The CoVID-19 Pandemic has put our Beginning band program on hold. I can't wait Until we can begin again. Please stay tuned for more information.
When we are able to start band again, I am hoping to help our music program come back stronger than ever. There are many ways to get involved, please contact me if you would like to help!
Band Handbook
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the handbook is to inform all students and parents about the expectations and
procedures for instrumental music in RSU 16. In an effort to maintain high standards, all band
members and their parents are requested to read this handbook thoroughly and sign the
participation agreement. After reading this handbook, please keep it with your other records so
that it will be available as a ready reference if a question should arise. If you are not able to find
an answer to your question, consult your director.
PHILOSOPHY
With an emphasis on fundamentals and musicianship in the early years, our students have been well prepared for the challenge of learning to play a musical instrument. The RSU 16 Instrumental Music Department strives to be a program of superior quality. In keeping with the philosophy of our school district, any student who shows the desire to learn, should have the opportunity to do so. Our music department believes that all people are inherently musical and that “talent” has little to do with the success of a student. Success is achieved through patient practice, self-discipline, and perseverance. Our music department believes in teaching students to set obtainable goals in order to reach high standards.
The PURPOSE of this program is to...
1. Provide a safe place for students to grow musically
2. Foster a love of music and an appreciation for fellow musicians.
3. Help students begin to establish their place in the global community of musicians.
4. Build leadership qualities, responsibility, and citizenship.
5. Develop the technical skills necessary to play their musical instrument.
6. Refine musicianship as a part of a performing ensemble.
PARENTS
1. Be informed. Please read this handbook and all band correspondence. You'll not only be "in
the know,” but you'll also model responsibility and commitment to your child.
2. Support your child. Make practice a part of your daily routine by setting up a special place
and time for your child to play at home. Ask your child to play for you often, and show an interest
in what your child is learning in band. Attend your child's concerts and let your encouragement
flow freely!
3. Realize that greatness takes time. Beginning musicians are not going to sound like the pros
you hear on the radio. When listening to your child practice or perform, train yourself to focus on
growth and progress. And please, NEVER joke about your child's sound--it hurts more than
you'd think.
4. Support your directors. Your band directors have made it their life's work to help kids
through music. They are on your side, and is here to support and nurture your child's musical
growth. Please keep this in mind in your interactions with the directors, and treat them with
respect and kindness. Also, please follow the directors’ policies and encourage your child to do
the same. They are the result of years of successful teaching, and are in place to give you an
excellent band experience.
PRACTICE TIPS
1. Find a quiet place, away from distractions.
2. Set up a chair, music stand, and proper lighting in this practice area.
3. Schedule a daily practice routine that includes a warm-up, something new, and something to review.
4. Use the method book like reading a recipe in a cookbook
a. Start at the beginning
b. Read all instructions
c. Go slow
d. Don’t move on until you’re ready
ADD/DROP POLICY
Beginning Band is a 1 year commitment. Once enrolled in the program, students must agree to
complete all three trimesters. If a student has a legitimate reason to drop band (Family
emergency, moving to a new school etc.), he/she needs to provide a brief written explanation
along with a parent-signed exit survey. Students who wish to join band after the mid-year or
trimester, must be approved by the director.
PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to complete weekly homework and/or practice logs. Specific assignments/
instructions will be given by the band director at your school.
GRADING POLICY
Each student's grade in band will be based on the following:
1. Daily participation
2. Being prepared for every lesson/rehearsal (book, instrument, pencil, and completed homework)
4. Note & Rhythm Accuracy
5. Performance Standards
INSTRUMENTS & MATERIALS
Students are required to have a working instrument and the Tradition of Excellence Method
Book. It is recommended that students purchase or rent their own instrument in order for all
students to have a working instrument of his/her choice. In the event that a family cannot afford
to purchase or rent an instrument for their child, the director will provide that student with a
school-owned instrument on a first-come-first-serve basis. School-owned instruments will be
distributed based on availability and the needs of the band.
OPTION 1: Music & Arts Rental Program.
This program allows parents to pay an affordable monthly rental fee for a new instrument. The rental fee goes toward the purchase price of the instrument. The benefit of this option allows students to switch instruments without losing previous installments. There are also no fees or penalties if a student decides to stop playing. If you would like to visit the store, they are located at 106 Gray Rd, in Falmouth. Or you can begin renting online at www.musicarts.com
OPTION 2: Purchase a New or Used.
There are many great used instruments out there (craigslist, Facebook marketplace, yard sales, etc..) That being said, please use caution when shopping online. If you have any questions about an item, send me the link and I can tell you if it is worth your time and investment. Despite reviews, many of the low-cost instruments listed online are not high quality instruments. They will be hard for your child to play, and they will break beyond repair within the first year. I would recommend a good quality used instrument over a new cheap instrument any day.
OPTION 3: Family, Friends
Ask aunts and uncles if they have an instrument your child could borrow. Look in the attic or barn, you never know what you’ll find! Remember that some of these instruments may need some repairs if they have not been used in a long time.
OPTION 4: Assistance Programs for FREE Instruments.
There are also local and national assistance programs available for students who qualify.
Instrument Exchange, Yarmouth http://www.theinstrumentexchange.org
Hungry for Music https://hungryformusic.org/
***If none of these options are available to you, please let me know. We want your child to be able to participate in band.***
CARE OF INSTRUMENTS
All materials are the responsibility of the student. Students must bring their instrument, folder,
book, and a pencil to every lesson and rehearsal. Instruments and materials should not be
stored at school. Basic care supplies & accessories should be used to keep the instrument in
working condition.
A NOTE ON PERCUSSION
Percussion is a very popular instrument family, but often for the wrong reasons. Many children
mistakenly think percussion is "easy" or that playing percussion is all about "rocking out" on
drums. Many of these children are sorely disappointed when they discover that percussion is
challenging, and requires that they learn more instruments than anyone else in the band. I
strongly encourage parents of future percussionists
to discuss the following with their children:
1. Percussion is more than just drums. You will start on bells, and will have to learn to read
music just like everyone else. Drumset comes later, much later.
2. Percussion instruments are as difficult as every other instrument in the band.
3. You have to build a strong foundation to "rock out" successfully.
PRIVATE LESSONS
All students regardless of skill level can benefit from private lessons outside of school. This is
not a requirement, but it is recommended if your child is seriously interested in pursuing music
later in life. Contact your band director for more information and how to find a local teacher.
The purpose of the handbook is to inform all students and parents about the expectations and
procedures for instrumental music in RSU 16. In an effort to maintain high standards, all band
members and their parents are requested to read this handbook thoroughly and sign the
participation agreement. After reading this handbook, please keep it with your other records so
that it will be available as a ready reference if a question should arise. If you are not able to find
an answer to your question, consult your director.
PHILOSOPHY
With an emphasis on fundamentals and musicianship in the early years, our students have been well prepared for the challenge of learning to play a musical instrument. The RSU 16 Instrumental Music Department strives to be a program of superior quality. In keeping with the philosophy of our school district, any student who shows the desire to learn, should have the opportunity to do so. Our music department believes that all people are inherently musical and that “talent” has little to do with the success of a student. Success is achieved through patient practice, self-discipline, and perseverance. Our music department believes in teaching students to set obtainable goals in order to reach high standards.
The PURPOSE of this program is to...
1. Provide a safe place for students to grow musically
2. Foster a love of music and an appreciation for fellow musicians.
3. Help students begin to establish their place in the global community of musicians.
4. Build leadership qualities, responsibility, and citizenship.
5. Develop the technical skills necessary to play their musical instrument.
6. Refine musicianship as a part of a performing ensemble.
PARENTS
1. Be informed. Please read this handbook and all band correspondence. You'll not only be "in
the know,” but you'll also model responsibility and commitment to your child.
2. Support your child. Make practice a part of your daily routine by setting up a special place
and time for your child to play at home. Ask your child to play for you often, and show an interest
in what your child is learning in band. Attend your child's concerts and let your encouragement
flow freely!
3. Realize that greatness takes time. Beginning musicians are not going to sound like the pros
you hear on the radio. When listening to your child practice or perform, train yourself to focus on
growth and progress. And please, NEVER joke about your child's sound--it hurts more than
you'd think.
4. Support your directors. Your band directors have made it their life's work to help kids
through music. They are on your side, and is here to support and nurture your child's musical
growth. Please keep this in mind in your interactions with the directors, and treat them with
respect and kindness. Also, please follow the directors’ policies and encourage your child to do
the same. They are the result of years of successful teaching, and are in place to give you an
excellent band experience.
PRACTICE TIPS
1. Find a quiet place, away from distractions.
2. Set up a chair, music stand, and proper lighting in this practice area.
3. Schedule a daily practice routine that includes a warm-up, something new, and something to review.
4. Use the method book like reading a recipe in a cookbook
a. Start at the beginning
b. Read all instructions
c. Go slow
d. Don’t move on until you’re ready
ADD/DROP POLICY
Beginning Band is a 1 year commitment. Once enrolled in the program, students must agree to
complete all three trimesters. If a student has a legitimate reason to drop band (Family
emergency, moving to a new school etc.), he/she needs to provide a brief written explanation
along with a parent-signed exit survey. Students who wish to join band after the mid-year or
trimester, must be approved by the director.
PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to complete weekly homework and/or practice logs. Specific assignments/
instructions will be given by the band director at your school.
GRADING POLICY
Each student's grade in band will be based on the following:
1. Daily participation
2. Being prepared for every lesson/rehearsal (book, instrument, pencil, and completed homework)
4. Note & Rhythm Accuracy
5. Performance Standards
INSTRUMENTS & MATERIALS
Students are required to have a working instrument and the Tradition of Excellence Method
Book. It is recommended that students purchase or rent their own instrument in order for all
students to have a working instrument of his/her choice. In the event that a family cannot afford
to purchase or rent an instrument for their child, the director will provide that student with a
school-owned instrument on a first-come-first-serve basis. School-owned instruments will be
distributed based on availability and the needs of the band.
OPTION 1: Music & Arts Rental Program.
This program allows parents to pay an affordable monthly rental fee for a new instrument. The rental fee goes toward the purchase price of the instrument. The benefit of this option allows students to switch instruments without losing previous installments. There are also no fees or penalties if a student decides to stop playing. If you would like to visit the store, they are located at 106 Gray Rd, in Falmouth. Or you can begin renting online at www.musicarts.com
OPTION 2: Purchase a New or Used.
There are many great used instruments out there (craigslist, Facebook marketplace, yard sales, etc..) That being said, please use caution when shopping online. If you have any questions about an item, send me the link and I can tell you if it is worth your time and investment. Despite reviews, many of the low-cost instruments listed online are not high quality instruments. They will be hard for your child to play, and they will break beyond repair within the first year. I would recommend a good quality used instrument over a new cheap instrument any day.
OPTION 3: Family, Friends
Ask aunts and uncles if they have an instrument your child could borrow. Look in the attic or barn, you never know what you’ll find! Remember that some of these instruments may need some repairs if they have not been used in a long time.
OPTION 4: Assistance Programs for FREE Instruments.
There are also local and national assistance programs available for students who qualify.
Instrument Exchange, Yarmouth http://www.theinstrumentexchange.org
Hungry for Music https://hungryformusic.org/
***If none of these options are available to you, please let me know. We want your child to be able to participate in band.***
CARE OF INSTRUMENTS
All materials are the responsibility of the student. Students must bring their instrument, folder,
book, and a pencil to every lesson and rehearsal. Instruments and materials should not be
stored at school. Basic care supplies & accessories should be used to keep the instrument in
working condition.
A NOTE ON PERCUSSION
Percussion is a very popular instrument family, but often for the wrong reasons. Many children
mistakenly think percussion is "easy" or that playing percussion is all about "rocking out" on
drums. Many of these children are sorely disappointed when they discover that percussion is
challenging, and requires that they learn more instruments than anyone else in the band. I
strongly encourage parents of future percussionists
to discuss the following with their children:
1. Percussion is more than just drums. You will start on bells, and will have to learn to read
music just like everyone else. Drumset comes later, much later.
2. Percussion instruments are as difficult as every other instrument in the band.
3. You have to build a strong foundation to "rock out" successfully.
PRIVATE LESSONS
All students regardless of skill level can benefit from private lessons outside of school. This is
not a requirement, but it is recommended if your child is seriously interested in pursuing music
later in life. Contact your band director for more information and how to find a local teacher.