Tonights Agenda

1
Tonights Agenda

• Overview of instrumental music program
• -orchestra
• -band
• How you (the parent) fit in
• Home practice expectations
• Reporting student progress
• How instruments are selected/recommended
• Obtaining the right instrument
• Accessories/Supplies/Books/Stands
• Awards and Honors
• Visit Vendors and questions
• Wrap Up

2
The Cycle of a beginning instrumentalist

• September and October
• - ELATION!
• November
• Oh, this is Work!
• December
• -Yahoo! The Winter Concert!
• January
• - Oh, this is work again!

3
The Balancing Act Practice is Homework

• Homework and
  Other
• practice
  Activities

4
The Balancing Act Practice is Homework
When Problems Typically Occur!

• Homework and
• Practice
• 
  Other
• 
  Activities
• 
  

5
When do Lessons Meet?
6
How do you (the parent) fit in?

• Schedule practice times
• 12 lessons X 30 minutes 6 Hours of lesson time,
  or one school day worth of lessons before the
  first concert
• Schedule a practice place
• Practice area should be the same every session
  and include a straight chair, music stand and
  proper lighting
• Try to find a quiet area free from family
  disruption
• What to do
• Encourage your child to perform for family and
  friends
• Encourage your child to talk with you about their
  lessons
• Offer complements and acknowledge improvements

7
How do you (the parent) fit in?(cont.)

• What not to do
• -Dont use practice as a punishment
• -Dont expect rapid progress in the beginning
• -Dont take instrument away as a punishment
• What to do if your child loses interest
• -Find out why?
• -Talk to the music teacher

8
Home Practice Expectations

• 20 to 30 Minutes a day
• 5 days a week minimum
• Use a practice calendar
• Parents initial calendar weekly

9
How instruments are selected/recommended

• Use of information obtained be survey
• Balanced instrumentation
• Availability of district owned instruments
• Availability of rental instruments

10
Obtaining the Right Instrument

• Do you own one?
• Is it a good playing instrument?
• Do you want to rent one?
• What do you look for in a rental?
• New vs. used instruments
• Do they offer repairs?
• Sizes (strings)
• Insurance
• Various re-rentals and purchases plans

11
Accessories that all Students Need

• Method book
• Band will use Standard of Excellence Book 1
• Accompanying CDs and cassettes are available
• -Orchestra will use Essential Elements for
  strings Book1
• Accompanying CDs
• Music stand

12
Instrument Specific Accessories

• Orchestral Strings- rosin, extra set of strings
  and a rock stop for cellos basses
• Woodwinds- 5 extra reeds and cork grease
• Brass- Valve/slide oil and tuning slide grease
• Percussion- extra sticks

13
Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I contact my childs instrumental music
  teacher? Telephone numbers are in the brochure.
• Is it possible to change instruments? Yes!
• Should I buy or rent an instrument? Rent!
• My child plays the piano. Can he/she handle
  another instrument? Yes!
• What instruments can not ride on the bus? Bass
  Violin and Tuba
• Can my child take private lessons? Yes!

14
Questions and Visit Vendors

• THANK YOU FOR COMING!