1. Mike Caple, VPA Coordinator Rachel Kos, Teacher Andy Loretz, Teacher Collin T. Smith, Teacher

2. Welcome  Past 2 weeks Instrument demonstrations Students tried each instrument  Recommendations Sent home with every 3 rd grader  You choose  Return Final Registration Form tonight or main office by July 1

3. Why play an instrument?  Fun and rewarding  Helps with other subjects  Challenge yourself  Make new friends  Travel the world-NYC, England, Disney, D.C.

4. Overview  This is a FULL YEAR commitment  30 minute lesson once per week During school No cost  Band/Orchestra 1 day per week before school, 8am  Winter and Spring concert  Graded? Assessment will be provided with report cards

5. Which instruments can we choose from?  Woodwinds Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone  Brass Trumpet, Baritone, Trombone  Percussion Snare Drum and Bells  Strings Violin, Viola, Cello

6. Endangered Instruments Baritone Trombone Viola Cello If any of these instruments were written as our #1 or #2 recommended instrument on the letter you received, we HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you to choose them. Help!

7. Choosing an Instrument Successful Methods  It was recommended.  I’m able to make a sound right away.  I like the sound of it.  It feels comfortable. Less Successful  It looks cool!  My friends are doing it!  My older brother/sister played it.  That instrument is for girls!  That instrument is for boys!

8. Note on Percussion  Percussion includes drum pad AND bells  Students do not have a choice, they MUST do both This is NOT what they will be learning (yet): This IS:

9. 97.2% of those who quit, do so as a result of not practicing. Success breeds success.  Excuses we heard this year: “I had soccer.” “I was playing video games.” “It bothers my dog.” “I forgot.” “I didn’t have any time.” “My neighbors don’t like the noise.” “I had to go to the movies.” “Our bathroom was being remodeled.” “We got a new bunny.” “We got a new puppy.”

10. What do we need to get?  Instrument  Lesson book  Music stand  Accessories Cleaning materials Reeds, strings,  Recommended Metronome Staff paper

11. How do we get an instrument?  Rent (recommended) $25-$57 per month rent-to-own program with Goulet and Co.  Purchase Be very careful  Loan VPA has a limited number of instruments to loan free of charge by application only  Find Family-owned instrument that is in WORKING condition

12. Note on Purchasing Instruments  Department stores are NOT practical options  Please do not purchase a red/orange/yellow/green/blue/indigo/violet colored instrument  Stick to name brands  Please ask before purchasing if you are unsure

13. Practicing Playing an instrument is very rewarding, but it is hard work. The more students practice, the faster they will improve, more confident they will feel, and more fun they will have.  20-30 minutes 5 out of 7 nights minimum  Quiet, uninterrupted area  Getting into a routine works best  Correct posture, music stand, etc.

14. Commitment  FULL YEAR commitment  Students usually cannot tell whether they will have success on an instrument in just a few weeks of playing  Exit paperwork  Students WILL learn perseverance and persistence  Later music opportunities include: jazz bands, marching band, pit orchestra for musicals, percussion ensemble, trips, All- Town, and many more!

15. Summer Music Program  July 7-18, 9am-1pm  Head start  Scholarships available  Registration forms available tonight

16. What’s next?  Choose 1 instrument  Sign-up! Tonight or by end of school year July 1 deadline ASAP in order to ensure a lesson slot Extra Final Registration Forms available tonight  Instrument Rental Night September 3, 6pm PNHS

17. QUESTIONS? Mike Caple, VPA Coordinator mcaple@plymouth.k12.ma.us 508-830-4469 Rachel Kos, Teacher (FFES, WES) rkos@plymouth.k12.ma.us 508-591-5560 Andy Loretz, Teacher (CSES, HES, IBES, NMES) aloretz@plymouth.k12.ma.us 508-591-5944 Collin Smith, Teacher (MES, SES) ctsmith@plymouth.k12.ma.us 508-591-0858

18. PLEASE JOIN US IN THE CAFETERIA FOR ICE CREAM FORMS ARE AVAILBLE IN CAFÉ AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS