MR PRUE's BAND WEBSITE

MR.PRUE'S BAND WEBSITE

10/03/2007

NEWSLETTERS,
ARTICLES & INFO

Standards for BAND

In BAND students receive a standards-based report card at the end of each marking period. Vermont Standard 5.31 tell us that students should learn to use the elements of vocal and instrumental music, including rhythm, pitch, timbre, and articulation.

RHYTHM is patterns of long and short notes and rests. It also involves the speed which the music is played. Is the student speeding up or slowing down? Is the half note being read and played correctly?

PITCH is the highness or lowness of a note. Is the student playing the right notes? Are they in tune? Obviously, music-reading is VERY important to playing the right pitch.

TIMBRE is the tone quality. Am I hearing a nice clean sound?

ARTICULATION involves the how the notes are separated or connected. Are they slurred together, or are they short and detached?

Other areas I look at include:

POSTURE and HAND POSITION: When playing a wind instrument students need to be sitting up straight towards the front of their chair, with their feet flat on the floor. Posture greatly affects timbre and pitch. How a student holds their instrument also has an effect.

PREPAREDNESS: Can the student play through their assignments?.

BEHAVIOR: Students behavior affects how they learn musical concepts.

As students practice, they will see improvements in these areas of their playing. Students should be getting a parent’s signature each week on their assignment sheet. This ensures that parents know how much their child is practicing, and parents see their child’s weekly grade.

SUPPLIES & GIFT IDEAS

I keep many of these supplies at school, and it is easy for me to get them for you even if I don’t have them. Also, you can always call Ellis Music at 802-234-6400. Northeast TV often has supplies, also. If you are writing a check for anything from me, please make it out to Ellis Music.

COSTS:

Reeds (I keep extras at school)

Clarinets: $1.25 each or $11.50 for a full box

Alto Saxophones: $1.75 each or $16.50 for a full box

Music Stand: $18.75 (I have to order them)

Thumb-eez for clarinets (this is a cushion for thumbs - I usually have at school): $1.00

Cork Grease: $1.25 Valve oil (I usually have at school): $2.75

Drumsticks (basic wood sticks – I have to order them): $8.25

Clarinet Swab—$2.75 Alto Sax Swab—$4.75

Cleaning kits—$16.00 each—includes swabs, cloths, and brushes

Other gift ideas: Playalong book/CD sets, instrument stands, padded neckstraps, fancy cases, and other accessories - give me a call or email!

EXPECTATIONS:

Practice a little, almost every day.

Keep instrument clean.

Treat instrument very carefully (this means being the only one playing the instrument, as well as being careful when holding it and setting it down).

Parent signature on the practice sheet each week.

Students grade their performance in their lesson each week according to this rubric:

0	1	2	3	4
No music, no instrument, totally unprepared.	Cannot play through any of the assignment.	Can play through some of the assignment.	Can play through most of the assignment.	Plays all of the assignment. Well prepared.

Even if students forget their instruments, they must still come to BAND. PARENTS who play a band instrument are welcome to come play along anytime! If you don’t play an instrument you can always come and listen.

DERBY ADVANCED BAND is every Tuesday at 11:50 and a rotating lesson time Tuesday or Friday morning.

DERBY BEGINNING BAND is every Thursday at 11:50 and and a rotating lesson time Thursday.

NEWPORT ADVANCED BAND is every Wednesday at 2:10 and Monday at 8:00 (I understand some kids will be a bit late, and that’s okay, as long as they make the effort) and a rotating lesson time Wednesday or Friday afternoon.

NEWPORT BEGINNING BAND is every Monday at 1:10 and Wednesday at 8:00 and a rotating lesson time Monday.

Band Parents can HELP !

Learning to play a band instrument takes practice, and a regular routine helps to make that practice happen. Good practice habits need to be established at home from the beginning, and a parent or guardian can HELP.

Help to set up the best possible practice facility. The area should be well-lit and free from other distractions, and should accommodate a straight chair and music stand. If a CD or cassette player is available, the student will be able to play along with the STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE ACCOMPANIMENT RECORDINGS which are available (see the back of this newsletter).

Establish a regular time and routine for practice sessions. Students should begin with warm-up exercises, and then move into the week’s assignment. Troublesome parts should be isolated and worked out before the entire song is repeated. Students should end the practice session with a few favorites, just for fun! Even just ten or fifteen minutes of practice for a beginner is enough to see progress.

Listen enthusiastically to your child’s practicing. Recognize his or her efforts with a comment such as “I really like the sound of the low tones on that piece.” You are the audience your child will most appreciate.

Participate in our three-way partnership: parent(s)/guardian(s), student, and teacher working together to make a band an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Start by reinforcing your student’s practice routine. Acknowledge his or her home practice time on the Band Assignment Sheet.

Enjoyment in playing a band instrument and a desire to practice come with success; success is the result of dedicated practice. Together, we can guide your child on the road to those great rewards.

If you'd like to buy some music played by your instrument, check out suggested recordings.

If you're looking for something extra to do, check out the music study page..

Thinking about buying an instrument? Another new page here is the instrument sources page.

William D. Prue

Newport, Vermont

(802) 334-1462

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