Class Structure

This year, Summer Band will be focused on jumpstarting the incoming 5th graders. Current band members (now 6th through 8th graders) who are willing and have the time, will be mentoring and playing along this summer.

Instruments

Please have your 5th grader pick out an instrument, and rented/purchased before the beginning of class on June 15th. 

Rentals: As of right now the only place to (locally) rent instruments is Haggerty's MusicWorks - although BHSA is currently working on a grant for this, it is not currently available here.

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Hand-Me-Down Instruments and Pawn Shop Instruments: Although these can be a blessing, please make sure they are in playable condition. There is nothing worse than getting frustrated as a beginner - and especially if you're doing everything right and it still doesn't sound right!

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Walmart/Target/Amazon Instruments: Although cheaper, Mrs. Dekker and her band director friends have never met one they've liked!

Method Book

We will begin with the Standards of Excellence Book 1 (in the instrument chosen). It is red!

Please know we will be supplementing with other handouts, but it is important for each student to have their own copy.

Dates, Time & Location

Unlike last year, Summer Band will only be held one day every week: Wednesday. Beginning June 15th and ending on August 10th. Class time (which will remain the same every week), will be 1 PM to 2 PM. All Band classes will be held in the sanctuary, with occasional break-out sessions in the hallway.

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*Private lessons will be offered before and after class for an additional fee*

Which Instrument to Choose?

Please watch this video put together by The United States Army Band where they demonstrate instruments so you may get a better idea of what each instrument sounds like, what genres of music they typically perform, and how each instrument is played. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCTeSjpDsIs

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A few notes:

• Must begin on Clarinet if ultimate goal is a double reed (Oboe or Bassoon).

• Larger instruments take a LOT of air and are a lot to carry around.

• The larger the instrument, typically the more money it is to rent.

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If you have any more questions, or want to discuss instrument choice at all, please reach out to Mrs. Dekker as soon as you are able.

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Practice Time

We all know it can be an interesting journey listening to a new band member! However, it is imperative they have a routine which includes practicing. It is easy to think how much faster they will progress if they have constant practice verses only practicing once a week, or only in class - that is a lot of re-teaching time for Mrs. Dekker, and it can slow everyone down!