1. LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

2. What is BAND? A class where you learn how to play an instrument, basic elements of music, discipline, commitment, and responsibility, and put all of the skills together by performing music! Students can be in band and chorus, (or orchestra and chorus), but not band and orchestra.

3. Band in our school consists of 2 parts: LESSONS LESSONS  Students are grouped by instrument  Lessons are ½ hour long (1 time per week)  Students learn  How to create sounds/notes on their individual instruments  Basic music concepts and how to apply them to their instrument

4. FULL GROUP REHEARSALS FULL GROUP REHEARSALS  What, where, when, how:  Afterschool on your band day (from 2-3:00pm, or 2:10-3:10pm) Parents need to arrange for transportation for you.Parents need to arrange for transportation for you.  Takes place in the gym or cafeteria  Apply knowledge learned in small group lessons to a large group experience.  Students learn  Broad music concepts such as rhythm  How to work and play together as a team- volume control, listening, blending, synchronizing

5. 2 evening concerts at our school for parents: 2 evening concerts at our school for parents:  December  May Usually an assembly for the school to share our progress. Usually an assembly for the school to share our progress. District Band Festival (in April):  a concert at the highschool where all students who play instruments in band in District 200 come together to share music they are working on.

6. Some of the great things about being in band…. You are part of a team where “nobody sits the bench” You can discover new talents and interests that you didn’t know you had You get to perform in public concerts throughout the year You can help yourself get scholarships to college- colleges! colleges look very highly upon people who choose to participate in this activity, and stick with it through high school! You get the opportunity to take trips and meet new people You can compete for medals and awards, both as a group and as an individual

7. ….BUT MOST OF ALL… You can learn more about music, and have a lot of fun in the process.

9. Instrument choices for 5 th grade band Woodwinds Woodwinds  Flute  Clarinet  Alto Saxophone Brass Brass  Trumpet  Trombone  Baritone Percussion Percussion  Snare kit and bells (together!)

10. Depending on the size of the band, and the abilities of the individuals, some students might have the opportunity to try the oboe and french horn (at the teacher’s discression).

11. Discuss it with your parent(s), and return the registration form on the back of your Band Handbook as soon as possible. Discuss it with your parent(s), and return the registration form on the back of your Band Handbook as soon as possible. You will then begin trying the instruments to discover what you might be good at (only students who sign up for band will try the instruments). You will then begin trying the instruments to discover what you might be good at (only students who sign up for band will try the instruments). How do I sign up for band?

12. After trying all of the instruments for yourself, you will need to select your top 2 favorites. Mrs. Schweihs will talk with you quickly about which might be the best fit for you. based on your trial experiences (natural abilities), your aptitude test, the needs of the group, and your personal interests.

13. THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO IS….

14. YOUR PARENTS WILL NEED TO DO THIS!  Purchase (new or used)  Borrow (friend, family member)  Rent (parents sign up for a meeting time to rent one for you)  Paying a little each month as long as they want you to have the instrument  Their first payment will cover all of your costs through January! All kids also need a book, and possibly reeds/grease (depending on the instrument), percussion also needs to buy a small set of beginner bells.  All information is in the Band Handbook for your parents to go over.

15. WHEN DO WE START?? INSTRUMENT LESSONS begin in October, after we have gone through the orientation process, your instrument has been selected, and your parents found an instrument for you! INSTRUMENT LESSONS begin in October, after we have gone through the orientation process, your instrument has been selected, and your parents found an instrument for you! AFTERSCHOOL BAND (all of us together) begins the first week of November, on your band day. AFTERSCHOOL BAND (all of us together) begins the first week of November, on your band day.

18. Sign up for band!!! You won’t regret it!