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The most commonly asked question for first time band students is, what instrument do I choose? When I was a first year student (many, many years ago) I had a gap between my front teeth and wanted to choose flute. The teacher at the time suggested clarinet might be better for that gap. I'm fairly certain she just wanted some clarinet players, rather than a room full of flutists. When Harold started, we chose the clarinet because I had one, I think. That's a while back as well. Anecdotes aside our first suggestion is to ask the student what interests them the most. This is because we feel interest is what will drive them to try harder. There are, however, certain physical needs that may inform your choice. For example, the trombone requires a fairly decent arm reach, larger instruments require strength of arms and lungs to have a successful outcome. Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba etc.) require a decent ear (ability to carry a tune). All of this will not slow down a student with a strong desire to play the instrument of his or her choice. Another way to choose is to visit the local music store (Long and McQuade) and try some out. Also, remember that no instrument is easy to begin with, they all take time and discipline to master. The attached picture shows the instruments taught by our current curriculum. We have taken some violin students as long as they are willing to work with their private teacher on the skills necessary to them. This year we are hoping to make violin more accessible so feel free to ask about that. 
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We recognize that homeschoolers have busy schedules and we want to be accommodating. We are testing the waters to see if there are enough of you out there to sustain 2 days of classes. We will have to meet a minimum enrollment for both days (Tuesdays or Thursdays) to make it sustainable. Will you help us by reaching out to your facilitator, school boards and your homeschooling friends and tell them about our program? Would you take the time to post a testimonial here in the questions comments or on our Facebook page?
Meanwhile, I hope you have a great summer and hope to see you in the fall. Registration forms are available at the top of this page. Thanks for another fantastic year. Our concert was so much fun (note, I was a little giddy, lol) It has been a true pleasure to work with you all.
I know some of you have begun to plan for the fall, so I'm going to open registration immediately. We are hoping to run on Thursdays as well but must have 25 students enrolled in each day to make a go of it. I will likely begin to post updates in August. This years Spring Concert April 27.
Senior band Allegretto Disney on Parade Eye of the Tiger Pirates of the Caribbean Senior and Intermediate Mah-Na Ma-Nah Theme from Veggie Tales Intermediate Cabo Rico Summer's Rain Rudimental Regiment French Market Buzzard's March Beginner Grant Us Peace Sawmill Creek Trumpet Voluntary Montego Bay Regal March Well, it's October and registration has closed for this semester. Thanks to all of you for sharing with your friends. Our beginner band feels large, especially with the addition of adults and students from other bands joining in. However, I don't want new students to feel overwhelmed. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you are struggling or feeling behind.
Band is like a team sport, together we can lift each other up!! It is also like sports in that each individual needs to keep their strength up by practicing regularly and increasing their own abilities. Beginners should have a goal of 10 minutes per day. Intermediates should be at 30 minutes per day and Seniors should be 30 minutes or more. University students with a music major are expected to put 4 hours per day in if you are thinking in this direction. Professional musicians spend 6 to 8 hours per day as it's their "job" Your book is your best friend in helping you to remember all the new things we've learned in class. Read all the info, refer to extras in the back. Intermediate band - up to the bottom of page 10 with scales from page 42, 43 Beginner band - up to the bottom of page 9 - pay extra attention to anything in orange or green Have a great week of practicing! Welcome back! We had a great first class and it was fun to meet all the new students!
Please take some time to explore this website. There are all kinds of resources linked in the red buttons and in the menu on the top right of the title page. For Beginners and Intermediates please look for the Red book Tracks and the Blue book 2 tracks. These can really add fun to your practice time. Parents please feel free to explore You Tube for additional help. I've given you some links before that are the very basics to help get your first basic sounds. First flute lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7_ABj5Z2Jw First Clarinet lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_EKz9ATfDg First Trumpet lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHTLLFRsD2w First Saxophone lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky716yPvrKE First French Horn lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXD8ICykNKU Thanks everyone for a terrific year. Our final concert was one of our best ever! If you aren't coming back we wish you all the best. If you are planning on returning, do yourself a big favour and continue to practice. 3 or 4 times a week will keep you in shape and help you remember what you learned. Reviewing the year may also strengthen your skills in new ways. There are lots of fun music pieces available on the internet, explore, challenge yourself.
Looking forward to September, Angela |
