Mrs. Cancino’s Fifth Grade Band Newsletter
April 17, 2017
Dear Band Parents:
One concert down, three to go 😊 Reminders for those remaining:
 Concert dress is white shirt, black pants/shoes/socks
 Students should arrive between 6:00 and 6:10, with the concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.
 April 24, Mitchell at Somers M.S.
 April 25, Barnhart at Barnhart E.S.
 April 27, Parks at Lackey H.S.
Grades will be posted on Edline next Friday, following all of the concerts.
As we are coming into the last bit of 5 th grade, I wanted to address the topic of instruments. I had a couple
parent questions, “Should I buy the rental? Should we upgrade?” if your child is continuing. Each instrument
has different criteria.
 Flutes—sadly, for us, there isn’t an easy upgrade. We have to buy a whole new instrument. I don’t
recommend purchasing an intermediate model until your tone is really solid, and you’ve outgrown the
tone of your current instrument. For most players, that’s right around 7th/8th grade. Because there are
only 3 flute-playing band directors in the county, and two of them are in elementary, most of you will
not have a flutist for a teacher again, so I’ve attached my guide for buying a step-up flute. Let me
know if you have questions.
 Brass—you guys can stick with your beginner instrument and purchase a new mouthpiece. Trumpets
should look at the Bach 7C and trombones/baritones should look at the 6½AL (both $50-$60).
Trumpets will be looking to upgrade instruments around middle school, and again in high school.
Trombone players should upgrade to an instrument with a “trigger” and F attachment, still a tenor
trombone. Baritone players, you’re set with the new mouthpiece, unless you’re looking for a pro model
later on.
 Clarinet/Sax—you can also stick with your current instrument through middle school and purchase a
new mouthpiece (Premiere by Hite, $20-$25) and new ligature (Rovner Dark, $20-$25). Eventually,
clarinetists will look to purchase a wood instrument, and alto players would upgrade, but still brass. In
addition, start looking at Van Doren reeds for an improved tone quality.
 Percussion—I love the Vic Firth Education Pack 2, which runs about $75-$85 and includes the sticks
and mallets, plus a carrying bag, that you’ll need for middle school. After this year, you’d only need a
practice pad at home and no giant drum bag back and forth!
 Oboes—you’re good with a beginner model, just start working on getting good reeds, which will
enhance your tone. Oboe players eventually make their reeds, but that’s another topic altogether…
Have a great week!
Mrs. Cancino
Band Director: Matula, Mitchell, Barnhart, Parks
[email protected]
http://www.ccboe.com/departments/music/