Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- When can my child start an instrument?
- Can a student start an instrument after fourth grade?
- How do I get in touch with private teachers?
- Why didn't my child get their first choice instrument?
- How much time should my child spend practicing?
- What should my child be practicing in fourth grade?
- What should my child be practicing in fifth grade?
- When are the concerts?
- What is concert dress?
- How do I order supplies (i.e. reeds, cork grease, valve oil) or music books?
- Why did my fourth grader not receive a report card for the first marking period?
When can my child start an instrument?
Students will begin in the fall of fourth grade. In the spring of
third grade, we begin recruiting for the following fall. Students
will have an assembly introducing them to all the instruments,
and parents will receive information about the program.
Can a student start an instrument after fourth grade?
Yes, if the child is either a transfer from another school, or
did not take an instrument in fourth grade. We do not allow
students to start an instrument in fourth grade, quit and then
switch to a new instrument in fifth grade. If you are interested
in having your child play another instrument, he or she may
take lessons outside of school and re-join the band or orchestra
later.
How do I get in touch with private teachers?
Have your child ask me for a list. There are several excellent
private studios in the area. Private lessons are a wonderful way
for a child to become more deeply immersed in music- making.
It also provides them with more musical opportunities and of
course accelerates their learning.
Why didn't my child get their first choice instrument?
At the assembly where third graders get introduced to the
instruments, we tell them that they need to be happy with any of
their choices. When we interview each student later on, we ask
them if they have a strong preference, and we do take that into
consideration. We also check arm and finger length, mouth and
teeth characteristics, and rhythmic ability to assess the
instrument the child will be most successful on. Please remember
that it is necessary for us to have balanced ensembles; it
wouldn't make musical sense to have an orchestra of only violins,
or a band of just flutes. In addition, we need to keep lesson
group size manageable so that we can work individually with
students. Please be sure that your child understands this need
for balance. Students will have a much more enjoyable ensemble
experience if they can interact with full sections of each
instrument.
How much time should my child spend practicing?
I encourage consistency above all when practicing. My highest
practice grade will go to the child who practices 6 days a week,
about 20- 25 minutes for a fourth grader, and 30- 40 minutes for
a fifth grader. Encourage your child to practice every day, even
on busy days. Even a few minutes of flashcard drilling or warmups
can make a difference. Make sure they are practicing in
a quiet place with no distractions and an appropriate place for
their music (such as a folding stand). Be sure to write down
their practice time on the practice chart I provide, and sign it
at the end of the week- this is the only way I can keep track of
their work at home.
What should my child be practicing in fourth grade?
The practice chart they bring home each week has several
categories. There will always be a warm-up and a lesson book
assignment. There are also "note and rhythm exercises" which are
worksheets or flashcard drills to improve note reading and rhythm
understanding. These are crucial to your child's quick
development on their instrument. I require each student to make
flashcards of the notes they know, and add to them each
time we learn a new note. They should be drilling the flashcards
in two ways: 1)saying the name of the note when they see the note
on the staff and 2)showing the fingering of the note when they
see it on the staff (not applicable to mallet players). Please
help them with these drills as much as possible. Learning to read
music quickly is one of the most important steps to initial
musical growth.
Finally, on each practice chart, there is a section for "things I
need to work on." I will assign each student a task to consider
while they are practicing, such as taking deeper breaths, sitting
up straight, or controlling their lips. It is important for
students to concentrate on these skills as they learn.
What should my child be practicing in fifth grade?
The practice chart they bring home each week has several
categories. There will always be a lesson book assignment and a
warmup to do. It is assumed that band music will be continually
practiced throughout the concert preparation period. Sometimes I
give them specific areas or pieces to practice. I also
occasionally test the students on band music in lessons if
I feel that we are struggling.
When are the concerts?
The fifth grade band has a concert in the winter and one in the
spring. Fourth grade band rehearsals begin in January and they
have a concert in the spring as well. You can check the concert
schedule page for the dates.
What is concert dress?
For boys, nice pants (no jeans), nice shoes (no sneakers), and a
collared shirt. For girls, a skirt, dress or dress pants and a
nice top.
How do I order supplies (i.e. reeds, cork grease, valve oil) or music books?
You can either purchase these items from a local music store or
order them through Diefes & Mikolajeski. Have your child take an
order form from the pocket in my room, fill it out and attach
payment, and send it through the mail to D&M. They will process
the order and send it to the school every Friday. Your child can
pick it up in the band room or stage.
Why did my fourth grader not receive a report card for the first marking period?
Mrs. Sullivan, the orchestra teacher, and I have decided not to
give out fourth grade report cards until the second marking
period. This is because the students simply haven't learned
enough to be able to evaluate them. However, if there is a
problem with preparation or attendance, I will be in touch with
you.