1. LOWER MORELAND TOWNSHIP SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

2. Playing in a Band or Orchestra can be an exciting and fun experience; musicians coming together with the common goal of expressing themselves through music. But, keep in mind that it is also an activity requiring an appreciable amount of dedication, hard work and daily practice.

3. Practicing at Home: The importance of establishing a regular home practice routine cannot be overemphasized! Your child's success with a musical instrument depends on it.

4. At the beginning 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week is recommended. A student of average abilities who remains diligent week after week will be more successful than a student who loses interest as soon as the novelty wears off Slow and Steady wins the race!

5. BAND Grading Procedure All band students are graded each week based on their participation and performance. Every student can earn a possible 5 points each week: 1 point for bringing their instrument 1 for their book 1 for handing in a completed practice record, and... 2 possible points based on their preparation of the week's lesson material Two low grades for each semester are dropped and not included in the student's average.

6. 3 rd Grade String Grading S-Satisfactory NI- Needs Improvement Bringing your instrument to class Bringing your book to class Playing and reading notes Playing and reading rhythms Holding the instrument correctly Class participation

7. 4 th & 5 th Grade Orchestra Grading Daily Class Grades – 1 Point- Bringing your instrument – 1 Point- Bringing your book – 3 Points Participation Additional Grades – Karate belt songs- retake until you earn the belt

8. Class Participation Expectations 1.Students will be seated and prepared when class starts. 2.Students will follow along in the music and be ready to play. 3.Students will be quiet and respectful when other sections are playing or the teacher is talking.

9. Get a grade for the 2 nd and 4 th marking periods. They earn an O (90%-100%), S (70%-89%) or N (lower than 69%). To see our grades, make sure to change the drop down box to 2 nd marking period to see grades for the first semester and to the 4 th marking period for the second semester.

10. Morning Rehearsals 8:00-8:45 AM 5 th Grade Band: Fridays (beginning Sept. 27 th ) 4 th & 5 th Grade Orchestra: Wednesdays (beginning October 9 th ) 4 th Grade Band: Mondays (beginning in February) 3 rd Grade Orchestra: Thursdays (beginning April)

11. Bad weather reminder: Bad weather reminder: If an entire school day is cancelled because of bad weather, all Encore letters will be pushed back one day. Your lesson will be one school day after it was originally scheduled. In the event of a late opening, any rehearsal scheduled before school on that day is cancelled

12. Students should NOT leave their instruments in school overnight. They school district cannot guarantee the safety of the instruments, and your children should have them at home so they can practice next week’s lesson.

13. Concert Dates Monday, December 16, 7:00 PM - Winter Concert -5 th Grade Band, 4 th /5 th Orchestra and Chorus Thursday, March 13, 7:00 PM – All-Band Night - 4 th and 5 th Grade Band Monday, May 12, 7:00 PM – Spring Concert A - 3 rd Grade Orchestra, 4 th Grade Band and 3 rd Grade Chorus Wednesday, May 14, 7:00 PM – Spring Concert B - 5 th Grade Band, 4 th /5 th Orchestra, 4 th /5 th Chorus

14. It’s not always going to be FUN! One important thing for your child to understand is that... Although we strive to make the experience as fun as we can, the initial excitement is bound to wear off a little as our young musicians realize how much hard work is involved in mastering their instrument.

15. Then why? Although “fun” is of course a goal, it’s really not the real reason we teach music. Benefits to learning an instrument and performing music include: Increased dexterity Group cooperative skillsExpression of emotion Pride in achievementDiscipline More well-rounded Greater concentration abilities For the love of music

16. Greater left/right brain coordination “In the 2012-13 school year, students studying music scored 56 points higher on their reading SATs, and 43 points higher on math” Music helps to boost academic performance “Brain scans of performing musicians show their performance covers the entire cerebral cortex” (The Day the Music Died; PSEA Voice, vol. XLV, no. 1, September 2013, pg. 11)

17. How can you help? Encourage your child to practice Have your child explain to you what they are learning Offer to help; saying names of notes together, helping them keep a steady beat, reminding them to try it slowly before going faster... COMPLIMENT your child when they have even a little success! Communication: Check e-school for weekly progress and comments (you will need to check the 2 nd quarter and 4 th quarter to see these grades) Assist your child in maintaining their instrument

18. THE BASICS Posture! Posture! VERY IMPORTANT TO SIT OR STAND STRAIGHT with FEET FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR Proper hand/finger position SAY IT – FINGER IT – PLAY IT 1) say note names in tempo, 2) then say them while fingering the notes 3) Play in tempo AT SLOW, STEADY SPEED 4) play song faster Tone production Tone production - watch intro DVD supplied with each lesson book. Also, refer to my website where I have posted some useful YouTube links Remind your child that the basics are very important:

19. Extra Help Contact Mrs. Handfinger or Mr. Champion via email to schedule an extra help session before school.

20. Private instruction Music & Arts Center (215) 443-7880 Settlement Music School, Willow Grove Branch (215) 320-2630 or contact us for recommended local teachers

21. THANK YOU for coming! -Mr. David Champion & -Mrs. Amanda Handfinger