Why Music Education?  Self Discipline  Group cooperation/Teamwork  Problem-solving  Goal-setting  Self Expression  Memory skills/Concentration  Enhanced Motor Skills  Academic Success

Overview  3 rd Grade Strings, 4 th grade Band/Strings, 5 th grade Band/Strings  180 students in the program last year. 200 this year. 86% in 4 th grade.  Two Sectionals per week  Rotating schedule How to read Location Pocket Schedule Put in Agenda Book  Practice 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week

Materials  Leave at Home Music Stand  Bring to School Strings ○ Folder ○ Essential Elements Book 1 (5 th Grade book 2) ○ Instrument with Rosin, Should rest (Violin/Viola), Rock Stop (Cello) Band ○ Folder ○ Accent on Achievement book 1 (5 th ) Essential Elements book 1 (4 th ) ○ Instrument with reeds, valve/slide oil

THES Band Grading Policy  Lesson Attendance10% ---- *Lesson Attendance merely refers to the consistency of a student’s presence in band sectionals and rehearsals. This generally is not an issue with most students.  Performance Assessments40% * Performance Assessments are given four to six times per quarter. Students may be tested on assignments from their method book, scales and concert music. Performance assessments will usually be announced and will always be directly relevant to the skills and music being taught in school.  Participation/Preparation30% * Preparation and Participation refer to the consistency with which a student comes to class prepared with instrument and music, and the amount of effort the student exhibits during sectionals and rehearsals.  Practice Habits 10% *Practice Habits refer to the quantity and quality of a student’s home practice. While practicing is limited to only 10% of a student’s grade, it has an enormous impact on a student’s performance assessments and participation.  Concert Attendance 10% * Because performance music is a collective curricular class, band students are expected to participate in all scheduled performances.

Report Card

At Home Practice Routine  Warm-up 3-5 minutes of Bowing and Bow Hold, long tones  Technique 5-10 minutes on assignments from method book  Repertoire 5-10 minutes on concert music Always practice sections slowly at first

How to Practice  Procedure for playing a piece for the first time (sight reading): 1. Identify Title, Composer, Key Signature, Time Signature. 2. Count and clap rhythms, especially complex rhythms. 3. Slowly finger notes while singing note names. 4. Play slowly. 5. Repeat step 3 as needed. Isolate difficult sections. 6. Play piece straight through. Repeat step 3 if needed. Gradually increase tempo.

How to help Make sure that your child has a quiet place to practice Help your child find consistent practice time Ask to hear what your child is learning in class Praise your child for practicing and improving on his or her instrument  Host Practicing Parties for your child and others to practice together  Provide opportunities for them to listen to great music This can include having good recordings and taking them to the BSO, NSO, Columbia Orchestra, or area service bands/orchestras

Ideas for More Enjoyable Practice For the Student: 1. Practice with someone else in the orchestra/band 2. USE CD 3. Give living room concerts for your family and friends 4. Show your parents how to play your instrument 5. Record yourself playing 6. Go to the music store and find music that you like 7. Set one and two week goals

Important Dates  Tuesday, November 17 th (4 th /5 th Strings ) String-a-Palooza  Wednesday, January 20 th (All students) Winter Concert!  Friday, June 3 rd (All students) Spring Concert

Thunder Hill Band/Strings Website -