OMS Band Information Night

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OMS Band Information Night

• Presented by
• Mr. Luce and Mr. Chongris

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Objective

• You should leave tonights meeting with all of
  the information necessary to
• Make an informed decision
• Sign up
• Order instrument and book
• Contact Mr. Luce should any other questions arise
  (440-349-7707 or rluce_at_solonboe.org) or Mr.
  Chongris (x5606 or achongris_at_solonboe.org)

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Why should my child participate in the band
program?
Your Childs Benefits
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Did you know?
Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the
undergraduate majors of medical school
applicants. He found that 66 of music majors who
applied to medical school were admitted, the
highest percentage of any group. Forty-four
percent (44) of biochemistry majors were
admitted. -The Case for Music in the Schools.
Phi Delta Kappan, February 1994.
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What does the Band program consist of?
At Orchard Middle School

• Each week your child will participate in
• One 40 minute homogenous sectional
• One 40 minute full band rehearsal
• Every six (6) school days your child will have a
  small group (lt8), homogenous lesson with one of
  the directors
• The full group plays two (2) concerts a year
  (January 22 and June 3).

At Home

• Everyday your child should
• Play their instrument for at least 20 minutes
• Review the pages assigned in the lesson book
• Log their practice time on their practice record

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Who are the lessons teachers?
Mr. Luce
Mr. Chongris
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What instruments are offered in the 5th Grade?

• Woodwinds
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Oboe
• Bassoon
• Denotes an instrument that requires a student
  with excellent work habits and motivation

• Brass
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• French Horn
• Baritone
• Tuba

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Where can I get an instrument?
There are 4 local music stores with whom we do
business.

• Academy Music Company
• Educators Music Company
• Motters Music House
• Rettig Music
• Musicians Repair Service

You are not limited to these stores, feel free to
shop around.
- Flyers are available from these stores by the
door.
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Advice about selecting a music store Make sure
you read and research all facets of their
program. It is similar to purchasing a car, read
the small print and compare apples to
apples. Choose the store that you are most
comfortable with.
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Please be wary of an instrument bought from large
discount stores. There has been an influx of
poorly made instruments from far East that these
large stores are marketing as disposable. Most
repair shops cannot repair these instruments
because they are so poorly made or do not have
spare parts available in the US. We have also
seen a large number of less-than-adequate
instruments for sale via the internet market. If
you are unsure of the instruments quality, ask
Mr. Luce or Mr. Chongris for help.
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Do you already own an Instrument?Great, then do
the following to ensure a successful band
experience

• Professionally cleaned and inspected
• Case for protection
• Mr. Chongris or Mr. Luce examine it and help
  suggest a course of action. Call us at 349-7707
  or 349-7757 ext 5606

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What do I need to do when I leave here tonight?

• Talk instrument options with child. Make after
  school appointment if unsure.
• Read flyers/information from music stores.
• Fill out the Band sign-up Form completely
• Remember this is the time to enter your child
  into either the percussion or saxophone
  evaluative process, if they arent sure sign them
  up anyways.
• Send completed sign-up form to school.
• You can download a copy of the Band Sign-up Form
  from http//solonschools.org/ click on Orchard
  and Mr. Luce.
• The first day of band is September 22

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What can I do to help my child achieve their full
potential?

• Be supportive
• Be consistent
• Show interest in how they are progressing.
• Give them a comfortable, quiet place to
  practice (not the garage).
• Communicate with the lessons teachers
  regularly.
• Use SmartMusic for home practice help.
• Remember most children do not like to practice.
• If your child has to be told to do homework,
  he/she will have to be told to practice. You can
  help make the difference between success and
  failure.

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What is SmartMusic?

• Smartmusic is a software program that allows your
  child to perform into a microphone and receive
  immediate feedback about pitch and rhythm.
• Smartmusic has our Standard of Excellence book
  programmed into it.
• Smartmusic allows for advanced students to move
  at their own pace.

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Some students need extra attention. A great way
to help your child accelerate their progress is
through an outside private lesson. If you would
like more information, please put a note on your
childs sign-up form and we will get you a copy
of our approved list of teachers or download a
copy from the Solon Schools website,
http//solonschools.org
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What if my child wants to play in the orchestra
and band?
Great! The music staff works together to give
students this option. Your child MUST take a
private lesson on either their band instrument or
their orchestra instrument outside of school.
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Mission of the Solon Band Program
The goal of the Solon Band Program is to provide
the best possible learning environment in which
students can come to develop skills through
musical study which will enable them to become
productive, positive contributors to the band,
the school and the community.
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The saxophone and percussion are not instruments
that we start in beginning band. Your child must
start on an approved instrument and will be
evaluated with all the other candidates. For
more information grab a FAQ sheet by the door.
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Contact Mr. Luce or Mr. Chongris with any
questions Mr. Luce 440-349-7707 or
rluce_at_solonboe.org Mr. Chongris 440-349-7757 ext
5606 Thank you for coming and please drive
safely.