Fifth Grade Music Handbook

• Philosophy
• Program Goals
• Letter to Parents
• Choosing an Instrument Rental Vendor
• Recommended Instruments
• Prelude Band and Orchestra
• Rehearsal Schedule
• Private Lessons
• Performance
• Practice
• Parent Responsibilities
• Materials Needed
• Concert Attire
• Evaluation

Philosophy

• Select a musical instrument best suited for himself/herself using the following criteria:
  • Musical aptitude as determined by teacher evaluation
  • Physical characteristics
  • Balanced instrumentation
  • Student interest
• Learn to play a musical instrument using proper posture, hand position and tone quality
• Develop an awareness of major and minor tonalities, a means to decode rhythms and techniques for good tone production
• Develop an understanding and respect for different musical styles and their links to various cultures both past and present
• Develop the ability to set individual goals, maintain a good work ethic and realize a sense of achievement upon completion
• Develop the ability to work towards common goals in large groups
• Respect the talent and diversity of others while participating on a musical team

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Dear Parents,

Part of the fifth grade instrumental program includes obtaining a suitable band or orchestra instrument. We will discuss our recommendations for renting a band or orchestra instrument this evening. In order to provide your child with the best quality instrument, Quinlan and Fabish Music Company has met the criteria to be selected as our preferred vendor. Should you plan to secure an instrument from another vendor, we ask that you refer to the section “CHOOSING AN INSTRUMENT RENTAL VENDOR”. If you plan to obtain an instrument from another source, we ask that your child have the instrument before lessons begin. Please see your child’s instructor should you have any questions.

The registration appointments that you sign-up for will be held on the dates indicated on the separate information sheet. Each appointment will last approximately 10 minutes. Representatives will be present at the registration to explain the rental contract and take deposits for instrument orders. The presence of Quinlan and Fabish Music Company is provided as a convenience to you; there is no obligation to rent or buy an instrument from this company. Wherever you decide to obtain an instrument, you must attend registration on the scheduled dates for your child to participate in the 5th grade instrumental music program.

Sincerely,

The 5th Grade Instrumental Music Staff

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Choosing an Instrument Rental Vendor

Consider the following criteria when selecting a rental instrument for your child:

• Are band rental instruments new?
• Does the instrument meet the district 204 recommended brand listing?
• How is the instrument delivered to you?
• What is the training level of the company representative and how frequently does the company provide service on the instrument?
• Are loaner instruments (during repairs) and replacement strings provided
  at no charge?
• Is the maintenance and replacement program included in the rental fee?
• What quality of repair service is provided? Is staff always available to handle repairs?
• Do clarinet rentals include a quality mouth piece?
• Do string rentals include: quality supersensitive strings, fine tuners, pre-taped positions, full sized rosin blocks, horsehair bows, shoulder rest sponge for violins and violas, and “Rock stop” for cellos and basses?
• How quickly can switching to a larger stringed instrument can be arranged?

It is important to consider many factors when renting an instrument. Perhaps the most important, though, is the service and support provided during the rental period so that your child has an instrument that works well. Please note: parents are free to choose any musical instrument supplier they prefer.

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Recommended Instruments

• Violin and Viola: Glaesel, Knilling, Suzuki
• Cello: Glaesel, Scherl and Roth, Knilling, Suzuki-Nagoya, Engelhardt
• Bass: Lewis, Engelhardt
• Flute: Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Selmer
• Oboe: Yamaha, Selmer, Buffet
• Clarinet: Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc, Buffet (w/Vandoren 5RV Lyre Mouthpiece)
• Alto Saxophone: Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc, Keilwerth (w/ Selmer C* Mouthpiece)
• Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba: Yamaha, Selmer
• F Horn: Yamaha, Selmer, Holton and Conn
• Baritone/Euphonium: Yamaha, Selmer: (full sized preferred )
• Percussion: Bell Set with Drum Pad: Yamaha, Pearl, Selmer

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Prelude Band and Orchestra

If students satisfy the practice requirements, they will receive a ribbon to wear at each concert.

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Parent Responsibilities

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children succeed in the Band or Orchestra. The following guidelines will help contribute to your child’s success:

• Help your child establish good practice habits
• Provide a quiet area for daily practice sessions
• Contact your child’s instructor if you have questions or concerns
• See that your child is present and on time for all rehearsals and concerts
• Attend all concerts and other performances.

Parents with children who qualify for the Free Lunch Program or have financial concerns with renting an instrument should contact your instrumental instructor.

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Materials Needed

All Band and Orchestra students will need the following:

• An instrument in good playing condition
• Music stand
• Name label on instrument case
• Pencil to be stored in instrument case

All Orchestra students will need the following:

• Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 for the appropriate instrument
• Soft cloth for cleaning instrument
• Rosin
• Shoulder rest sponge for violins and violas
• “Rock stop” for cellos and basses (included by some vendors)

All Band students will need the following:

• Accent on Achievement, Book 1 for the appropriate instrument

All woodwind students (oboe, clarinet, and saxophone) will need the following:

• A minimum of two reeds in good playing condition
  (strength 2 1/2 for clarinets and saxophone)
• Reed guard that will accept two or more reeds
• Cork grease
• Cleaning swab appropriate to the instrument

All brass students (cornet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba) will need the following:

• Valve oil appropriate for the instrument (except trombone)
• Water rag (wash cloth)
• Tuning slide grease

All percussion students will need the following:

• Accent on Achievement Book 1 for Combination Percussion*
• Percussion kit (including orchestra bells and practice pad)
• Bell mallets and Vic Firth SD1 snare drum sticks

*All percussionists will be learning bells in combination with rhythm instruments

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All Band and orchestra students will wear the following outfit for all performances unless otherwise specified:

• Black or dark pants or skirt
• Solid white top
• Dark socks/hose
• Dark shoes

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Evaluation