Woodwind Exercises
Method Books
All students are required to purchase Accent on Achievement book 3 for their specific instrument. See our "Local sources for supplies" heading below for recommendations on where to acquire it.
Practicing
Specific assignments are given each week, and students are expected to make every effort to practice regularly. As with any sport, practice is an essential component of consistent progress and achievement for both the individual and the collective. Please remember that "rehearsing" as we do in class at school is distinct from "practicing". A unique set of skills and goals will be pursued in each of those forums. 7th and 8th grade students should strive to practice for 20-30 minutes, 3 days a week, with specific goals in mind. Those goals can be easily aligned with the current units of study outlined during ensemble at school. Your progress and development will be clear and strong as a result, and this individual success will allow the ensemble to pursue greater and more satisfying challenges!
- practice strategies coming soon -
- practice strategies coming soon -
Junior District Info
MMEA Northeast Junior District Audition and Scale Requirements. This is essentially an "all-star" band comprised of the best students in the Northeast corner of Massachusetts. Acceptance is by audition only, and is open to all 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. I strongly encourage ALL interested students to participate. Please see me with questions and to get started. AUDITION MUSIC ARRIVES IN SEPTEMBER EACH YEAR. Follow these links to watch video footage of the event: REHEARSAL - CHORUS - CONCERT BAND - JAZZ BAND - ORCHESTRA
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, 7th grade saxophone and clarinet players will find success with size 2.5 or 3, while 8th graders are typically ready to move up to size 3 or even 3.5. 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 middle school instrumentalists are Rico Royal and Vandoren (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.
Links and Online Resources
Music Camps, Scholarships, and Enrichment Programs
Local and Online Sources for Supplies
K & C Music Company
273 Lenox St. Norwood, MA 02062 781-769-6520 http://www.kandcmusicco.com Music and Arts 300 Andover St. Peabody, MA 01960 978-532-3380 |
The Music Workshop
370 South Broadway Salem, NH 03079 603-893-1544 www.mymusicworkshop.com Johnson Strings 11 John Street Newton Center, MA 02459 617 964-0954 www.johnsonstring.com |
Sheet Music Plus
www.sheetmusicplus.com Amazon www.amazon.com Southwest Strings www.swstrings.com Shar Music (Strings) www.sharmusic.com/ |
Repairs and Maintenance
If you are currently RENTING your instrument, you are likely entitled to complimentary servicing under your insurance agreement. In that case, please contact your rental company directly to coordinate the repair. It is imperative that you insist on a loaner instrument to be used while your instrument is away, as most of these companies have a 1-2 week turnaround for repairs. You will likely be asked to leave the instrument in the main office of the school. Please let us know if you experience any issues.
If you OWN your instrument, or are no longer covered under your rental insurance agreement, we highly recommend Chris Himmel of HimmelMusik. He is conveniently located in Amesbury, but will also coordinate a school pickup/drop off if necessary. His turnaround time is typically 1-2 days, so a loaner is not necessary. He should be contacted directly at 978-857-5840 or [email protected]
If you are BORROWING a school-owned instrument, please bring the issue to our attention and we will coordinate any necessary repairs.
If you OWN your instrument, or are no longer covered under your rental insurance agreement, we highly recommend Chris Himmel of HimmelMusik. He is conveniently located in Amesbury, but will also coordinate a school pickup/drop off if necessary. His turnaround time is typically 1-2 days, so a loaner is not necessary. He should be contacted directly at 978-857-5840 or [email protected]
If you are BORROWING a school-owned instrument, please bring the issue to our attention and we will coordinate any necessary repairs.
Purchasing a New or Used Instrument or Mouthpiece
Vendors of both used and new instruments often have agendas, and will push you toward instruments, mouthpieces, and accessories that might not be the right fit for your child! We know our students abilities and needs better than store sales people and website representatives. Please do not make purchases without discussing your intentions with us first. Once armed with the most viable options and recommendations we can provide, you will be far better equipped to make a smart purchase that will serve your child well and offer a solid investment.
Instruments are usually offered in three categories: student, intermediate, and professional. Student model instruments are usually most appropriate for students up through middle school. Intermediate models are usually most appropriate for students in middle school up through high school. Professional models are usually most appropriate for serious high school students and those continuing their study into college. Notice that there is overlap in the appropriateness of the three models. This is always a decision that needs to be made with a specific student in mind.
Here are our recommended makes and models. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Instruments are usually offered in three categories: student, intermediate, and professional. Student model instruments are usually most appropriate for students up through middle school. Intermediate models are usually most appropriate for students in middle school up through high school. Professional models are usually most appropriate for serious high school students and those continuing their study into college. Notice that there is overlap in the appropriateness of the three models. This is always a decision that needs to be made with a specific student in mind.
Here are our recommended makes and models. Please let us know if you have any questions.
STUDENT MODEL SAXOPHONES
Yamaha 23 (YAS – alto, YTS – tenor, YBS – bari) Yamaha 4C mouthpiece INTERMEDIATE MODEL SAXOPHONES Yamaha 52 (YAS – alto, YTS – tenor, YBS – bari) Yanagisawa 901 PROFESSIONAL MODEL SAXOPHONES Yamaha 62 (YAS – alto, YTS – tenor, YBS – bari) Selmer Super Action 80 Series II or Series III Yanagisawa 991 |
STUDENT MODEL CLARINETS
Yamaha YCL-255 INTERMEDIATE MODEL CLARINETS Buffet E11 (wood) Buffet E12F (replaces the old E11 – wood) Buffet B12 (plastic upgrade from student level instrument) PROFESSIONAL MODEL CLARINETS Buffet R13 (wood) MOUTHPIECE UPGRADES Clarinet: B45 Vandoren mouthpiece (the regular one--there are several b45 options) Saxophone: Rousseau 4R, Selmer S80D |
Used Instrument Vendors:
Ebay
Craig’s List
One Man Band - [email protected]
Rayburn’s Music - www.rayburnmusic.com
Albert Alphin Winds - preferred vendor for all intermediate or professional clarinets - www.aawinds.com
New Instrument Vendors:
Woodwind and Brasswind - www.wwbw.com
Rayburn’s Music - www.rayburnmusic.com
Albert Alphin Winds - preferred vendor for all intermediate or professional clarinets - www.aawinds.com
Ebay
Craig’s List
One Man Band - [email protected]
Rayburn’s Music - www.rayburnmusic.com
Albert Alphin Winds - preferred vendor for all intermediate or professional clarinets - www.aawinds.com
New Instrument Vendors:
Woodwind and Brasswind - www.wwbw.com
Rayburn’s Music - www.rayburnmusic.com
Albert Alphin Winds - preferred vendor for all intermediate or professional clarinets - www.aawinds.com