Elementary Band Handbook

2015-2016

Mrs. Heather Moll Schuylkill and East Pikeland Band

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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PASD Elementary Band Program Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Lessons Work?

Lessons start the 2nd or 3rd week of school. A copy of the lesson schedule will be given to classroom teachers on a weekly basis. An additional copy of the schedule will be posted outside the instrumental room for students’

reference and emailed to the parents weekly. Lessons are 20 – 30 minutes depending on class size.

What is the Student’s Responsibility?

Students should practice a minimum of 5 days a week/ for 15 - 20 minutes, excuses are limited! Practicing will help improve the physical and mental aspects of learning to play an instrument.

One of the main goals for the beginner student is developing good work habits. To help with this, band students will keep a record of practice time on the PRACTICE SLIP that is stapled in the student’s method book or assignment book. My expectations for each lesson are guided by this record.

Parents should SIGN the practice slip/journal before every weekly lesson. Students should always notify me if they will be/were absent for a lesson! Three unexcused absences

will result in a telephone conference with the parents! Why Rent or Lease?

I strongly recommend renting/leasing to make sure you wish to buy the instrument. THERE IS NOTHING MORE DAMAGING TO THE MOTIVATION OF A NEW STUDENT THAN TRYING TO PLAY ON AN INSTRUMENT THAT DOES NOT WORK!

Renting an instrument has many advantages over buying. Consider renting as a way of ensuring that your student truly wants to commit to playing an

instrument. Think of how you would feel if you spent your money purchasing an instrument only to find out that

your student would rather play another instrument. PLEASE RENT OR LEASE FROM A MUSIC STORE THAT DEALS IN QUALITY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS!

(SUGGESTIONS MAY BE FOUND ON THE FINAL PAGE.)

When do I need the Instrument? You have all summer to find an instrument for your student. However most stores need three weeks

to get an order together -- so we suggest that you have an order placed no later than August 1, 2015. If you order through MENCHEY’S MUSIC or Taylor’s Music, the instrument will be hand-delivered to

your child’s school and will be waiting for his/her first lesson.

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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Do I send money to the school? NO, please secure your rental tonight electronically via Menchey’s website -

http://www.shopmenchey.com/aeRntSchoolSelect.aspx Or - mail the instrumental agreement directly to Menchey’s Music (if you choose them as your dealer).

Menchey’s Address: 80 Wetzel Drive, Hanover, PA Menchey’s Music is a privately-owned company that has no financial connection to PASD other than

servicing the instrumental program. Please contact the music store DIRECTLY if you have questions concerning your contract. Each store

policy is slightly different. How do I get an instrument repaired if I already bought it from a yard sale or on ebay?

Most used instruments at yard sales will need some repair. You usually get what you pay for. A competent repair person will charge $25.00 just to look at the instrument. Make sure you have it looked at BEFORE you buy!

We will be happy to look at any used instrument for free to give you our opinion. If the seller will not let you take it to a professional to have it examined before you buy it -- then there is probably a reason why!

What if I already own an instrument?

Again, we will look at any instrument to check its playing condition for free. Just bring it to your elementary school office and make sure it is labeled with your name/phone number where you can be reached easily. We will be in contact with you!

What lesson book should I purchase?

“Accent on Acheivement” Book 1 by John O’Reilly, published by Alfred for all instruments except percussion. Percussion should purchase the book “Essential Elements 2000” Book 1 for snare drum.

What kind of reeds should I get for a woodwind instrument?

Clarinet OR Saxophone use a #2 reed from Rico Royal (Get three reeds to start) OR #2 ½ from Juno

This does answer all my questions!

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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PASD Elementary Band Program

Troubleshooting Guide for the Parent/Guardian Practice Time:

Create a practice plan for at least 5 days a week/20-30 minutes a day. We will help students set up a practice schedule after their first lesson!

Monitor your student’s faithfulness to the practice schedule, “Practice Makes Permanent!” They are kids – they will need reminding sometimes!

Help keep a record of the amount of practice time on the Lesson Slip. If possible, there is enormous benefit to actually participating in the practice time with your child,

assisting them, praising them, coaching them, keeping them on task. This is a time commitment but the benefits in musical growth and parental/child relationship are huge.

How a ‘Music Master’ Practices: Circle a problem area as soon as a mistake is made. Practice what is hard, not what is easy. Practice speaking letter names and counting before trying to play a hard song. Speak Letter names and finger notes on the instrument Speak counting and finger notes on the instrument. Try to do the above while tapping the foot to the beat.

Motivation: All students will come across a challenge that is hard to overcome at some time. Do not let them give

up until they conquer that challenge. Set up the expectation that the student should make at least a year-long commitment to the

instrument before you consider quitting or changing instruments. Some students will come to a challenge and skip that song, but that challenge will come back in later

songs. Have a mini-concert for Mom, Dad, or for the whole family! Make sure you give encouraging remarks! Don’t make them practice in the basement, garage, or outside in the woods! Please let them practice

in a comfortable spot in the house.

Criteria What to Look For

Posture

Student should sit with back straight and instrument held up; feet flat on floor

Breath Support

Breathe through mouth (not nose). Don’t allow puffy cheeks! The beginning student should TRY to play 1 or 2 measures in a breath.

Correct Counting

Should be able to write in the counting for an entire song.

Correct Fingering

Should have no fingering errors. Their book has a fingering guide.

Tonguing

Should start all notes with a TA sound using the tongue. Do not let them ‘huff’ or ‘hoo’!

Note Names The student should be able to tell you every note name in the song. If they can’t-- have them practice writing note names in their songs.

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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Your Name: _______________________________

Date of Next Lesson: ________________________

Lesson Assignment: “Practice a minimum 5 days a

week/20-30 minutes a day”

1. ___________________________

2. ___________________________

Goal for next week:

1. ______________________________

Amount Practiced:

DAY MINUTES MINUTES Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Lesson Grade: ________/ 4

Parent/Guardian Signature:___________________

mollh@pasd.com

Mrs. Heather Moll

PASD Elementary Band Program How To Use The Lesson Slip

What is the lesson slip? This is how we can communicate with you about each lesson! It is a place for the student to record his/her practice time. Students will learn to set goals for themselves to improve each lesson.

Anatomy of the Lesson Slip

PA

The name of the best music program in the

world!

Make sure they practice these items!

Make sure to watch for these

ideas for improvement!

We need to know this!

Do not forget to

sign here!

Feel Free to email me with

questions!

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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PASD Elementary Band Program First Year Awards

The “Super Star” Award: At each lesson your student will have a chance to earn a star. The star will be checking for responsibility and being prepared for the lesson. For example: Was the lesson slip filled out that week? The student who has the most stars at the conclusion of the year wins this award. The award includes: An award certificate, ice cream for two at Petrucci’s and two free movie tickets! The Longest Note Award: After the students are more comfortable with their instrument, we will have a contest to see who can hold a note the longest on their wind instrument. Participation Certificate: All first year students who are in the band will receive a certificate of accomplishment at the awards assembly.

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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PASD Elementary Band Program Commitment of Time Reporting to the Elementary Band Room

CADET BAND REHEARSALS

East Pikeland Band Jan. 5 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Jan. 12 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Jan. 19 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Feb. 2 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Feb. 9 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Feb. 16 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Feb. 23 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Mar. 1 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Mar. 8 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Mar. 15 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Mar. 22 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Mar. 29 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Apr. 5 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Apr. 12 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Apr. 19 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

May 3 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

May 10 Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room 7:45-8:30 am

Schuylkill Band TBD Band Rehearsal at Elementary Band Room Recess

PERFORMANCES:

East Pikeland Band Jan. 21 Beginner Showcase @ PAMS 7:00pm

May 16 SPRING CONCERT @ Barkley Elementary 7:00pm

Schuylkill Band Jan. 21 Beginner Showcase @ PAMS 7:00pm

May 5 SPRING CONCERT@ Schuylkill 7:00pm

PASD Elementary Band Program

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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Contact

Mrs. Heather Moll

Mrs. Heather Moll is a graduate of Millersville University and is currently pursuing a Master of Conducting degree from Messiah College. She has taught and directed various instrumental and choral ensembles in the Phoenixville Area School District

for the past ten years. E-Mail: mollh@pasd.com

PASD Elementary Band Department

Schuylkill Elementary East Pikeland Elementary

290 South Whitehorse Road 1191 Hares Hill Road

Phoenixville, PA 19460 Phoenixville, PA 19460

INSTRUMENT RECORD

Inst: _______________________

Make (Brand): _______________

Serial Number: ______________

SCHOOL PHONE NUMBERS

East Pikeland: 484 – 927 – 5350

Schuylkill: 484 – 927 – 5400

Working Together to Be the Best Since 1926

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Looking to rent/lease an instrument for your

child?

Don’t hesitate to investigate ALL the possibilities-- Call some of these recommended stores and see which has the best offer for you!

Menchey Music Service 1-888-636-2349 762 Woodland Road Shoppes at Wyomissing

Reading, PA 19610

Taylor’s Music Store & Studios 610- 696-1812 116 W Gay St.

West Chester, PA 19380

Zeswitz Music Service 610 – 406 – 4300

100 Gibralter Rd. Reading, PA 19606

Jaworski's Music Centre 610- 933-6727 175 Bridge St.

Phoenixville, PA 19460

Loser’s Music 717-272-0381 728 Cumberland Street

Lebanon, PA 17042