Maxey Band Information

Welcome to the Maxey School Band!  I am very excited to begin working with your children.  This letter will will help to explain to you and your children how Band will be structured.

Lessons

The program consists of two areas of instruction — small group lessons and large group (band) instruction.  The small groups usually consist of 3-5 students playing the same instruments, and will receive instruction once a week for 30 minutes during the school day.  Students will be pulled out of class on a rotating schedule (enclosed) so that they will never miss the same class more than once every few weeks.  Small group lessons will start on Monday, August 30. Please check the schedule and make sure your child remembers to bring his/her instrument on the appropriate day.  Notice that I have included both the first week schedule and a Labor Day week schedule – Monday students will come on either Tuesday or Wednesday during Labor Day week as per the schedule.

Band Rehearsals

Large group instruction (band) will consist of rehearsals with all of the woodwind, brass, and percussion students.   Band will be on Tuesdays before school at 8:00 a.m. in the music room.   Beginning Band will start on Tuesday, October 12. Rehearsals will continue every Tuesday throughout the year, with the last rehearsal being on  May 3.  There will be no band rehearsals after the December concert and during the month of January, resuming on Feb. 1.  This gives the students a little break and allows them to progress farther in their method book before learning more challenging band music.

Instruments

I recommend that parents rent an instrument from a qualified music store – this assures that students get an instrument that is in good working condition, and the stores can service the instrument if there are any problems.  If you decide to purchase a used instrument, make sure it is in good working condition.  If you are looking to purchase an instrument online, you may want to contact me first for help in deciding if this will be a decent instrument (buyer beware).  If your child qualifies for free lunch, you may be able to obtain a fee waiver instrument from the school district – you should have gotten information and paperwork  from the school district this summer which will explain the process.  You can also contact the school office if you need information regarding the fee waiver program.  Note – percussion students should have both a bell kit and a snare drum – have your child bring the bell kit only to the first lesson.

Performances

The following concerts have been scheduled for the year.  All band students are expected to attend all performances.  If there is an unavoidable conflict, please notify me well in advance.

Concert #1

Tuesday, Dec 7 at 9:15 a.m. in the MPR (for school) – 6:30 p.m. in the MPR  (for public)

Concert #2

Tuesday, May 3 at 9:15 a.m. in the MPR (for school) – 6:30 p.m. in the MPR  (for public)

Home Practice Time

For your child to be successful at learning an instrument, some home practice is necessary.  I encourage students to set a goal of 140 minutes a week.  Please help document home practice time by filling out and signing the practice card each week, and making sure that they bring they bring the completed card to their lesson each week.

Thank you for allowing your child to participate in band.  With lots of encouragement and support, we can provide them with opportunities and experiences that can last a lifetime!