Instrumental Music Lessons
Instrument lessons are given weekly in groups arranged by instrument and grade. During each 45 minute lesson, students learn basic musical skills such as reading musical notation, playing simple melodies, performing as part of a group and alone, and other skills pertaining directly to each instrument.
Lessons will be offered on the following instruments:
Band (grades 4-6): flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion
Strings (grade 4-6): violin, viola, cello
Students who participate in the Instrumental Music Program are expected to devote time to regular home practice. Each student’s progress will be evaluated, and parents will receive a Progress Report three times each year.
In addition to lessons, each student that enrolls in the instrumental program will participate in either band (band instruments) or orchestra (string instruments.) These ensembles meet weekly for a 45-minute rehearsal.
All students are expected to participate in two concerts- a Winter Concert in December and Band Jamboree/Strings Concert in May. Each of these concerts will have an evening rehearsal that students must attend the week prior.
Please see the calendar page for this year's specific concert dates.
All students are expected to bring their instrument, music folder, and a pencil to each lesson.
LESSON BOOKS
Students are responsible for acquiring the appropriate lesson book for their instrument and grade. Several vendors are listed on the "Local sources for books, reeds, and supplies" page under the Elementary Schools menu above. Students should plan to have this book in their possession by the first lesson of the year. Here is the breakdown:
Band students
4th and 5th grade BAND students need Accent on Achievement book 1 for their specific instrument.
6th grade BAND students need Accent on Achievement Book 2 for their specific instrument.
String students
4th and 5th grade STRING students need the ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 2000 Book 1 for their specific instrument.
6th grade STRING students need the ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 2000 Book 2 for their specific instrument.
PRACTICING
Specific assignment are given each week, and students are expected to make practicing part of their daily routine. Beginners should plan to practice at least 10 minutes. By 6th grade, students should plan to practice 15-20 minutes each day. Obviously that is not always practical, but every effort should be made to reach that goal. Each lesson book includes a practice log to fill out should you find that helpful. Students can write in their specific assignment(s) and keep track of how many minutes they spend practicing each day of the week between lessons. We ask parents to stay involved with their son or daughter's efforts. Band Karate and sticker challenges throughout the year will allow students to demonstrate their mastery of specific assignments and earn fun prizes!
REEDS
Reed selection is a very personal and subjective decision. They are sized according to instrument and thickness - the higher the number, the thicker and therefore more resistant the reed. In general, 4th and 5th grade saxophone and clarinet players will find success with size 2, while 6th grade players are typically ready to move up to size 2.5. Any time a student makes the transition between sizes, they can expect a period of adjustment during which the new reed seems too resistant and the old reed too free blowing. If that period lasts longer than a few weeks, it is likely that the switch was made prematurely and the student should return to the old reeds. The most practical brands for elementary instrumentalists are Rico and Rico Royal (a bit nicer quality). Reeds are delicate and break frequently as students learn to handle them, so it's best to invest in a box of reeds for your child to keep in their instrument case. Please see Mr. Schumacher with any questions or concerns.
Lessons will be offered on the following instruments:
Band (grades 4-6): flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion
Strings (grade 4-6): violin, viola, cello
Students who participate in the Instrumental Music Program are expected to devote time to regular home practice. Each student’s progress will be evaluated, and parents will receive a Progress Report three times each year.
In addition to lessons, each student that enrolls in the instrumental program will participate in either band (band instruments) or orchestra (string instruments.) These ensembles meet weekly for a 45-minute rehearsal.
All students are expected to participate in two concerts- a Winter Concert in December and Band Jamboree/Strings Concert in May. Each of these concerts will have an evening rehearsal that students must attend the week prior.
Please see the calendar page for this year's specific concert dates.
All students are expected to bring their instrument, music folder, and a pencil to each lesson.
LESSON BOOKS
Students are responsible for acquiring the appropriate lesson book for their instrument and grade. Several vendors are listed on the "Local sources for books, reeds, and supplies" page under the Elementary Schools menu above. Students should plan to have this book in their possession by the first lesson of the year. Here is the breakdown:
Band students
4th and 5th grade BAND students need Accent on Achievement book 1 for their specific instrument.
6th grade BAND students need Accent on Achievement Book 2 for their specific instrument.
String students
4th and 5th grade STRING students need the ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 2000 Book 1 for their specific instrument.
6th grade STRING students need the ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 2000 Book 2 for their specific instrument.
PRACTICING
Specific assignment are given each week, and students are expected to make practicing part of their daily routine. Beginners should plan to practice at least 10 minutes. By 6th grade, students should plan to practice 15-20 minutes each day. Obviously that is not always practical, but every effort should be made to reach that goal. Each lesson book includes a practice log to fill out should you find that helpful. Students can write in their specific assignment(s) and keep track of how many minutes they spend practicing each day of the week between lessons. We ask parents to stay involved with their son or daughter's efforts. Band Karate and sticker challenges throughout the year will allow students to demonstrate their mastery of specific assignments and earn fun prizes!
REEDS
Reed selection is a very personal and subjective decision. They are sized according to instrument and thickness - the higher the number, the thicker and therefore more resistant the reed. In general, 4th and 5th grade saxophone and clarinet players will find success with size 2, while 6th grade players are typically ready to move up to size 2.5. Any time a student makes the transition between sizes, they can expect a period of adjustment during which the new reed seems too resistant and the old reed too free blowing. If that period lasts longer than a few weeks, it is likely that the switch was made prematurely and the student should return to the old reeds. The most practical brands for elementary instrumentalists are Rico and Rico Royal (a bit nicer quality). Reeds are delicate and break frequently as students learn to handle them, so it's best to invest in a box of reeds for your child to keep in their instrument case. Please see Mr. Schumacher with any questions or concerns.
Resources
Trombone slide position and overtone series
Trumpet overtone series Flute fingering chart Clarinet fingering chart Saxophone fingering chart Staff paper Metronome online ***YouTube Listening Channel*** Clarinet HIGH note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Clarinet LOW note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Clarinet 4th grade note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Saxophone HIGH note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Saxophone LOW note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Saxophone 4th grade note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Flute HIGH note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Flute LOW note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT Flute 4th grade note practice IDENTIFY • CONSTRUCT |