May 2017
Dear Parents and Students,
East Whittier Middle School has long been known for its outstanding Instrumental Music Program. The students have
consistently earned “SUPERIOR” and “GOLD” ratings at prestigious music competitions and festivals year after year.
Many of its members have been selected to the All-Southern California and the All-State California Honor Bands and
Orchestras. Some have had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York and throughout parts of Europe.
During the past seventeen years, we have had the honor of performing at National & International Festivals at Carnegie
Hall- four times, Orlando, Florida, twice, San Diego and San Francisco, California; Vancouver, BC Canada, Boston,
Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington twice, Chicago, Illinois; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Orleans; and we recently
returned from our tour of Washington, D.C. where both the String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble earned unanimous
“GOLD” Awards from all adjudicators, invitations to the FESTIVAL OF GOLD, and the OUTSTANDING WIND
ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE Award! We are quite proud of our young musicians!
Participation in the Instrumental Music Program provides countless opportunities and benefits for educational
development and social growth. We are fortunate to belong to a school district that offers such a program. As a sixth,
seventh, or eighth grade student, you may have an opportunity to become a part of this award-winning program. Students
may choose either band or orchestra as an elective to further their education in the Fine Arts. We meet daily as part of the
regular school day, making a commitment for one full year. Our performances include a Winter and Spring concert, an
Alumni/Benefit Concert and our annual Pops Concert (always a hit). We just concluded this year’s performances with
“All That Jazz.”
The instruments that are utilized in the band are: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone,
baritone and tuba. The instruments that make up the orchestra are: violin, viola, cello and bass. These instruments can be
purchased or rented from any of the local music stores. To avoid any disappointments, you may want to contact them
early, before August. East Whittier does have a few large brass and string instruments to loan which students must be
responsible for the care and treatment of the instrument.
Students involved in the Instrumental Music Program are required to maintain a “C” grade average and be current on all
assignments with their classes. No D’s, F’s, N’s or U’s.
If you would like your child to participate in the East Whittier Instrumental Music Program, please fill out the bottom
portion of this letter, include the teacher’s recommendation and return it to the elementary school office no later than May
24th. There is limited space and students may not always get their first choice of instrument. For example, many students
want to play the saxophone, but when parents realize that it is the most expensive instrument to rent or purchase, they may
change their mind. (Clarinet is a good alternative.) Due to school scheduling issues, parents and students will receive
their child’s schedule through the mail in August.
We are looking forward to your enthusiastic participation! Have a great summer!
Deborah Carnahan, Music Director
East Whittier Middle School Instrumental Music Program
PLEASE RETURN To the Elementary School Office By May 24th
East Whittier has a FEW instruments to loan: Baritone, Trombone, Trumpet, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello; however, we
cannot possibly provide an instrument for everyone. In order to eliminate any disappointments, it is recommended that
you rent an instrument for the first year.
STUDENT’S NAME________________________________________________CURRENT Grade _________
ADDRESS_____________________________________________ZIP_________PHONE_________________
PARENT’S EMAIL:________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE CIRCLE ((We do not have saxophones.)
First Choice: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Violin, Viola, Cello
Second Choice: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Violin, Viola, Cello
Have you studied this instrument or any other instrument before?____________
How long?_________________
Do you have a sibling, relative or friend who has been in the Program?
PARENT’S SIGNATURE____________________________________________DATE______________________
PARENT’S COMMENTS:
6TH Grade Instrumentation:
Flute
8 - 10
Clarinet
12 - 15
Saxophone
10 - 12
Trumpet
12 - 15
Trombone
7
Baritone
4
Violin 24 - 30
Viola 10 - 12
Cello 8 - 10
NO BASS, GUITAR or DRUMS
TEACHER’S COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION:
With 70 - 90 students in a class, behavior is a major issue. Teachers’ comments are greatly appreciated. On a scale of 1 to
5 (5 being the highest) please rate the following: (25 pts possible) Is the STUDENT Responsible______ On Time_____ Attendance_____ Attitude toward adults ____Attitude toward peers_____
Additional Comments:
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE___________________________________________DATE__________________