LOWER MORELAND TOWNSHIP SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

Playing in a Band or Orchestra can be an exciting and fun experience; musicians coming together with the common goal of expressing themselves through music. But, keep in mind that it is also an activity requiring an appreciable amount of dedication, hard work and daily practice.

Practicing at Home:The importance of establishing a regular home practice routine cannot be overemphasized! Your child's success with a musical instrument depends on it.

At the beginning 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week is recommended. A student of average abilities who remains diligent week after week will be more successful than a student who loses interest as soon as the novelty wears off

Slow and Steady wins the race!

BAND Grading Procedure All band students are graded each week based on their participation and performance.

Every student can earn a possible 5 points each week:

• 1 point for bringing their instrument • 1 for their book • 1 for handing in a completed practice record, and . . .• 2 possible points based on their preparation of the week's lesson material

Two low grades for each semester are dropped and not included in the student's average.

3rd Grade String Grading

• S-Satisfactory• NI- Needs Improvement

• Bringing your instrument to class• Bringing your book to class• Playing and reading notes• Playing and reading rhythms• Holding the instrument correctly• Class participation

4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Grading

• Daily Class Grades– 1 Point- Bringing your instrument– 1 Point- Bringing your book– 3 Points Participation

• Additional Grades– Karate belt songs- retake until you earn the belt

Class Participation• Expectations

1. Students will be seated and prepared when class starts.

2. Students will follow along in the music and be ready to play.

3. Students will be quiet and respectful when other sections are playing or the teacher is talking.

• Get a grade for the 2nd and 4th marking periods.• They earn an O (90%-100%), S (70%-89%) or N

(lower than 69%).• To see our grades, make sure to change the

drop down box to 2nd marking period to see grades for the first semester and to the 4th marking period for the second semester.

Morning Rehearsals8:00-8:45 AM

• 5th Grade Band: Fridays (beginning Sept. 27th )• 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra: Wednesdays (beginning

October 9th)

• 4th Grade Band: Mondays (beginning in February)• 3rd Grade Orchestra: Thursdays (beginning April)

Bad weather reminder: If an entire school day is cancelled because of bad weather, all Encore letters will be pushed back one day. Your lesson will be one school day after it was originally scheduled.

In the event of a late opening, any rehearsal scheduled before school on that day is cancelled

Students should NOT leave their instruments in school overnight.

They school district cannot guarantee the safety of the instruments, and your children should have them at home so they can practice next week’s lesson.

Concert DatesMonday, December 16, 7:00 PM - Winter Concert

-5th Grade Band, 4th/5th Orchestra and Chorus

Thursday, March 13, 7:00 PM – All-Band Night- 4th and 5th Grade Band

Monday, May 12, 7:00 PM – Spring Concert A- 3rd Grade Orchestra, 4th Grade Band and 3rd Grade Chorus

Wednesday, May 14, 7:00 PM – Spring Concert B- 5th Grade Band, 4th/5th Orchestra, 4th/5th Chorus

It’s not always going to be FUN!

One important thing for your child to understand is that . . .

Although we strive to make the experience as fun as we can, the initial excitement is bound to wear off a little as our young musicians realize how much hard work is involved in mastering their instrument.

Then why?Although “fun” is of course a goal, it’s really not the real reason we teach music.Benefits to learning an instrument and performing music include:

Increased dexterity

Group cooperative skills Expression of emotion

Pride in achievement Discipline

More well-rounded

Greater concentration abilities

For the love of music

Greater left/right brain coordination

“In the 2012-13 school year, students studying music scored 56 points higher on their reading SATs, and 43 points higher on math”

Music helps to boost academic performance

“Brain scans of performing musicians show their performance covers the entire cerebral cortex”

(The Day the Music Died; PSEA Voice, vol. XLV, no. 1, September 2013, pg. 11)

How can you help?Encourage your child to practice

Have your child explain to you what they are learning

Offer to help; saying names of notes together, helping them keep a steady beat, reminding them to try it slowly before going faster . . .

COMPLIMENT your child when they have even a little success!

Communication: Check e-school for weekly progress and comments (you will need to check the 2nd quarter and 4th quarter to see these grades)

Assist your child in maintaining their instrument

THE BASICS

Posture! VERY IMPORTANT TO SIT OR STAND STRAIGHT with FEET FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR

Proper hand/finger position

SAY IT – FINGER IT – PLAY IT1) say note names in tempo, 2) then say them while fingering the notes3) Play in tempo AT SLOW, STEADY SPEED4) play song faster

Tone production - watch intro DVD supplied with each lesson book. Also, refer to my website where I have posted some useful YouTube links

Remind your child that the basics are very important:

Extra HelpContact Mrs. Handfinger or Mr. Champion via email to schedule an extra help session before school.

Private instruction

Music & Arts Center (215) 443-7880

Settlement Music School, Willow Grove Branch (215) 320-2630

or contact us for recommended local teachers

THANK YOU for coming!- Mr. David Champion & - Mrs. Amanda Handfinger