KLO Middle School Band 7 Start-up Information
Dear Grade 7 Band Student / Parents!
We are excited that you joined the band program at KLO! My name is Mrs. Samaddar and I'm your Gr. 7 Music Director. Like you, I am new to KLO this year! I feel fortunate to be partnering with Mr. Perry, our full-time KLO Music Director and will also teach English 7 and Social Studies 7. I've taught grade seven many years at Dorothea Walker as well as Band and Classroom at Raymer and Lakeview Heights. In the early part of my career I was a music specialist in Delta and North Vancouver and possess degrees from the University of Victoria - a Bachelor of Music and a Masters in Educational Leadership/Administration,
It’s wonderful that you have decided to make music a part of your education! Be sure to take full advantage of the opportunities offered during your time at KLO! Music can be a truly rewarding and memorable school experience, and I look forward to helping you begin this journey with a great year of learning and making music together. To date, we have 93 students enrolled in our Grade 7 Band Program! Fantastic news!
INSTRUMENT SELECTION PROCESS & RENTAL/FIRST LESSONS' EVENING
On Wednesday, September 5th, students will attend their first band class (no instruments, please ): Welcome & Intro to Band A music abilities test A review of our Band 7 webpage, Distribute Introductory Newsletter & Music 7 Instrument Selection Form
Students' Music 7 Instrument Selection Form must be returned at the very next band class or by the end of the next school day, Thursday, September 6th). This is a quick turnaround time! I am available prior to school Sept. 6th (8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.) and after school to answer student/parent questions/concerns. If this does not work please email me as soon as possible at [email protected].
Our goal is to inform students of their assigned instrument during band class Friday, September 8th in order that parents/families have time over the weekend to begin looking for an instrument.
To acquire an instrument for your son/daughter, please see suggestions written in the "Frequently Asked Questions" segment towards the end of this notice.
Some instruments are available to rent at KLO ($100 per year payable in September). Also, band is an expensive undertaking and we want you to feel comfortable sharing any concerns regarding expenses. Be assured this information will be kept in confidence with our principal and Music Department directors.
Bottom line, we want students in band enjoying music!
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KLO Middle School Band 7 Start-up Information
INSTRUMENT RENTAL & FIRST LESSON EVENING
Wednesday, September 12th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
For your convenience, local music store representatives will be available at 7:00 p.m. at KLO and first lessons with KSS student musicians will start at 7:30 p.m. We ask that all Band 7 students attend this "first lesson on the 12th. Instruments are not mandatory, but if students have one, bring it along. Band students will learn important tips about putting their instrument together, preparing to play and caring for their instrument.
If your child is unable to attend, please email me ([email protected]) I will make arrangements out of class time to cover content of the "first" lesson prior to our first "whole-class" session with instruments. Note: Students must be able to open/close their case, set up and sit with their instrument and have all supplies before we attempt playing together on the 18th!
Instruments are assigned based on a variety of factors: A music abilities appraisal test Your child's top three preferences Your child's history with music The need to have a balanced blend of instruments in band; and The qualities (physical – embouchure, braces, etc.) they possess that make certain instruments more appropriate
Please know that I will make every effort to balance the factors mentioned above and at the same time recognize and be sensitive to students' feelings/emotions during this process.
ALL MATERIALS, INCLUDING STUDENTS' INSTRUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE FIRST "PLAYING TOGETHER" CLASS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH.
Ensure student's instrument case is clearly marked near the handle with your first and last name and class period - Band 7 Block 2, 3 or 4 (Blue/Green painter’s tape works great because it’s easy to spot and doesn’t leave sticky marks when you remove it later.)
SUPPLIES
You will need to bring the following items to your seat each day:
Sharpened pencils with eraser on tip. No pens. Not even erasable pen. Make a habit of keeping a few sharp pencils in your instrument case or folder, and always set one on your music stand at the beginning of class.
Small portfolio / pocket. You have to be able to remove store pages readily without losing them. Staples has a laminated duotang with 2 pockets ($0.68) which are helpful to store assignments/paperwork, your practice reflections test/quizzes. These duotangs come in a variety of colours and will be emptied at the end of each term.
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KLO Middle School Band 7 Start-up Information
Quality instrument in good, working condition.
Method book "Standard of Excellence" Book 1 by Bruce Pearson (red cover). This book can be purchased at local music stores. There is an enhanced version of the Standard of Excellence books that comes with a play-along CD which I recommend.
Accessories depending on your instrument (see further on)
For At Home: Wire music stand for home practice and field trips; an inexpensive, electronic metronome, while optional, comes in handy.
Instrument accessories and cleaning supplies. Accessories depend on the instrument you play - read further on.
INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES
Flute Clarinet & Saxophone Oboe & Bassoon* ❑ Cleaning rod ❑ Reeds – strength 2 Rico ❑ Two medium-soft cane ❑ swab (purchased from a Reeds (Keep 3 on hand at all reeds. (A private teacher store or homemade out of times in reed guards) should help select reeds for 3×10 inch strip of old tee-shirt) ❑ Cleaning swab* you. ❑ Polishing cloth ❑ Cleaning cloth ❑ a small container of ❑ ❑ Optional: pad saver Cork grease* water (a film canister with ❑ Pad savers (optional) snug lid works great) *A cleaning kit (purchased at ❑ Reed case music stores) will contain these items. ❑ cleaning swabs ❑ Cleaning cloth Extra reeds are available at ❑ Seat strap KLO for $2.00 each *Private instruction recommended Percussion Brass Instruments (trumpet, ❑ Stick bag with a pair of trombone, tuba, etc.) drum sticks ( ❑ Valve oil (horns use rotor oil, trombones use slide oil, or You will need a snare drum better yet, slide cream and a very small spray-bottle of water. (or practice pad) and a bell kit Palm sized spritzer bottles can be purchased for home practice. Depending at local drug stores.) on the size of the percussion ❑ Cleaning brushes and snake section, beginners may have ❑ Slide grease to bring their bell kits to / from ❑ Polishing cloth school. Cleaning kits usually contain all that stuff listed above
Frequently Asked Questions Q: I've never played an instrument before – is that problem?
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KLO Middle School Band 7 Start-up Information
A: Teaching music is what we do! For first year students, we'll teach you everything, including how to read music, figure out rhythms, and move your fingers at the right times. With your good work, you'll be able to play great tunes within a month or two. Q: Why didn't I get my first choice? A: We tried our best. Most of what you learn on your 2nd or 3rd choice will be easy to transfer to your first choice instrument, if you still want to switch later or next year.
Q: What kind of music do you play? A: Everyone has their own preferences, so we try to include a huge variety – rock, pop, jazz, swing, classical, big band, disco, concert marches!
Q: Can I switch instruments in Grade 8? A: The second year of music is often a great time to switch. All of the basics you will have learned will transfer to a new instrument. There are so many reasons that students might have for switching – for each student, we'll talk about the reasons, and make sure that it's the right decision before moving forward with the switch.
Q: Can I play the drums? It depends. A percussionist is one of the most important people in the band. They also have the toughest job in reading rhythms, and they don't get a lot of attention in rehearsals, because we're trying to sort out the songs before we need the drums. Owning a drum set, renting a mallet set for home and private lessons are highly recommended. Interested percussionists should attend a special meeting at lunch, Thursday, Sept. 6th.
Q: Can I play piano or electric guitar in band? A: Not really. Our program won't start you in these instruments. In Jazz Band we do have jazz piano or guitar, but a student would need about 5 years of private instruction before they can handle the Jazz band music. There is bass guitar in Concert Band. Once in a while we'll have horn players play their own guitars for certain songs. The usual instruments are flute, oboe, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass guitar, and percussion (drums).
Q: Do you do band trips? A: We have in the past for Grade 8 and Grade 9 students, but not in our beginning band year. The trip to Edmonton last year was excellent!
Q: Do we have to practice? A: Of course! The course requirement is a minimum of 150 minutes per week, above and beyond our school rehearsals (after the first month).
Q: How do I get an instrument? A: Options are to rent, rent-to-own or purchase. You might want to look into buying a good used instrument by checking the newspapers or contact our local music stores (Paramount, Wentworth, Valley Wind and Reed, World of Music, etc.). KLO does have a variety of instruments available ($100 payable in September). Students are asked to attend their First Lesson Evening September 12th, 7:30 p.m. If needed, music store reps are on hand at 7:00 p.m. near the gym entrance.
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KLO Middle School Band 7 Start-up Information
Q: Is music fun? A: Yes! Most students thoroughly enjoy the band experience and look forward to days when they have Band. The first few weeks will be full of squeaks, squawks, and sore muscles, but even this is kind of fun! If you practice, you'll be playing with confidence in only a short time.
Q: Do students need to take private lessons? A: No. However, the opportunity to study privately with a professional musician can be an important factor in an individual's success if a student is struggling or wishes to progress more quickly.
OUR BAND 7 WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY "UNDER CONSTRUCTION". INFORMATION SHARED THE FIRST WEEK WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OUR KLO "BAND 7" WEBSITE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
OUR GOALS / SEPT. 18TH – FIRST WEEKLY PRACTICE GUIDELINES "WHOLE BAND" CLASS REFLECTIONS WITH INSTRUMENT WHAT WE EXPECT LABEL INSTRUMENT THE PRACTICE FROM YOU CYCLE BAND PARENTS SUPPLIES EXAMPLE OF NEEDED STRUCTURED PRACTICE SESSION COMMUNICATION TIMELINE CONCERT PERFORMANCES (DATES/ LOCATION) RATIONALE – WHY TAKE SHEET MUSIC ATTENDANCE BAND? EXPECTATIONS OUR LEARNING BINDERS/FOLDERS CONCERT ATTIRE DESTINATION INSTRUMENT INSTRUMENT STORAGE ASSESSMENT SELECTION PROCESS – forms due Thurs., Sept. 6th INSTRUMENT RENTAL / SECTIONAL FREQUENTLY FIRST LESSON EVENING REHEARSALS ASKED QUESTIONS – WED., SEPT. 12TH INSTRUMENT PRACTICE TIPS – PARTICIPATION ACCESSORIES PARENTS & STUDENTS AGREEMENT DUE TUES., SEPT. 11TH
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR GRADE 7 BAND PROGRAM, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL [email protected].
Yours sincerely,
Pam Samaddar Gr. 7 Music Director, KLO
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