1. Welcome to the Instrumental Music Parent Information Meeting Mr. Thompson Instrumental Music Director Courtesy Tone Deaf Comics To download this Power Point, go to http://westminsterelemband.weebly.com http://westminsterelemband.weebly.com and click on the “4 th Grade Signup Information” link.

2. The Instrumental Music Department at WES Beginning Band Intermediate Band Beginning Orchestra Intermediate Orchestra

3. Instruments Offered at WES Flute Clarinet Oboe Alto Saxophone Trumpet French Horn Trombone Baritone Violin Viola Cello Double Bass Percussion (Bells, Drum)

4. Instrumental Music Signup Signup forms will go home Friday and are due Friday 9/18 Students will need to make a 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd choice. Most 1 st choices will be given, but some 2 nd choices will be needed to keep the group balanced (ESPECIALLY PERCUSSION!!!)

5. Instrument Assignment Instrument assignments and supply lists will go home after school on Friday, 9/18. Please DO NOT purchase an instrument prior to receiving your instrument assignment. Lessons begin on Tuesday, 9/29

6. How Does Band and Orchestra Work? Instrumental Music is a “Pull Out” class. Students Meet two times each week for ½ hour. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis Band students will meet for a 3 rd time each week during specials for Full Band rehearsal later in the year to prepare for concerts

7. Lesson Schedules (Printed an available in the band room to students on the Wednesday before the beginning of schedule)

8. Instrument Assignment and Supplies List

9. When Searching for an Instrument: Go to one of the local music stores. It is HIGHLY recommended that you AVOID NON-MUSIC STORES!!! Rent. Do not buy.

10. Westminster Music Stores Coffey Music – 31 W. Main St. Menchey Music (Formerly Stu’s Music Shop) – 723 Baltimore Blvd – Rt. 140 East just past Ben’s Rental These music stores will have our supply list on file and know EXACTLY what you need

11. Practice Records (90 minutes per week is recommended) “Grading” Scale 80-90 = A70-79 = B 60-69 = C50-59 = D 49 & below = NI(Needs Improvement)

12. Progress Reports

13. Students are RESPONSIBLE for making up missed work due to lessons! participation is a privilege! extra burden placed on classroom and special area teachers “music buddies”

14. Preparing For Your Child’s First Lesson DO NOT play or assemble the instrument until your child comes to his/her first lesson. Have both the instrument and book in school for the first lesson. We will play on the first day! Instruments can be stored either in the band room on the instrument storage shelves (preferred), in the classrooms, or in lockers (flutes and clarinets)

15. OUR SCHOOL WILL NOT REPLACE LOST OR STOLEN INSTRUMENTS!!! Consider adding any instruments you rent or purchase to your homeowners’ insurance policy.

16. If your child’s instrument is in need of a repair... bring it to school and have Mr. Thompson look at it first return it to the music store for repair (rental agreement) ask for the use of a “Loaner” instrument

17. Cleaning Your Instrument “…to put in the bathtub or not to put in the bathtub…” Brass – YES! Woodwinds – NO!

18. What can YOU do to help your child succeed? be sure your child is prepared on lesson days provide your child with a good, quality instrument and have needed repairs done as soon as possible encourage a daily practice routine ~ practice should be done in the same place at the same time each day invest a few dollars in a music stand ~ this promotes good posture and breath support

19. show your interest and praise your child’s efforts; have your child “teach” you what he/she has learned show resolve by encouraging a realistic commitment to the instrument be PATIENT!!!! provide an opportunity to hear concerts in our community ~ music can be a lifelong endeavor

20. 2015-2016 Concert Dates: Winter Concerts Night Concert: Tues., Dec 15, 2015, 7:00 PM at WES Day Concert: Wed., Dec 23, 2014, at WES Spring Concerts Night Concert: Wed., May 25, 2016, 7:00 PM at WES Day Concert: Wed. May 25, afternoon at WES We ask that all friends, family, and community members interested in attending our music concerts to please attend the EVENING concerts.

21. Evening Concert Dress Code Boys: White button shirt or polo shirt, black pants, dark shoes. Tie is optional Girls: White blouse or polo shirt, dark pants or skirt at least knee length, dark shoes Day Concerts: School Clothes

22. If you ever have any questions or concerns, or if your child gets discouraged, please contact me! 410-751-3222 blthomp@carrollk12.org WES Instrumental Music Website: http://westminsterelemband.weebly.com