expectations: Even though practicing at home is essential to a developing musician, it is often difficult for students to work in regular daily practice due to the increase of after school activities and homework demands. Therefore, I suggest two 20-minute sessions each week, if a student expects to make rewarding progress.
Please see Reverse
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CAES/CTES INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SURVEY 2011
Student:_______________________________Grade:_____ Teacher________________________
ParentsíName:_________________Phone:_________________Email:______________________
Instrumental Lessons are available on the following instruments:
Flute Oboe Clarinet Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone Trumpet/Cornet French Horn Trombone
Baritone Percussion Sousaphone (Tuba) Xylophone
Supplies: Students may order reeds, valve oil, cork grease, method books, music stands, and other supplies as needed through me. These items need to be paid for upon receipt and are delivered to CAES on Wednesdays.
Eligibility: Any 4th, 5th, or 6th grade student can participate in the instrumental program.
Alternative Ways of Obtaining an Instrument: Although renting instruments continues to be a popular and cost-effective option for students, using a family instrument or purchasing a used one has its place. I do caution against buying an instrument online or from a department chain store or general merchandise catalog. Our experience with them has been poor and repair parts are rarely standard. Some repair shops simply refuse to work on them.
Method Book: All students must purchase or borrow a copy of Standard of Excellence Book I for their chosen instrument. These are available on Rental Night and can be ordered as needed through the CAES Band Fund. It is very important that students bring their own method books with them to lessons each week. To save valuable teaching time, stickers are placed on completed lines, and goals and suggestions are written directly on the pages of the book.
Lessons: Students receive a weekly 20 minute lesson in pairs on like instruments. Because of their specific challenges, oboe, bassoon, horn, tuba, and sometimes trombone lessons are scheduled individually if at all possible.
Band Inclusion: First year students are not necessarily expected to join band, but as their skill level develops, they are invited to participate as they reach readiness level. Fourth grade beginners participate as their teachers can allow since band time for these students is during specific class times.
I can be most easily reached with questions and concerns via email since I split my week between two schools this year. pwestcott@wswsu.org
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Please indicate which of the following situations apply.
__ Student already has an instrument and will be bringing it in for assessment/repair
__Student would like to borrow a school-owned instrument.
__Student is renting from Ellis Music Company
__Student is renting from Ellis Music Company but needs alternate delivery arrangements.
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH. THANK YOU
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