1. Welcome to the Rockvale Middle School Band

2. Band Directors
Kathy Quarto
Debbie Hice

3. Be Part of the Band! What is band? (15 minute video clip – click here)
Why should my child be in band? (5 minute video clip – click here)

4. What will your child learn in band?
How to play an instrument
Organizational skills
Leadership skills
How to work with others as a part of a team
Reading and language skills
Mathematical reasoning
Artistic interpretation
Creativity
Commitment & work ethic
Self evaluation skills
Writing skills
Problem Solving
Study Skills

5. Fitting Day – Saturday, August 29
Sign up for a time tonight (8am-1pm Sat)
Plan to be at the school for at least an hour
Director will guide your child through the instrument fitting process
Instruments to be fitted:
Flute
Clarinet
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion (this will take place prior to August 29)

6. Other Fitting Day Options
If you are unable to make the fitting day on August 29, see Mrs. Quarto or Mrs. Hice for an alternate after-school time

7. Beginning Instruments
Beginning Band students will start on these instruments
Flute
Clarinet
Trumpet
Trombone
Mallet Percussion

8. Advanced Instruments
Students who are doing well on their initial instrument may audition for one of the following in December. Regular practice at home is a must.
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
F Horn
Baritone
Tuba
Drums & Accessory Percussion

9. Instrument Fitting
You are free to rent an instrument from any reputable music store
The Music Stop will be at the school with instruments to rent and materials to purchase for your convenience
Please do not rent or purchase an instrument before your child has been through the final fitting process

10. Costs / Investment Instrument Instrument Accessories
Method Book ($9-$15)
Pep Band t-shirt (optional)
Dress slacks/skirt/dress, dress shirt/blouse/dress shoes
Audition fees – Solo & Ensemble (optional)

11. Instrument
Large instruments (tuba, baritone, F Horn, bari sax, tenor sax, bass clarinet) are rented from the school
$50 per semester
Small instruments (flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, bell set/practice pad) are rented from a music store if not owned by the student
Percussion instruments (marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, bells, bass drum, drum set, timpani, snare drum, cymbals, etc)
$25 per year user fee
Percussion pack – marimba mallets, xylo/bell mallets, snare drum sticks, mallet bag (may purchase or rent from school)
$50 purchase / $25 per year rental

12. Instrument Rental All music stores offer a rental program
Costs are basically the same
Some include insurance, some offer it as an add-on (you need insurance)
Beware of hidden costs/fees
Initial cost is $25-$35 for the first 3 months
After the first 3 months, you can
Purchase the instrument
Purchase a used or new instrument
Check with Band directors on brands
Beware of extremely cheap instruments at pawn shops, on-line, or at big box stores (You get what you pay for)
Continue to rent to own

13. Method Book
6th Grade
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1

14. Accessories Woodwinds Brass/Percussion Clarinets/Saxes Flutes
Reeds
Cleaning Swab
Cork Grease
Flutes
Cleaning Rod
Cleaning Cloth
Trumpets/Baritones/Tubas
Valve oil / Slide Grease
F Horns
Rotary Valve Oil / Slide Grease
Trombones
Slide Oil / Tuning Slide Grease
Percussion
Drum Sticks, Marimba & Xylo Mallets, Practice Bells, Practice Pad, mallet bag

15. Smart Music Practice Program For PC or Mac App available on Ipad
Optional Home subscription
Access to all music in method books
Sightreading
Hundreds of songs
$40/year for home subscription

16. Smart Music

17. Performance Attire Optional Concerts Tie-Dye Band T-shirt
$15
Will use next year as pep band shirt
Dress Up Clothes
Dress Slacks/Skirt/Dress
Dress Shoes
Ties are optional

18. Practicing

19. Success

20. Required Performances
December Concert
March Concert
Solo & Ensemble Classroom Performances

21. Winter Band Concert Tuesday, December 1 RMS Auditorium Concert attire
5:45 warm-up
6:30 concert begins
Concert attire
Dress up clothes
Dress pants, dress or skirt & blouse (no jeans)
Dress shoes & socks (no tennis shoes)

22. Solo & Ensemble Classroom Performances
School day in May (date TBA)
Students perform solos & ensembles for 6th grade classrooms
Takes place during the school day
Students wear regular school clothes

23. Spring Band Concert Tuesday, March 22 RMS auditorium Concert Attire
5:45 warm-up
6:30 concert begins
Concert Attire

24. Optional Recommended Performances
All Rutherford County All Star Band (students selected by directors)
Solo & Ensemble Performance Assessment

25. Rutherford County All Star Band
Rutherford County Middle School (TBA)
Friday, May 13 – date may change
Rehearsal during the day
Evening concert
Parents provide transportation to and from rehearsals / performance

26. Solo & Ensemble Festival Assessment
HIGHLY Recommended
98% of RMS students participate
Eagleville School
Each student prepares a piece to perform as a soloist or as a part of a small ensemble
Each event is evaluated and rated by a judge
Students receive a rating sheet and a medal for 1st & 2nd place ratings
Students are evaluated against a standard of excellence – not ranked against each other
Parents provide transportation

27. Parent Help Encourage your child to practice
Help them to set up a regular time and place to practice
Sign practice record each week to be turned in Monday
Transport your child to and attend performances
Poinsettia Fundraiser help
Let the directors know of any issues that may affect your child’s learning
What do we need for band? Tissues, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer
Help with set-up, serving and clean-up for receptions after concerts

28. Grading Rehearsal Technique Practicing Performances
Written Assignments
Playing Tests (Performance Assessments)

29. Private Instructors Rebecca Murphy – flute Rachel Grasso – clarinet
Karl Wingruber – sax, flute, clarinet, bassoon, bass
Mike George – brass (trumpet, F Horn, trombone, baritone, tuba)
Wilson Sharpe - oboe, bassoon, brass
Tim Hale – percussion

30. Where Does My Child Get a Band Instrument?
Basic information
Some options:
Music Stop
Music & Arts Center
Concert Productions

31. Sign up for Band Fittings
3 Saturday sign-up sheets
A few after school options
See Mrs. Quarto / Mrs. Hice
Be sure to have your child turn in the yellow band registration form