Concerts & Concert Etiquette:A concert is a non-competitive performance given as part of our curriculum. There is no charge for admission. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend. Concerts are a state-mandated part of our curriculum and attendance is required of all students in the participating groups. Concert etiquette is also part of our curriculum. For this reason, band members will be expected to be an attentive audience member for the other ensembles’ portions of the concert.
What is correct concert etiquette for a formal band concert or performance? Audience manners are based on respect for performers and for others in the audience. Unfortunately, young people in today’s society are seldom exposed to formal concert situations and are often not aware of the standards of appropriate behavior. By following these guidelines you can set a proper example for our students and will make the concert more enjoyable for all. Thank you for your assistance.
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Necessary Band Supplies:
What supplies/materials are required for band? The following items are required of ALL Band students. These items are integral to the instruction your child is receiving in class. Without these supplies, your child will have difficulty completing assignments and continuing his/her improvement. Most of these items will be used on a daily basis for home practice and school rehearsals. They are also likely to be used in sectionals and private lessons. Many of these items will be used for future years as well. Your student owns these items once they are distributed and should keep up with them. If lost, these items will need to be replaced at your cost.
- Instrument in good working condition. All students must have an identification tag (you provide) on each case. See Mrs. Cummings for further information if needed.
- Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method Book One (Red Book)
- Cleaning/Maintenance Kit for the instrument approved. *Books & Cleaning Kits will be available for
purchase during the month of August in class. - Band Binder: 3-ringed binder (at least 1") with pockets for storage of music and handouts
- Lots of Sheet Protectors (to maintain and protect music)
- 20+ sheets of Notebook Paper (in binder)
- Pencil(s)--NEEDED EVERY DAY IN CLASS
- Reed players (oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone) must have 3 playable reeds in their possession at all times (you provide) – reeds may be purchased from the band, but students are encouraged to buy in larger quantities for a better price.
- A tuner (or tuner app) is suggested for practice purposes.
- Portable Music Stand: This should stay home for student practice purposes. It will prevent the student from having to contort his/her body to see the music, thus forming bad habits.
- Woodwind Student Accessories:
- Flute players should have a cleaning rod and handkerchief swab
- Oboe players should have an oboe swab, reed case, and a reed soaker with clip
- Clarinet players should have a handkerchief swab, reed guard, and cork grease
- Bassoon players should have a bassoon swab, reed case, reed soaker with clip
- Saxophone players should have a pad saver/swab (or equivalent), reed guard, and cork grease
- Brass Student Accessories: All brass students should have valve oil, cleaning snake, tuning slide grease, and a mouthpiece brush. These are all included in a maintenance kit. In addition, trombone students should also have slide cream. All of these items were required previously and may be purchased if necessary.
- Percussion Student Supplies: Mallet/Practice Pad Kit (Junior Percussion Kit) with sticks and mallets daily.
ADDITIONAL/OPTIONAL ITEMS:
(Please bring at least one of the following items)
1 Box Facial Tissue (Kleenex)
1 Bottle of Listerine Brand Mouthwash (mint)
1 Ream of Copy Paper (or more)
1 Container of Clorox/Disinfecting Wipes
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
How much should I practice? What do I practice?
Following a consistent, daily practice schedule is essential to student progress. Parents: PLEASE encourage your child to adopt a schedule of 20+ minutes per day, five or more days per week. Past experience has shown us that students who are practicing and making noticeable progress on their instruments are more likely to enjoy band than those who do not practice. Keep the following guidelines in mind when establishing a practice routine:
- Practice for results, not just for the sake of “putting in time.” (NO TIMERS PLEASE)
- Keep distractions to a minimum: no radio or TV while practicing.
- Set up a daily schedule and stick to it. Treat practice as part of your homework.
- Use a metronome AND tap your toe! This greatly enhances your sense of pulse.
- Use a music stand. This helps avoid the formation of bad habits.
- Try to follow a daily routine:
- Warm-up exercises used in class each day
- Fundamentals (such as scales or exercises)
- Review material covered in class that day
- Practice assigned material
- Work ahead in book or music to material not yet covered
- Practice private lesson material or other material assigned by the band director
- Warm-up exercises used in class each day
- 20 minutes a day will be much more beneficial than trying to make up by doing longer chunks of time every few days.
- Parents should monitor practice. Listen to your child play what they have been practicing, and hear the progress over time.