Thomas E. Bowe School Band Parent Night Please pick up a rental agreement for reference from the back table

Things we will cover Why should my child play an instrument? Which instruments are available? –How do I get the instrument? What will be the cost involved? How much should my child practice? Techniques for good practice. Care and Maintenance of the instrument. Whats the difference between Band and Lessons? Can you be in more than one musical group? Contact Information.

Why should my child play an instrument? Enjoyment Complex mental and physical development Self-discipline / dedication Teamwork / Friendships / Socialization

Which instruments are available? –Flute –Clarinet –Saxophone –Trumpet –French Horn - Trombone - Baritone Horn - Percussion Drums Cymbals Etc……. - Mallet Percussion Xylophone Orchestra bells

Piano and guitar are not ensemble instruments. -They cant be played together in a large group. If these are the instruments in which youre interested, you will have to seek outside instruction. Why dont you teach piano or guitar?

Can you play more than one instrument? Yes and no! Piano lessons are always encouraged. It will actually help with learning a band or orchestra instrument. Playing two band or orchestra instruments is NOT recommended – too much demand on the student!

How do I get the instrument? Use instrument which you already own –Do not BUY an instrument until you know your child will stay with it!! –Do not buy a CHEAP instrument! Poor quality is difficult to play Repairs on inferior instruments are many times NOT POSSIBLE If your not sure if its a good deal, ASK ME!!!!!!!!

How do I get the instrument? Borrow a school instrument –Extremely limited number of instruments First come, First serve Parents are responsible for any damage!!!!

How do I get the instrument? Rent an instrument Rental instruments are available from a variety of music stores. Contact me for more information. Regional Music Service Delivers and services Bowe School

How do I get the instrument? Other music services – no delivery to school –Old Town Music, Turnersville –Music and Arts Center, Pennsauken –Sam Ash Music, Cherry Hill –Black Horse Music, Runnemede

Care and Maintenance of the instrument. Students should use extreme caution when assembling, disassembling, or storing the instrument. –They will be trained how to do this. NEVER leave the instrument in school –You are responsible for any damage, loss, or theft!

Care and Maintenance of the instrument. KEEP SIBLINGS AWAY FROM THE INSTRUMENT!!!!KEEP SIBLINGS AWAY FROM THE INSTRUMENT!!!! –They are not trained in the care of the instrument. The student will be. DONT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELFDONT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELF –More than likely, you will cause more damage. Send it to me and I will recommend professional repair if necessary.

What will be the cost involved? –Rental of instrument –Books –Consumable supplies For woodwind (clarinet, saxophone) –Reeds (always have at least three) –Cork grease For brass (trumpet, trombone, baritone horn) –Valve oil / slide cream –Tuning slide grease For percussion –Sticks, Practice Pad & Stand / Mallets

Mr. Foxs Convenience Store Instrument Supplies available for sale –Should be for emergency –I make no profit – my cost to you I DONT WANT YOUR BUSINESS!!! Go to a music store, please.

Parents and Practice To be effective, parents must take an ACTIVE role in the students practice! Set a scheduled time to practice Treat practice as HOMEWORK!!!! –Because it IS Homework –Call it Music Homework –Treat as just as important as math and reading homework! If you diminish its importance, your child will too! Listen to your child play –Children love to perform for their parents ALWAYS encourage – NEVER discourage –It doesnt matter if YOU dont know music – let your child teach YOU!! If they can teach it, then they know it

How much should my child practice? Practice a MINIMUM of 10 minutes every day (that includes weekends) –Consistent DAILY practice is where improvement is made; not amount of minutes. Promotes musical memory and muscle development –More than 10 minutes daily, of course, is better. Consider the childs schedule. –Check and sign your childs practice record weekly.

Techniques for good practice. Set schedule for practice time (just like homework) Practice in a room where other family members wont be disturbed (and visa versa) Use a music stand (not required but very helpful) Stand while practicing if possible –Promotes good breathing and proper posture

Techniques for good practice. Use iPas computer program and Play Along CDs which come with the book to aid in practice.

Whats the difference between Lessons and Band? Lessons are small group instruction on how to play the instrument, usually grouped with the same instrument. (during school hours) Band is a large ensemble of all of the instruments learning how to play together. This group practices and performs music for the concert. (Begins in February)

Can you be in more than one musical group? Yes. –Y–Your child can participate in Band Orchestra Chorus Chorus and Band Chorus and Orchestra See Mrs. Rominelli for info about chorus.

Contact Information. Website –See my website under Bowe School Teachers »General info »Letters to parents »Practice tips »Links to helpful websites »Calendar »Much, much more Phone ext –Voic will pick up during the school day. Please leave a message, phone #, and time to call. Mail David Fox, band director c/o Thomas E. Bowe School 7 Ruth Mancuso Lane Glassboro, NJ 08028

Thank You for all of your support