BJ Starks

Instrumental Music Handbook

 

2015-2016

 

 

BJ Starks

Director of Instrumental Music

 

 

 

Parents,

 

I am so glad that you have chosen to enroll your student into the instrumental music class. It is with great pleasure that I look forward to teaching your student to learn, to love and perform music.

 

Music provides students with a stimulating opportunity both academically and socially. Students enrolled in music classes score higher on many important standardized tests. Students enrolled in music classes learn valuable skills, such as discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. It also provides students with an alternate outlet to express themselves and gain social activity during the school day.

 

In this handbook, you will find all the guidelines for Instrumental Music at your school. Please take the time to go over this with your student, and realize that this performing ensemble does have some time and financial commitments.

 

I look forward to a great year of music making. As always, if there are any questions or concerns, please feel to contact me directly.

 

BJ Starks

Director of Instrumental Music

801.403.4586

bj.starks@gmail.com

 

 

 

Mission Statement of Instrumental Music Class

To inspire students to learn, develop, and discover through performance in band and to instill a lifelong understanding and appreciation for quality music and character.

 

 

 

Objectives of Elementary School Instrumental Music

To inspire students to follow their dreams and ambitions.

To teach music through group and individual performance.

To teach reasoning and problem solving skills through music.

To develop performance skills and musicality in the individual.

To develop character through ownership, and personal responsibility.

To discover how to create and share music.

To discover how music relates to other subjects, culture, and life.

To provide for the musical needs of every student.

To provide for the musical needs of the school and community.

To provide all students with the opportunity for self-expression and an exceptional social experience.

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments

The school does not provide any instruments to students. Students who chose to play any of the following instruments are responsible for renting or purchasing their own instruments: Flutes, Clarinets, Alto Saxophone, Trumpets, Trombones. Please avoid purchasing instruments that are bright colors for example: white, pink, or purple.

 

Personal Instruments are defined as instruments that belong to or are rented by an individual student’s family from a community music store or private business. These instruments are not owned or insured by the school, the School District, or the State of Utah. The student (and family) is responsible for maintaining the instrument in working order with the proper accessories (“Class Materials”). The band directors will recommend repairs (when needed) and specific quality accessories as the student progresses through the program.

 

 

 

Class Materials

Students are expected to have all materials in class each day.

1. Band Instrument

2. Required Text

         Essential Elements 2000 Book 1

3. Pencil kept in your case

4. Instrument-Specific Supplies: (equivalents are fine)

         Flute: Tuning rod (specific to your make & model), cotton cleaning swab or bandana, Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for flute.

         Clarinets: 2 reeds in a reed case at all times (Vandoren Traditional: strength 2), weighted silk swab, cork grease, Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for clarinet

         Saxophones: 2 reeds in a reed case at all times (Vandoren Traditional: strength 2), neck strap, weighted silk swab, cork grease, Essential Elements 2000 Book          1 for alto sax.

         Trumpet: Valve oil (Blue Juice is recommended), tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth. Bach 5C mouthpiece, Essential Elements 2000 Book 1          for trumpet.

         French Horn: Valve oil (Holton Rotary Oil is recommended), tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush. Holton MDC Mouthpiece is recommended, Essential                    Elements 2000 Book 1 for french horn.

         Trombone: Slide lubricant, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth. Bach 6 ½ AL mouthpiece, Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for trombone.

         Euphonium: Valve oil, tuning slide grease, mouthpiece brush, Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for euphonium/baritone.

         Percussion: Beginner Kit: bell kit with bell mallets & 8-inch practice pad with Vic Firth SD1 General concert snare sticks (or equivalents), Essential Elements                2000 Book 1 for combined percussion.

 

 

 

Concert Attire

No obvious or gaudy jewelry is allowed.

Please wear Sunday best.

 

 

 

Concert Etiquette

Our concerts are always a lot of fun and represent the fine efforts of our students during the preparation process. Due to the excitement these concerts bring, students can become overzealous in their audience participation. Please help them by reminding them what appropriate concert behavior is. The purpose of these concerts is to showcase the students’ musical achievements, not to draw attention to performer or audience behavior.

 

 

 

 

 

Private Lessons

Students are encouraged to practice 20 minutes per day, for a total of 100 per week. We encourage every student to be the best and take private instruction from an accomplished musician. Private lessons make the most of your investment, allowing for specialized instruction and advice.

 

Please submit the following form for your student if they are enrolled in private lessons.

 

——————————————————————————

 

Name ____________________________________

 

Instrument ___________________________

 

Teacher Name ______________________________

 

 

 

Tips for Parents/Guardians

Ingredients for Success in Band:

Make sure your child’s instrument is in good working condition.

Provide a quiet place to practice.

Schedule a consistent, daily practice time.

Remain nearby during practice times as much as possible.

Praise your child’s efforts and accomplishments.

Encourage your child to play for family and friends.

Expose your child to a wide variety of music including live concerts and recitals.

Allow your child to play many types of music.

Help your child build a personal music library.

Decide that you and your child have made a commitment to band and stick to it.

Be involved, volunteer when volunteers are needed and attend the concerts.

 

 

 

If Your Child Gets Frustrated…

Discuss the situation with your child and determine specifically why he/she is frustrated.

Talk with the band directors to see what suggestions they have.

Encourage your child to stay in band for an agreed period of time.

Most parents have their children agree to participate through 9th grade.

Offer increased encouragement and support.