1.  Do I need to get an instrument for my child? YES (see back).  Do I need to buy the method book? YES (see back for where to buy)  What are instrument specific materials? They are required materials that keep the instrument working! WOODWINDS (Flutes, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bari Saxophone, and Oboe) Clarinets, Saxophones, and Oboes=3 working reeds with them at all times. Clarinets, Saxophones, and Oboes= Cork Grease BRASS (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba) Mouthpiece Valve oil (except Trombones which need slide grease and a small spray bottle.) PERCUSSION (Drums, Xylophones, etc) Bell Kit and Drum Practice Pad (required) Snare Drum Sticks and Xylophone Mallets (The school will provide these for class but they will need their own pair for home practice.) ORCHESTRA STRINGS (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) Extra Strings AND Rosin REQUIRED MATERIALS 6th Grade Band-Accent on Achievement-Book 1 7 th Grade Band -Accent on Achievement-Book 2 8 th Grade Band-Essential TECHNIQUE 2000 Book 3 6th Grade ORCHESTRA-Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Book 1 7 th Grade ORCHESTRA- Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Book 2 8th Grade ORCHESTRA- Essential TECHNIQUE 2000 Book 3 6th Grade Band-Accent on Achievement-Book 1 7 th Grade Band -Accent on Achievement-Book 2 8 th Grade Band-Essential TECHNIQUE 2000 Book 3 6th Grade ORCHESTRA-Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Book 1 7 th Grade ORCHESTRA- Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Book 2 8th Grade ORCHESTRA- Essential TECHNIQUE 2000 Book 3 Method Book

2. Common Questions: ARE BAND AND ORCHESTRA CLASSES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY: Yes. DO STUDENTS HAVE TO CARRY THEIR INSTRUMENTS AROUND ALL DAY? No, the music room has lockers and is open before and after school. DO STUDENTS WHO PLAY LARGE INSTRUMENTS HAVE TO CARRY THEM TO SCHOOL? No, Tuba, Baritone, Cello, and String Bass students typically rent a school instrument to play at home and are provided with another one to play during class. That way they only need to carry their mouthpiece and their music back and forth between home and school. WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO PLAY BY THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL? We will spend class time talking about their options during the 1 st week. CAN STUDENTS SWITCH INSTRUMENTS? Yes. If your child starts on one instrument and struggles with it hey can try another one in the first semester. IF THEY SIGN UP FOR BAND or ORCHESTRA DO THEY AUTOMATICALLY GET THE CLASS? Yes, always. The music programs do not limit their numbers of students. DOES THE SCHOOL LIMIT THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ALLOWED TO PLAY EACH INSTRUMENT? No. The more the merrier but we are always looking for students to play trombone, baritone, tuba, French horn and tenor saxophone.. (The only exception is percussion which we have to limit due to the amount of instruments we have to play in class). DO PERCUSSIONISTS JUST PLAY DRUMS? No., Percussionists will be expected to practice and play marimba, xylophone, bells, snare and base drum, timpani, and small percussion instruments such as maracas, tambourine, guiros, triangles,etc. The marimba, xylophone, and bells are practiced on their bell kits at home. The drums are practiced on their drum kit practice pads. In 6 th grade, the students are required to start on the mallet instruments and pass a test to go onto the snare drums. (The bars are not lettered, like in elementary, so if a student practices, this can be done within the first 2 months.) After that they rotate between all instruments for each song in 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grades. WILL MY CHILD HAVE HOMEWORK? Yes, in the form of practicing their instrument. They will quickly fall behind if they do not practice at home. HOW MUCH WILL MY CHILD NEED TO PRACTICE? We recommend a minimum of 100 minutes per week. DO THE BANDS AND ORCHESTRAS HAVE AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS? Yes. One concert around November and one around April. PLEASE READ & SIGN THE CONTRACT AND CONTACT INFORMATION SHEET. HOW DO I GET AN INSTRUMENT FOR MY CHILD? Rent an instrument from a local music company. These instruments are typical of good quality, are covered by insurance that comes with the rental agreement, is repaired at little or no cost to the renter, and almost always comes with a rent to buy option. (Percussionists are required to rent a bell kit with a snare drum practice pad.) Using a family owned instrument. These can be a great option but have them checked out first to make sure they are in good working condition. If not, they cause more frustration to the student than they are worth. Buy used or new. Buying an instrument can cost less than renting up front. Again, have them checked out first and beware of the “bargain” instrument, especially those sold online. You may end up paying more in repairs in the long run or end up with an instrument that does not work at all. Renting from the school for a low one-time fee. School instruments are the cheapest option but the downfalls are that the school has a limited supply of instruments and they are often old and worn. Local Music Companies Music & Arts 480-898-1499 Milano Music 480-827-1111 The Music Store 480-831-9691 Tempe Music 480-970-3378 *Don’t forget to ask if insurance is included! STUDENTS NEED THEIR INSTRUMENTS THE 2ND WEEK OF SCHOOL! Jane Barbe Email: jbarbe@kyrene.org Website: www.kyrene.org/staff/jbarbe