Welcome to Fifth Grade Band!
An Informational Packet
From the Director
Lisa Esposito
GayheadElementary School
JohnJaySenior High School
Gayhead 5th Grade Band
Mrs. Lisa Esposito, Director
Congratulations on you and your child’s decision to study instrumental music! I look forward to working with your child during the 2015-16 school year.
Band Lesson Classes
Each band student will be assigned a small group lesson time during the six-day cycle. These lessons occur on a rotating pull-out schedule. Classroom teachers and students will have a schedule of band lesson groups and times, and students will be excused from class to attend their lessons. During lessons, your student will learn specifics about playing his/her instrument that cannot be taught during the full band rehearsal. Therefore, small group lessons not only contribute greatly to the individual's musical achievement but to the entire ensemble's achievement as well.
Band Class
Every Fifth Grade Band student will have band class for 40 minutes once in the 6 day cycle. Attendance with instrument, music, book, and pencil are extremely important. These items will allow your child to actively participate in rehearsal where we will learn how to perform together as an ensemble.
Home Practice
Home practice is a requirement for success. Individual practice is the most important aspect of studying an instrument. Essentially, this class is very much like an independent study course. Most of the progress and work take place at home, then skills learned are put to use in lessons and band. Students should be prepared to practice on a regular basis. While I realize students are busy and may not be able to practice every night, they should try to organize their schedule in such a way that they can put in a bit more than 2 hours of practice between lessons. That sounds like a lot, but it averages out to about 20 minutes a night.
Securing an Instrument for Your Child
Your decision to provide your child with a quality musical instrument is an investment in your child's future. In making it possible for your child to play a musical instrument, you are providing the opportunity for self-expression, creativity and achievement. Numerous studies indicate parental attitude, support and involvement are important factors in a child's ability to successfully learn to play and to enjoy music.
Please take this opportunity to secure an instrument for your child for the fall. If you use one of the local vendors, you should complete their contract and send it to them by early July. That will ensure delivery to the school by early September so that your child will not miss having an instrument on that all important first lesson.
Please be sure that your rental includes the book we will be using in 5th Grade: “Standard of Excellence,” Volume 1, for your child’s specific instrument. Also, please purchase a music stand (folding is fine). This helps promote proper posture during daily homepractice.
Please proceed with great caution if you are buying an instrument on the internet. There are many instruments advertised on the internet that have enticing, low prices. Very often, these instruments are of low quality. Some instrument repair technicians actually refuse to work on some of these because the metal on some is so soft, they will not hold when adjusted. Additionally, these instruments can make it difficult for your child to succeed. There are many challenging aspects to learning a musical instrument. A faulty instrument adds extra difficulty. Please, if you have a question about an instrument make or model, do not hesitate to ask! I am also happy to give you a list of reputable instrument brands.
Materials
ALL STUDENTS will need a pocket folder and pencil. Some rental companies supply folders with rental.
Oboe: You will need a small water tight container similar to a 35mm film case. Also, please order at least 1 additional reed (total of at least 2 reeds at all times). These reeds are quite fragile and can break easily. A swab is also needed.
Flute: You will need a swab. A piece of old t-shirt is fine. The size should be approximately 3” by 12”.
Clarinet and Saxophone: Your instrument will come with one or two reeds. They are delicate and can wear out quickly. Please have extras on hand at all times. I recommend Rico Royal (brand) strength 2 or 2 ½. A reed guard is a good purchase. Additionally, a swab is required.
Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone/Euphonium and Trombone: Your rental will include valve oil. You will also need slide grease (from the rental company) and a small cloth. An old wash cloth is fine. Trombone players: a small spray bottle will also be needed.
Rental Companies
(alphabetical)
Barcone’s Music
Phone: 845-331-6089
Email:
D & M Music
Phone: 845-635-1120
Email:
Paul Effman Music
Phone: 800-921-4543 or 845-452-8528
Email:
I would like to reinforce a few very important points.
- Please act quickly to acquire an instrument for your child. If you are renting from one of the local vendors, please send them the required form and payment by the beginning of July. Instruments will then be delivered to school in September.
- Please be sure to order the book “Standard of Excellence,” Volume 1, as well. A folding music stand is also helpful for student posture during daily home practice.
- If your child plans on using a used instrument, please take it to a music shop over the summer to have it looked over and put into optimal playing condition. Also please order “Standard of Excellence,”Volume 1, for your child’s specific instrument and a folding music stand.
- Be careful of internet “deals.” It is important that your young beginner has a quality instrument that works well. While some instrument internet deals seem better than rental costs initially, many times the need to repair the ‘internet instrument’ will quickly outweigh that rental cost. Additionally, some repair companies refuse to service certain brands due to their poor quality. If you have any questions please contact me.
Contact
Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns you may have. As I travel between schools, phone calls may not be returned for days. I normally respond to email within hours.
I look forward to providing your children with their first experience in band and hope to inspire them to make instrumental music an integral part of their entire school career!
All the best,
Lisa Esposito
Band Director
Gayhead Elementary School
John Jay Concert Band
John Jay Big Band