Mason Middle School
Elementary Band Parent Guide
2014-15
Karl Ronning, band teacher
Email: [email protected]
Ph: (253) 571-7035
mustangband.org
How to Register
You can register your child for band in person at Music Night on Tuesday, September 23. Drop in anytime
between 4 and 7 p.m. to register, meet the teachers, and rent instruments on-site from visiting local
music vendors.You can also register online at www.mustangband.org.
Where and When are Classes Held?
All classes are held at Mason Middle School in the band room, which is accessed through the cafeteria.
Students take band two days per week, and the days of the week your child attends class will depend on
the instrument he/she will play. (See the schedule on the next page.) Classes begin at 8:05, so plan to
arrive by 8:00. Please remember that band classes do not meet on ES/MS conference days and half-days.
Transportation
Students may walk to Mason or parents can drop them off. Elementary students taking band may also
ride the middle school buses to school. (I have bus passes for students who need them.) Bus schedules
are found on the district’s web site and at Mason’s main office. Shuttle buses will take students back to
their elementary schools after band.
Student Drop-off Zone
The drop-off zone is accessed from the west end of the building on 29th street. Drop kids off at the
cafeteria doors, just past the 2nd speed bump. For the safety of our students, please do not use the staff
parking lot (between the field and school building) to drop off your child.
Attendance and Absences
If your child will be absent from band, please leave a message for me at 571-7035 before class. That way, I
know they are safe at home. Students should plan to attend band on all assigned days, even when they
don’t have their instrument. Frequent absences cause students to fall behind quickly, so try to maintain
good attendance and check Edmodo.com for the most current homework sheet. (More on that below.)
What if my child eats breakfast at school?
Kids can eat breakfast at Mason. The lunch number they use at their elementary school will work just
fine. Breakfast is served at 7:45.
Required Materials
All students will need an instrument in good working order, some accessories (such as reeds for
clarinets, valve-oil and slide cream for trumpets and trombones), a cleaning kit, the “Standard of
Excellence, book 1” method by Bruce Pearson, and several sharpened pencils. A wire music stand and
metronome should be used for home practice. The wire music stands really helps to establish good
posture and playing habits, and are used on trips to perform off-campus when the students are are older.
When do we need our instruments?
Students should plan to bring their materials to their first class starting the week of September 29. If
you’re heading to a music store, call ahead to see if they have “Standard of Excellence, book 1” for your
child’s instrument in stock.
Edmodo.com
Our class will be using Edmodo as an online extension of the band room. That's where I'll be posting
your child's weekly homework sheets and announcements. Edmodo is free, safe, and secure. Please take a
moment to visit Edmodo.com and create a student account. To join my class on Edmodo, you'll need to
enter this group code: ka3hzt when you register.
1
mustangband.org
Class Schedule
Registration & Instrument Rental Night
Tuesday, September 23, 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Mason Cafeteria
First Week Start-Up Lessons*
Monday, Sept. 29
Trumpet
Tuesday, Sept. 30
Flute
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Clarinet
Thursday, Oct. 2
Trombone
Friday, Oct. 3
Makeup/Extra help (any instrument)
Regular Schedule beginning Monday, October 6*
Mondays
Trumpet and Trombone
Tuesdays
Flute
Wednesdays
Clarinet
Thursdays
Trumpet and Trombone
Fridays
Flute and Clarinet
*All classes are from 8:05 to 8:45 a.m.
Elementary band does not meet
on Early Release, Late-Start, or
ES/MS Conference Days.
Elementary Band is cancelled
on all late start days due to
inclement weather.
2
mustangband.org
Choosing the Right Instrument
Four basic wind instruments (flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone) are demonstrated to your child’s
class at the start of 5th grade, when they have a chance to try them out. There are many other
instruments used in band (which are available once your child is in middle school) but due to time
constraints, we only offer fifth-graders instruction on the four basic wind instruments.
We will make recommendations to your child based on their ability to produce a sound on the
instruments they have chosen to try out, while taking into considering the need to maintain a proper
balance of instruments in each section. It’s no surprise that a successful band cannot have 6 flutes, 37
trumpets, and one trombone. Having a well balanced band in 5th grade not only means your band class
will sound good, but your future high school band will too!
Group Lessons
Except for the first week, each instrument will receive instruction two days per week. We will alter the
schedule as we approach concert performances, allowing for full band rehearsals. Every student is
responsible for knowing when their scheduled lessons occur. Our website, www.mustangband.org, has a
complete rehearsal calendar.
Cost Factors
There are no tuition fees to participate in the program. However, your child will need the materials
mentioned above, including an instrument and a copy of the “STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE” (Red)
Book 1 by Bruce Pearson. Also, if you do not own them already, a wire music stand and metronome are
should be purchased for home practice. Additional costs will occur for accessories like reeds, oil, cork
grease, etc... All these items are available from your local music dealers.
Home Practice
Early stages of practice are in shorter increments. By the middle of their first year, beginners should
practice for an average of 60-80 minutes per week, (10-15 minutes per day). A quiet place to practice,
with a music stand and chair for proper posture, is needed to ensure success. Finding a scheduled time
has also shown to be beneficial in establishing a practice routine.Your interest and positive reinforcement
at home is necessary to make your child become a fine, young musician.
Student Evaluation
Each student is evaluated from their very first lesson, but no letter grades are given. Students will fill out
weekly assignment sheets which you will be asked to sign. In April, a recommendation for the following
year will be sent. Attendance at morning lessons and evening performances is expected. Non-attendance
makes it difficult for a child to progress at a steady rate.
Please feel free to contact me at any time about your child’s progress. Communication is important for
this program to run smoothly. I am looking forward to teaching your children, and I thank you for your
cooperation.
About Instruments
Your child must have an instrument that is in good, working order to participate in the band program.
Certain instruments are available from the district due to the cost factor. The basic instruments (flute,
clarinet, trumpet, trombone) need to be obtained in one of the following ways:
3
mustangband.org
Renting* - Most instruments are acquired by renting (to own) for a given time period. We work with
Music Centers, Inc. and Ted Brown Music. Both offer high quality, affordable, student-line instruments.
Both companies rent new and used instruments.
Rental programs are valuable because you are not forced to invest in an instrument until you know what
your child’s commitment level will be. Representatives from each company are available to explain their
respective rental programs to you at music night on September 24.
*The district keeps some used instruments on hand for families requiring financial assistance to rent. Please
give me a call if you would like to know more about what instruments are offered.
Used instruments - If you already have a used instrument, it must be in good, working condition. It
is preferable to have your used instrument inspected before lessons begin to determine if repair work is
necessary.
Purchasing a new instrument - You are free to purchase a new instrument if you wish. I do NOT
recommend this, but if you do, I STRONGLY suggest that you purchase an insurance plan, also called a
maintenance and replacement plan, for the instrument.You should ask the dealer what plans are
available. This will protect you from any accidents that may (will) happen and is well worth the small
investment. The plans usually cover regular maintenance for a period of time.
My main concern is that your child has good instrument to start on. No matter where you obtain the
instrument, its quality is the key to success for your beginning musician. Fighting the instrument to
produce a sound can prove to be a source of frustration and discouragement.
Additional Considerations
Although Music Centers and Ted Brown will be on-site during our registration night on Sept. 24, this is
not an endorsement for them by the school district as the only sources for instrument purchases or
rentals.
Other music stores outside our immediate area may have rental programs and carry different brands of
instruments to purchase. However, be VERY cautious before renting or purchasing an instrument. Some
questions you should ask your music instrument dealer include:
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Can I rent the instrument until I pay it off?
How much of my rental fee is applied to the purchase of the instrument?
Can the instrument be returned after a trial period without penalty?
Do you have an on-site repair facility?
Do you supply a loaner instrument in the event my instrument needs repair?
Can I purchase an extended maintenance plan once I get to the end of my original contract?
Will you repair an instrument that was not purchased at your store?
Do I have to bring my instrument in to the store or will someone from your company pick it up
from my child’s school when it needs repair?
Any good dealer will have an answer for these questions. Both Music & Arts (formerly Music Centers)
and Ted Brown have been serving our community for many years and have proven to be very reliable,
fair, and competitive dealers. The school district wants all interested boys and girls to participate in the
instrumental music program. We want them playing the instrument best suited for them. Remember, only
high quality instruments can help assure their success in the program.
4
mustangband.org
Where do we go to get an instrument?
Where you buy or rent is your decision. My concern is that you are informed in your decision making
process and that you get the greatest value and service for your dollar. I do not recommend purchasing
a new instrument from any store that does not specialize in musical instruments. The following stores are
closest to Mason.
Ted Brown Music
6228 Tacoma Mall Blvd
Tacoma, WA 98409
www.tedbrownmusic.com
253-272-3211
Lakewood Music & Arts
6111 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. #Q
Lakewood, WA 98499
www.musicarts.com
(253) 581-2926
If I choose to purchase an instrument on my own, which brands are best?
Instruments come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. REMEMBER:You get what you pay
for. We recommend that your students play on an instrument that will give them the best opportunity
for success.
We recommend certain brands of instruments over others due to our past experience, knowing they
will function properly from the start and will last a long time. Name brand instruments we recommend:
Armstrong
Bach
Bundy
Gemienhart
Jupiter
King
Selmer
Yamaha
Conn
Your best option is to discuss the instrument and brand with me if you are not sure.
Are there instruments we should not purchase?
Yes. Not all instruments are created equal. In fact, there are many out there that look nice and shiny, but
are not made to last. They are made to sell. A clarinet for $100 is not a clarinet. It is what we teachers
call a clarinet shaped object. That goes for all band instruments.
Stores that specialize in selling retail clothing and food are probably not the best option for the purchase
of a musical instrument. Neither is Amazon. If the price of an instrument is too good to be true then I
would find out why.You should think twice about purchasing any new instrument with a list price under
$400. Please let us help you with this process.
Are there any additional costs in owning an instrument?
Yes. All instruments require certain accessories to play or to keep them playing. Woodwind instruments
will require reeds to play. Reeds vary in price depending on the instrument. Brass instruments will need
slide cream or grease, and valve oil for the trumpets, French horns, baritones, and tubas. Cleaning
brushes and swabs will be needed to help keep the instrument working properly. Many of these
accessories come with the instrument when purchased new and will need to be replaced as needed.
5
mustangband.org
What happens if the instrument breaks?
All instruments will need to be repaired or serviced for one reason or another. Just like a car, an
instrument should go in the shop at least once a year for a tune up. If you intend to rent from a store,
ask about free repairs being included in the rental agreement.
Can my child switch instruments after they have started?
We discourage students switching instruments during the first year because it is just not enough time to
determine if a child will be successful or not. This decision should be made with my assistance.
What happens when the school year ends?
My hope is that you and your child decide to enroll in one of the middle school bands for next year.
Your rental agreement goes year round, and students should continue to practice during the summer
months and on breaks. Music is not seasonal. There are some excellent summer programs available in
our area, so please contact me if you are interested in learning more about them.
Do I need to have the insurance as part of my rental agreement?
In a word, yes. It is not a requirement, however kids are kids and accidents will happen. Protect yourself
in the event that your child’ s instrument is damaged beyond repair. This may seem far-fetched but it does
occasionally happen.
How long will this instrument last? Will I ever need to purchase a new one?
Like clothes, many students may find themselves growing out of their instrument in a few years.
Depending on the instrument, the player’s ability will determine when it is time to move up to an
intermediate or professional model.
The instruments you purchase now are designed to give the students a good start. Some students
progress to a point where the instrument hinders their musical production and it is then time to
upgrade to a higher quality instrument. This does not usually happen during the first few years. Usually,
simply upgrading the mouthpiece and/or reeds will provide more of a benefit with younger players.
If you are thinking of spending money on an instrument purchase, consider putting that money into
private lessons instead.You’ll get a better return on your investment, and when the time does come to
upgrade, your private teacher will help you find the best match.
Is it safe to purchase an instrument off the Internet?
Unless you know exactly what you are buying and whom you are buying from, I would hesitate to
purchase off the internet. There are many ways to buy instruments online however you are not going to
receive any service with your purchase. What you need now is a place that will provide service for you
and your child’s instrument. It is very frustrating for a child to play an instrument that does not work. It is
also frustrating for a parent to deal with an unknown music dealer or private owner. Please use caution if
you choose to go in this direction.
If you do plan to buy, please remember...
Purchasing a musical instrument is an investment.You must think about it as if you were buying a car.
Would you go out and look for the cheapest car you could find or are you going to look for something
that will be dependable for years to come? Do not let price dictate the investment you make.
6
mustangband.org
Does my child need to take private lessons?
Private lessons are not mandatory but encouraged. It is no secret that some of our most successful
students study privately. We are blessed with a wealth of knowledgeable, successful private instructors on
all band instruments in our area. Some teach right in our neighborhood. Please feel free to ask me for
contact information.
Keys to Success: Enhancing Your Child’s Musical Experience
Be involved. Show support. Provide structure. Many parents who do not have a musical background feel
they can’t help their child in their new endeavor, but your guidance and involvement is essential. These
guidelines are designed to help you in giving your child the best support possible.
You can help by:
Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice. Music achievement requires effort over a period of
time.
Providing a quiet place in which to practice, complete with a chair and stand.
Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible.
Praising your child’s efforts and achievements.
Provide Private Lessons-Although they are not required, private music lessons, taught by an expert
on your child’s instrument are highly recommended. They are good for both the student who needs
extra help and the students who want to advance more rapidly.
We have information available for many private teachers.
What to do as they develop:
Try to get your child to make a minimum two-year commitment to his/her musical studies.
Make sure your child’s instrument is always in good working order.
Encourage your child to play for family and friends.
Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals.
Allow your child to play many types of music, not just pieces from the lesson book.
What Not To Do:
Don’t use practice as a punishment.
Don’t start your child on an instrument that’s in poor working order or condition.
Don’t compare your child’s playing to others. Everyone develops at a different rate.
Don’t make fun of mistakes or less than perfect playing.
If you see your child losing interest in their music studies, don’t panic!
Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining. Many times it may
have nothing to do with music. Playing a musical instrument can be challenging at times and will
require some effort.
Talk to your child’s band director and/or private teacher about renewing their enthusiasm.
Encourage your child to stick with it for the agreed period of time. If children know they don’t have
a parental “out” they are much more likely to stay on track.
7
mustangband.org