• Practice Tips for Students
• The Practice Cycle
• Tips for Parents
• Instrument Information
  • Repair
  • Supplies
    
• Lesson Schedules
• Progress Reports
• Participation
• Philosophy
• Objectives
• Playing an Instrument is More Than Music...

Forms

• Band Enrollment Form
• Orchestra Enrollment Form
• Woodwind/Brass Info Sheet
• Percussion Info Sheet
• Violin Info Sheet
• Viola, Cello, Bass Info Sheet
• 4th Grade Violin Sheet

Forms for Continuing Students

• 5th Grade Band Welcome Letter
• 6th Grade Band Welcome Letter

Summer Forms

• 2012 Summer Band & Orchestra Flyer

About Us

If you have any questions or concerns you can reach us at:

Joe Churchich, Band - Brimhall, Parkview Center
  joe.churchich@isd623.org
Aaron Freed , Band - Central Park, E.D.Williams, Falcon Heights, Little Canada
  aaron.freed@isd623.org
Susan Scott, Orchestra - Brimhall, E.D.Williams, Falcon Heights, Little Canada
  susan.scott@isd623.org
Alta Thoreson, Orchestra/Band - Central Park, Edgerton, Parkview Center
  alta.thoreson@isd623.org

Table of Contents

Elementary Band & Orchestra

Concerts/Events

2011-2012

 DATE TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION

6^th Grade District Band & Orchestra

November 14   6:30 pm Master Classes Parkview

Beginner Orchestra Demonstration Night  

November 17   6-7:30 pm Demonstration   Parkview

Roseville Area Schools Faculty Music Recital (teachers perform, students attend)

January 5 7:30 pm Faculty Recital   RAHS  

All-District Orchestra Festival (grades 4-12)

January 12 2:30-4:45 pm Rehearsal   Parkview    

January 18 2:30-4:45 pm   Rehearsal Parkview

January 19 7:00 pm Concert   RAHS

Brimhall Winter Concerts

February 27 2:30 pm School Concert Brimhall

  6:30 pm Concert   Brimhall

Central Park Winter Concerts

February 27 2:00 pm School Concert Central Park

6:30 pm Concert   Central Park

Falcon Heights Winter Concerts

February 28 2:30 pm School Concert Falcon Heights

6:30 pm Concert   Falcon Heights

Edgerton Winter Concerts

February 28 3:15 pm School Concert Edgerton

  6:30 pm Concert   Edgerton

Little Canada Winter Concerts

March 5   2:30 pm School Concert Little Canada

6:30 pm Concert   Little Canada

Parkview Grades 4-6 Winter Concerts

March 5   12:45 pm School Concert Parkview

6:30 pm   Concert   Parkview

E.D. Williams Winter Concerts

March 6   3:00 pm School Concert E.D. Williams

6:30 pm Concert   E.D. Williams

5^th Grade District Band Festival

May 18   8:00-9:30 am   Rehearsal Parkview

May 21   8:00-10:20 am   Reh/concert    Parkview

May 22   7:00 pm Concert   Parkview

6^th Grade District Band Festival

May 18   2:00-4:15 pm     Rehearsal Parkview

May 21   2:00-4:15 pm     Reh/concert   Parkview

May 22   5:30 pm Concert   Parkview

4^th, 5^th, 6^th Grade District Orchestra Festival

May 17   8:00-9:45 am   Rehearsal Edgerton

May 23   8:00-10:45 am   Reh/Concert    Edgerton

May 23   6:30 pm Concert   RAMS

Practice Tips for Students

1.  Practice often and regularly.
  •  30 minutes per day is recommended.
  •  It is often helpful to practice at the same time every day.  For example,
    before school, after school, or right after dinner.
  •  Find a time that's best for you and your family.

2.  Find a suitable place in your home to practice.
  •  Look for a place where you will not be interrupted by distractions like the phone, television, or other family activities.
  •  It is helpful to practice in front of a mirror to check posture and techniques such as correct embouchure (lips, mouth), mouthpiece   position, bow hold and instrument position .

3.  Sit up straight or stand tall and practice with a music stand.
  • This will ensure proper posture, correct breathing and instrument position.

4.  Strive for a pleasing sound.
  • Never feel discouraged about hearing unusual sounds. They are a part of the development process.

5.  Stop and work out difficult parts.
  •  Practice slowly and repeat them before playing the entire piece.  

6. Don't be discouraged by a plateau in progress or a dislike for practice once the
 "newness" has worn off.
  •  Experience has shown that, with continued effort, this cycle passes quickly.

The Practice Cycle

Tips for Parents

Your student is learning a new skill (like riding a bike). 
They will need your encouragement and support in order to succeed.

1. Be patient!!!

2. Show an interest in your child's instrumental music experience.
  •  Be supportive through frustrations, and enjoy progress together.
  •  Give your child feedback and sign the practice card/calendar.
  •  Praise your child's efforts.

3.  Encourage good practice habits.
  •  Assist your student in setting up a regular time and quiet place for practice.
  •  Encourage creative practice, such as practicing in front of a mirror.
  •  Provide a music stand.

4.  Assist in the care of the instrument.
  •  Refer to pages 2 & 3 in the Essential Elements 2000 book and DVD for detailed information.
  •  An instrument works well only when it is maintained in the best possible condition.
  •  It should be cleaned after each use and returned to its case and stored in a safe place.
  •  Repairs should be made by an experienced, qualified repair person. Check with your teacher for specific suggestions.
  •  Only your student should play the instrument, no one else.

5.  Instrumental music is both an individual and a group endeavor.
  •  Reinforce skills needed to participate as part of a group, including individual responsibility, dependability, ownership, and attention.
  •  Stress the importance of being punctual for lessons and rehearsals.
  •  Encourage faithful attendance at school and community music activities and other cultural events.

6.  Get acquainted with your child's director.
  •  Call or email whenever you have questions or concerns.

Instrument Repair

If your instrument needs repair, bring it to your director or call to ask for a recommended repair shop.  DO NOT try to fix it at home.  We work with local repair shops to ensure proper repairs.

Specific Examples:
Do not attempt to pull out a stuck mouthpiece.  Your band director has a special mouthpiece puller for the job.
Do not try to reset a bridge that has fallen. Keep the instrument flat. If the soundpost (inside the instrument) doesn't fall, the orchestra director can fix it. If the soundpost does fall, it will require a trip to the repair shop.

Supplies for Beginners

• Please refer to the forms section to see what each instrument specifically needs for supplies.

Lesson Schedules

Students are responsible for remembering their instrument and music on their scheduled day(s) each week.  Students need to attend lessons/rehearsals even if they forgot their instrument at home that day.  Students can still learn without their instrument.  Parents may need to  remind their child to bring their instrument on their scheduled lesson day(s).  If you wish, you may have a reminder of their lesson/rehearsal schedule to post at home somewhere in a highly visible location (the refrigerator usually works best)!

Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be based on academic achievement, learning related behaviors and progress.  Reports will be sent home after the first and second trimester. Your child's performance of the district festival music acts as our performance-based benchmark at the conclusion of the third trimester.

Participation

It is highly recommended that students who start in band and orchestra at the beginning of the year continue until the end of the year.  Learning a new skill takes time. Please contact the director if your child appears to be struggling or discouraged.

We encourage students to start an instrument in elementary school and continue playing through the Middle and High School levels.  Students enrolled in the instrumental music program can participate in opportunities such as Chamber Orchestra, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Solo & Ensemble Contest, Full Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Musicals, State Honor Groups & More!!!

PHILOSOPHY

ROSEVILLE AREA SCHOOLS
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY


OUR  MISSION:  To develop young musicians whose knowledge, competency, sensitivity and aesthetic awareness will create the foundation for lifelong enjoyment of music.

OUR VISION:  We believe playing an instrument in the Roseville Area Schools can be a valuable and rewarding experience for our young musicians when...

Students have a vision of themselves as competent musicians in pursuit of a life-long relationship with music.  This can occur when:
 a.  the instrumental staff acts as positive role models.
 b.  the instrumental staff knows and applies master pedagogy.
 c.  music is valued and appreciated by:  classroom teachers, administrators, peers, parents, and the community at large.
 d.  students can experience success on a variety of levels:  lessons, solos, ensembles, and large group performances with balanced instrumentation.
 e.  students hear quality performances at all levels.
 f. the instrumental music program is coordinated grades 4-12.
 g.  students are appropriately placed on their instrument.
 h.  students have the opportunity to play and sing at all levels.

Students are self-directed learners.  This can occur when:
 a.  students are guided by a sequential 4th/5th through 12th grade curriculum that allows for ongoing assessment by both students and teachers.
 b.  students take responsibility for their own growth by practicing regularly.
 c.  students regularly attend lessons and rehearsals.
 d.  students learn to evaluate and reflect upon their own and others' performances.
 e.  students can work through performance challenges.

Students value the team effort required to perform successfully in both small and large ensembles.  This can occur when:
 a.  students take responsibility for learning their individual musical part.
 b.  students understand the role and relationship of their part to the whole.
 c.  students and teachers become emotionally involved with the rehearsal and performance.
 d.  students and teachers have respect for individual learning style and pace.
 e.  students follow the leadership of the conductor or designated ensemble leader.
 
Students learn in a safe and create climate.  This can occur when students and teachers:
 a.  foster cooperation, respect, and a sense of belonging.
 b. promote self-esteem, success, and risk-taking.
 c.  encourage the appreciation and enjoyment of music.

Objectives (Based on the National Music Standards)

I. Students perform on instruments, alone and with others a varied repertoire of music.

• Technique - perform with good posture, correct hand position, correct embouchure, good breath support, bowing and stick control and the instrument in proper alignment with the body.
• Tone - perform with a tone characteristic of the instrument.
• Rhythm - Perform with a secure pulse and rhythmic accuracy on whole, half, quarter, eighth, dotted half notes, triplets, sixteenth, compound rhythms and corresponding rests.  Percussionists also perform beginning rudiments (flams, paradiddle, and multiple bounce roll).
• Meter - Demonstrate the ability to read/perform in duple and triple meters (2/4, 3/4, 4/4).

II. Perform expressively a varied repertoire of music representing diverse genres and styles.

• Interpretation - demonstrate an understanding of dynamics and contrasts as indicated in a score.  Use breathing, articulation, dynamics, and balance to show phrasing.

III. Perform in groups.

• Performance - play alone and with a group in unison and in polyphony.
• Intonation - demonstrate the ability to compare pitches.

IV. Improvise melodies, variations and accompaniments.

• Improvisation - improvise answers, accompaniments, variations, and embellishments on familiar melodies.

V. Group Skills

• Attendance - attend lessons and large group rehearsals on time with instrument and music. 
• Behavior/Attitude - listens and follows instructions.  Listens to other play individually or in a group.  Encourages others.  Takes care of instrument properly.  
• Practice - adequately prepares music at home.

Playing An Instrument
is More Than
Music....


Teamwork
Playing an instrument in Band or Orchestra teaches students to coordinate their
individual abilities into one central effort.  It gives them a feeling of group loyalty and
a sense of belonging.

Self-Discipline
Playing an instrument teaches responsibility.  Emphasis is placed on following
instructions and students develop a sense of their role in group achievement.

Personal Achievement
Meeting and overcoming challenges is one of the single most rewarding
experiences of playing an instrument.  Orchestra and Band both provide
opportunities for students to grow musically and learn to reach their goals.

Respect for the Arts
Participating in Band or Orchestra encourages respect for great artistic
achievement.  It also teaches aesthetic values and an awareness of the beauty in
music and the arts.

Making Friends
Students in Orchestra and Band are a special group of young people.  Working
together as a team develops strong bonds that can become lasting friendships.

Self Confidence
The sense of personal worth that students achieve from creating music
together can stay with a student the rest of his/her life.  Many prominent
persons point to early music training as an important part of their upbringing.

Enjoying School
For many students, playing in the Band or Orchestra is the highlight of their school
day.  The pleasure they get from seeing their friends, having fun performing together
and working toward a common goal becomes a big part of their success in school.

Enhancing Academic Performance
Research indicates that participation in music enhances academic performance.

LINKS

• Hal Leonard Publishing (EE2000 Book 2)
• Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 Accompaniment Tracks
• Online Tuner
• Online Metronome
  
• Flute Trainer
• Clarinet Trainer
• Oboe Trainer
• Bassoon Trainer
• Note Trainer
• Brass Trainer
  
• Yamaha Advantage
• Smart Music
• The Woodwind/Brasswind
• Veritas Musical Instrument Rental
• Cadenza Music
• Eckroth Music
• Groth Music Co.
• Music Go Round
• Schmitt Music
• Allegro Con Brio
    Community orchestra which presents historically informed performances.
• Bloomington Symphony Orchestra
    Community orchestra concerts - free or low cost.
• Minnesota Orchestra
    Professional orchestra
• Minnesota Sinfonia
    Professional orchestra - all concerts are free.
• Mississippi Valley Orchestra
    This is the orchestra Alta Thoreson plays in - free or low cost.
• Quinn Violins
    Good place for discounted supplies.
• Roseville String Ensemble
    This is the ensemble Chris Jannings plays in. Local community concerts free or low cost.
• St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
    Professional orchestra
• University of Minnesota Orchestra
    Great, free concerts - go to news & events.
• Wayzata Symphony Orchestra
    Community orchestra concerts - free or low cost at the Wayzata Community Church
• 
  

  Recordings to be used for educational purposes only.  No duplication or commercial distribution allowed.

  Fifth Grade District Band Music

  Cool Cat Shuffle

  Gettysburg (A Civil War Portrait)

  March Ceremonial

  Nottingham Castle

  Latin Fiesta

  Sixth Grade District Band Music

  Tu Ungane

  Latinesque

  Two Minute Symphony

  Primodium

  March Zuma

Table of Contents