1.
WELCOME TO 5th GRADE BAND at BRINCKERHOFF, FISHKILL ELEMENTARY, & FISHKILL PLAINS
Mr. Bob Brainerd

2. What Instruments Make Up the Band?
The Woodwind Family:
Flute
Oboe
Alto Sax
Clarinet

3. What Instruments Make Up the Band?
The Brass Family:
French Horn
Trumpet
Baritone
Euphonium
Trombone

4. What Instruments Make Up the Band?
The Percussion Family:
Bass
Drum
Bell Kit & Practice Pad
Snare Drum
The “Kitchen Sink!”
Cymbals: Crash & Suspended

5. What you need to know
Everything I talk about tonight is in “The Parent’s Guide”!
That’s it – Goodnight!!
Sorry, not so fast – We do have a few things to discuss.
How we “do” Beginning 5th Gr. Band:
(1) – 40 minute full Band rehearsal every 6-Day cycle - TBD
(1) – 30 minute group lesson every 6-Day cycle - TBD
These lesson times rotate over many time slots during the day.
Your 1st test:
Q: How many times will your child see me with their instrument in any given 6-Day cycle?

6. What does my child need? An instrument (with damage insurance!)
A Lesson Book – (Be sure to add it to your Rental order!)
A Folder for music and papers
A pencil
Music stand – an optional purchase (but really needed)
Getting an Instrument . . .
The Rental companies are in the Gym:
they provide the instrument, a folder, required Lesson Bk.(cost $10),
and an optional (but recommended!) folding music stand (about $15)
you provide the pencil
From a family member or friend?
Buried in the closet or hiding in Grandma’s attic?
DO NOT BUY – especially from online!

7. Is the Lesson Book on your order?
Be sure the correct Lesson Bk. is included with your Rental order:
“Standard of Excellence – Bk. 1”
There are 2 versions – both contain the exact same content.
Purple stripe ↵
Standard – No CD’s
Enhanced – w/CD’s

8. Other supplies your child will need that are specific to their Instrument (Refer to the “Gold” sheet)
Flutes:
Nothing extra unless you’re interested in the
Bo-Pep: “Finger Saddle”
Oboes:
Add to your rental order at least 2 extra reeds. Request “Fox” or “Lesher” Reeds if possible – ask for “Medium”.
Clarinets & Saxes:
Add to your rental order a box (10) of “Rico Royal” reeds – #2 ½. Should last 8-12 weeks – depending . . .
All Brass:
A bottle of Valve Oil and some slide grease should be included.
Percussion: Nothing more to add – everything is in the kit.

9. Practice Time
20 Minutes a day in the Fall – Approx min. between lessons. This amount of time will increase as we progress and as the level of learning increases.
Your child will be using a Practice Record Chart to keep track of his/her regular home practice sessions. This is to be signed by a parent prior to each lesson.
What you should expect early on:
All sorts of strange sounds!
Many mistakes
Yet, gradual improvement – if you listen!
A frustrated young musician
Uncomfortable with the new instrument
Possibly some impatience on your part

10. Your role as their Parent
What to do:
Provide a good, quiet place to practice.
Help them establish a consistent, daily practice routine.
When you hear progress, tell them! Show them interest.
If they like to practice privately, ask to hear something.
Be their greatest cheerleader/encourager.
Be the keeper of the Calendar – What cycle day is it?
(The current cycle day is on the WCSD website)
Keep the instrument in good working order.
What NOT to do:
Don’t expect a lot of progress in the beginning! Appreciate the “baby steps”.
Don’t make fun of mistakes or less than “quality sound” – especially to others.
Don’t apologize to others for a seemingly weak playing ability.
Don’t threaten or use Practice time as a punishment.

11. Our Performance schedule
Early to mid January – Our Informance Night
Details will develop in the early/mid Fall.
Mid to late May – Our Spring Pyramid Concert
Date: TBA JJHS)
Both Performances are required – they are not optional.
They’re part of the Curriculum and must be made priority.
We are a Performance based class – as such, we do Concerts!
Concerns or potential conflicts with Concert attendance need to be addressed ASAP. Attendance is required.
The day of the Concert (or worse, the day after) is too late.

12. Communications
I am in 3 bldgs. (FP, BR, FES) next year - is best.
Two choices:
> Leave a my Voic box: ext
> Better option - me:
I will be maintaining my Teacher webpage.
> Accessible from “Staff” link on Homepage of your school
> Access to all Lesson schedules, Concert info., online resources, and Interactive Music links
I will use the SchoolTools system to keep you updated.
Is your contact info up-to-date???
Now is a good time to be sure your address is up to date in SchoolTools / Parent Portal.

13. Your next steps . . .
Be sure to initial the attendance sheet before you leave.
> Check your address and correct or add if necessary.
Go to the Gym and stop by each of the Rental companies’ tables and have a look around. They are here for you.
Get a copy of each of their Rental Contract packets.
> Barcone’s Music
> John Keal Music (aka: D & M Music)
> Paul Effman Music
Review the Rental options and decide as soon as possible!
> Get your Contract filled out and faxed or mailed ASAP.
> Don’t leave it ‘til Sept. - Order now so it’s there & ready.

14. Questions?