BEGINNING BAND
Welcome to Beginning Band! We are so excited that you have chosen to be in band!
Tips for the beginning band parent from the
National Association for Music Education
Practice tips for beginning band students and their parents:
Whether you play an instrument yourself or you can't even whistle, these tips will help you guide your child into the wonderful world of music making.
- Help your child set up a special place at home to play the instrument.
- Establish a time each day to play. Some children are at their best in the morning, before school. Some parents set a time after the evening bath when the child is relaxed, but not tired.
- Consider using the phrase "playing time" rather than "practice time."
- If possible, be a positive part of your child's playing time. Sit with your child while he plays and ask, "Show me what you're learning." Or, consider learning to play the instrument with your child.
- Praise your child for each step forward.
- Never make negative remarks about how your child's playing sounds. It takes time and effort to produce musical sounds.
- Encourage other family members to applaud the child's efforts. Positive attention is a great motivator.
- Remember that there are always peaks and valleys in the learning process. You and your child should expect times of discouragement, accept them, and focus on the positive fact that she's learning to make music. Remind her that everything worth doing takes time and effort.
- Provide positive role models. Bring your child to hear amateur or professional musicians perform. Take your child to movies that show musicians in a positive light, such as "Music of the Heart."
- When seeking private lessons, find a qualified teacher you can talk to easily. Ask about the teacher's philosophy of education, and ask to talk to some of the teacher's current students or their parents. Make sure your child is comfortable with the teacher.
Dear Parent,
In the past week of Beginning Band, your child has been learning about the trumpet and trombone. Each student has had the chance to try both of these instruments. The students began learning about woodwind instruments yesterday. They will continue this process into next week, and then have the chance to try the flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone.
Following the woodwind instruments, we will learn about the percussion instruments. We go through this process to determine your child’s natural strengths, weaknesses, and abilities on each instrument. Later next week we will do some rhythmic testing for those students interested in percussion. We will also be learning basic music theory elements that are essential to the musical success of your child.
You and your child will be able to choose the instrument he or she plays. However, I do have a responsibility to try to have a balanced group that will help our program in the future. I will be encouraging students to think about certain instruments or reconsider what instrument they want to play. Yet, I do realize a student must enjoy the instrument they are playing. If they do not enjoy it, they will not be successful.
You may acquire instruments wherever you choose. I do know that Ernie Williamson Music and Palen Music of Joplin have rent to own plans, and are reputable dealers. If your child plans to play a used instrument, I ask that you have it checked by a dealer, or I will look it over to make sure it is in good repair if you wish. It can be very discouraging to try to learn to play an instrument that will not work correctly.
We will begin playing instruments on Monday, September 11th. All students will need their instrument, book Essential Elements book No. 1, and the items listed specifically below for each instrument.
.
Flute-Cleaning/tuning rod and cleaning cloth (fuzzy sticks are a good option)
Clarinet- 3-#2 strength reeds, cork grease, cleaning pull swab
Alto Saxophone- Same as clarinet, but items for alto sax
Trumpet-valve oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake, cleaning cloth
Trombone-slide oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake, cleaning cloth
Percussion-AHEAD practice pad, one pair 5A or 5B drum sticks, black bell mallets
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Randy Beyer
In the past week of Beginning Band, your child has been learning about the trumpet and trombone. Each student has had the chance to try both of these instruments. The students began learning about woodwind instruments yesterday. They will continue this process into next week, and then have the chance to try the flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone.
Following the woodwind instruments, we will learn about the percussion instruments. We go through this process to determine your child’s natural strengths, weaknesses, and abilities on each instrument. Later next week we will do some rhythmic testing for those students interested in percussion. We will also be learning basic music theory elements that are essential to the musical success of your child.
You and your child will be able to choose the instrument he or she plays. However, I do have a responsibility to try to have a balanced group that will help our program in the future. I will be encouraging students to think about certain instruments or reconsider what instrument they want to play. Yet, I do realize a student must enjoy the instrument they are playing. If they do not enjoy it, they will not be successful.
You may acquire instruments wherever you choose. I do know that Ernie Williamson Music and Palen Music of Joplin have rent to own plans, and are reputable dealers. If your child plans to play a used instrument, I ask that you have it checked by a dealer, or I will look it over to make sure it is in good repair if you wish. It can be very discouraging to try to learn to play an instrument that will not work correctly.
We will begin playing instruments on Monday, September 11th. All students will need their instrument, book Essential Elements book No. 1, and the items listed specifically below for each instrument.
.
Flute-Cleaning/tuning rod and cleaning cloth (fuzzy sticks are a good option)
Clarinet- 3-#2 strength reeds, cork grease, cleaning pull swab
Alto Saxophone- Same as clarinet, but items for alto sax
Trumpet-valve oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake, cleaning cloth
Trombone-slide oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning snake, cleaning cloth
Percussion-AHEAD practice pad, one pair 5A or 5B drum sticks, black bell mallets
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Randy Beyer
Here is a list of things to remember when looking for an instrument:
-When buying an instrument the best place to go is going to be your local music store as they are only going to sell trustworthy instruments, and can help you with all of your questions and concerns.
*We have two wonderful music stores located in Joplin, MO.
*Ernie Williamson Music
925 S Rangeline Rd
Joplin, MO 64801
*Palen Music Center
1202 S Rangeline Road
Joplin, MO 64801
*Keep in mind that when purchasing an instrument from a music store they will often offer financing options. If that is something that you are interested in this is a good choice for you.
*Music stores will likely display only new instruments out on the floor. If you would prefer to buy a used instrument for your child just ask the associate who is working if they have the instrument that you are looking for that is used. Odds are is that they will have one in the back. Don't be afraid to ask.
-The brand of instrument that you purchase will also make a huge difference. There are brands that have made trustworthy instruments that last for years. Below you will find a list of approved instruments brands. If you find an instrument that is a brand that is different from the list you see below please contact us first as it may not be a quality instrument that will last or allow your child the best opportunity for success.
**Woodwind instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone) (In no particular order)
--Gemeinhardt
--Bundy
--Armstrong
--Yamaha
--Jupiter
--Selmer
--Accent
--Conn
--LeBlanc
--Buffet
--Artley
--Jupiter
For clarinet and saxophone reeds these brands will be readily available and work well at the beginning level:
Rico
Vandoren
A reed is an essential part of playing the clarinet and the saxophone. It is recommended that you buy your child a box of reeds to start with. Reeds will break and wear out over time and so they will need to be replaced. As with most things, the higher the quality the longer they will last.
**Brass instruments (Trumpet, Trombone) (In no particular order)
--Accent
--Bach
--Yamaha
--Jupiter
--King
--Conn
--Besson
--Getzen
--Selmer
--King
--Bundy
--Holton
--Olds
When buying a brass instrument an important to notice the mouthpiece that it comes with. Especially where the lips touch the mouthpiece it is important that there are not dents and that the finish is still on. If a mouthpiece is in bad shape it is highly recommended to get a new mouthpiece with the horn. Bad mouthpieces can cause brass poisoning around the lips and can be quite harmful. If you are concerned about the mouthpiece the best advice I could give is to start fresh with a new mouthpiece.
There are many good mouthpiece brands
Bach-- in my opinion is going to be the best/ longest lasting.
Most all other companies that make quality instruments (see above list) also make mouthpieces. The brand of mouthpiece does not have to match the instrument.
Mouthpieces come in different sizes.
For trumpets, a 3c, 5c, or 7c mouthpiece will work.
For trombones, a 12c mouthpiece is most common.
Other things to keep in mind when purchasing an instrument:
-Like with most everything, the more you put into it the better it will probably be.
-Colored instruments (blue, purple, red, etc) are not appropriate for the band class. They are not made with quality materials. They are hard to play for the student and will break easily. Music stores and repair shops refuse to work on them. The same can be said for instruments purchased from non-music retail shops or grocery stores.