To the Parents of Methacton School District 3Rd and 4Th Graders

September 2015

To the Parents of Methacton School District 4th Graders:

Beginning in fourth grade, instruction on a band instrument is offered as part of the regular school curriculum. I would like to invite your child to participate in the band program in the Methacton School District this fall!

Why Join Band?  Every child has the opportunity to participate--there are no “bench-warmers” in the music program!  Participation in band boosts skills such as teamwork, cooperation, self- expression, and creativity.  Many studies have shown a correlation between involvement in music programs and academic achievement.

During the school year all lessons will be given without charge and will begin the week of September 15, 2015. The band will also rehearse before school on Thursday at 7:55 a.m. once a week beginning in late October.

If your child is interested in participating in band, you will need to obtain an instrument for your child. Arrangements can be made to rent instruments from Taylor’s Music Store in West Chester. Students will have the use of instruments approved and selected by the music department. Your selection and source of instrument, however, may be made on an individual, free choice basis. You are in no way obligated to rent an instrument from Taylor’s Music Store, but there many advantages to doing so. A word of advice: It is a risk to acquire yard sale, Wholesale Store, or EBAY instruments because their quality cannot be guaranteed. A poorly constructed or maintained instrument will have a negative effect on the success of the student.

We have a limited number of school band instruments we are able to offer to students for a one-time fee. Please let us know if your child is interested in lessons on a band instrument and cost is a concern, as we may be able to offer your child one of the following instruments: Tenor Saxophones, French horns, Trombones, Baritones. Additionally, there are other options if financial hardship hinders your child’s participation! Please talk with us.

On the back of this letter is the Band Instrument Selection Form. If your child is interested in playing a band instrument and has not yet filled out this form and obtained an instrument, please read and complete this form.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions about the program! I am looking forward to a great year in 4th grade band!

Sincerely, Mrs. Traci Bugosh ([email protected]) Skyview Upper Elementary and Woodland Elementary Band Teacher September 2015

Band Instrument Selection Form Dear Parents,

Please fill out this form if your child is interested in participating in the band program this fall! I will then be able to provide you with more details on how to obtain an instrument for your child.

Lessons on band instruments will begin the week of September 15, so it is important that I receive this form as soon as possible!

Sincerely, Mrs. Traci Bugosh ([email protected]) Skyview Upper and Woodland Elementary Band Teacher

NOTE: If you already filled out this form and arranged to rent or otherwise obtain an instrument for your child, they will be enrolled in band and you do not need to fill out this form.

Please return form to Mrs. Bugosh as soon as possible.

PLEASE PRINT AS CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE

Student’s Full Name______Parent’s Name______Phone Number (____)______Street Address______City______State____ Zip_____ Parent’s email address: ______(REQUIRED) *An email is very helpful. It makes communicating with you much more efficient! Please NUMBER the first two choices in order of preference: ____ Flute ____ Alto Sax (Number of beginners may be limited) ____ Clarinet ____ Trumpet ____ Baritone ____ Oboe ____ Trombone ____ F. Horn ____ Percussion (limited to 4 beginners per school)

____ Tenor Saxophone (bigger saxophone – recommended height of child to play this instrument is approx 4 1/2 feet tall)

**Please indicate if you own your child’s preferred instrument. ***Please indicate if your child already owns a particular band instrument. Parent’s Signature______Date______