1. To the BMS Beginning Band Parent Information Night!
Welcome Band Parents!
To the BMS Beginning Band Parent Information Night!

2. Beginning Band
Beginning Band is an exciting time in your child’s life!
This class is open to everyone in 6th grade regardless of musical background, and gives each student the opportunity to master the basic skills of playing musical instruments in the Brass , Woodwind, and Percussion families.
Beginning Band members will perform at the Christmas and Spring concerts.

3. Classroom Rules No food, gum, or drinks in the bandroom
Do not touch any materials on/in the teacher’s desk or office
We follow ALL of the rules in both the BMS School Handbook and BMS Band Handbook!
Students should raise their hand before speaking
Students should stay in their assigned seats
Be courteous and respectful to others (NO PUT-DOWNS)
Take care of the classroom and school property
Put all trash in the trash cans (NOT on the floor!)
Use appropriate language ( NO cussing or bullying)

4. CONSEQUENCES Verbal Warning
Time out of class (for the period, or additional days)
Notify parent or guardian
Behavior contract
Referral to Assistant Principal or Principal

5. The Time Comittment
Beginners should be practicing minutes EVERY DAY!
The more they practice, the easier it gets!
Parents, you will need to ENCOURAGE your child to practice. The newness will wear off.
PRACTICING IS HOMEWORK, just like math/science/spelling,etc.
Both you and your child have to make the time comittment to practice!

6. Rent vs. Buy… We encourage our students to rent.
The trial period is set up for a minimal cost and adequate time to see if band is the right choice for your child.
If you buy, please consider one of our local music dealers. Also, we encourage you to try to stay away from catalog stores and pawn shops, as they usually sell second-hand, low-quality merchandise that will not work for your child!
Discount stores sell low quality merchandise that usually CANNOT be fixed!

7. IF You Already Own An Instrument…
Please make sure your instrument is in good playing condition BEFORE your child starts band, as a negative start often creates frustration, and eventually, they will give up and quit!
Quality repairs can be done at any of the vendors represented here tonight.

8. Instruments and Student Performers
FLUTE
Difficult to get a good sound at first
Play by blowing across the instrument like you would make the  »hoo » sound over a soda pop bottle!

9. Instruments and Student Performers
CLARINET & SAXOPHONE
Both instruments require a reed to be used on the mouthpiece to make the sound.
Students must buy their own reeds.
Students whould have 4 good working reeds at a time.
You want to invest in a good reed case if you play the clarinet or the saxophone. It will prolong the life of your reeds and ultimately save you money $$$!

10. Instruments and Student Performers
Trumpet & French Horn
ALL brass instruments use a lip buzz to produce sound.
Students should practice buzzing on their mouthpieces every night!
French horn students must be very dedicated and willing to practice!

11. Instruments and Student Performers
TROMBONE & BARITONE
ALL brass instruments use a lip buzz to produce sound.
Students should practice buzzing on their mouthpieces every night!

12. Instruments and Student Performers
ALL percussion students will rent a bell/snare drum combo pack.
ALL percussion students will learn the bells first!
After note reading is mastered with the bells, we will add in snare and bass drum!
PERCUSSION

13. Other Supplies Needed 3 hole black spiral binder
Plastic sheet protectors (15-20)
#2 pencil (sharpened)
Methods of Success, Pt. 1 Instruction Book
Cleaning supplies (provided by the music dealers at a minimum cost)

14. Instrument Policy
Students may drop off their instruments on the band hall in the morning.
Do not leave your instrument in homeroom or another classroom!
You should take your instrument home each day to practice! DO NOT leave it at school overnight!

15. BMS Band Benchmarks
At the end of the 6th grade band year the following skills should be mastered by band students:
Memorization of 4 scales
Basic level of technical proficiency on instrument (including tone, technique, and range)
Ability to sight-read simple musical excerpts
Passing grade on written or playing exams covering basic music theory.

16. Thanks for Coming!
If you have any questions or concerns, pleas contact Ms. Huss or Mr. Hallman via phone or at:
BMS Phone: (229) OR