PRACTICE CARDS AND PRACTICING As several times the packet materials indicate, you are just as important as anyone in the success of your child's band experience. Your interest and enthusiasm is ESSENTIAL. You need not know anything about music or the instrument they have chosen to be of help. I'm sure you can hear when something is not quite right. Most importantly you can help the student set up a regular practice schedule. There must be practice everyday if your child is to be successful. In order for everyone to progress through the book there is a need to be prepared each night and weekend for the coming school day. It is better for young players to practice in several short sessions that one long, make‑up period. Anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes a day should be sufficient for proper progress, anytime approaching and hour or more will more than likely be a drop in quality of the practice. Improper long-term practice can also cause physical damage to the child. Practicing techniques will be covered in class and homework assignments made daily. Take an interest in what we have learned for the day and what is up for tomorrow, it really makes a difference (not just in band either!). I ask each student to strive for a minimum of 15 minutes each day. It is important to practice everyday and have a set schedule to adhere to. The 105 minutes is merely a guideline or goal to shoot for as daily and consistent practice will be the most beneficial. They will be given a card in their method book which can be used to record their daily practice for the quarter. This time will be turned in every Monday, recorded and returned the same day. Before they turn in their time the cards must have the minutes they practiced totaled for the previous week and then a parent, or parental designee, sign/initial the appropriate box. Times and initials turned in to me are a trust that they are genuine, however, if I have a serious question about a possible forgery I will be in touch with you. You will receive the practice cards back each quarter so you can check the signatures and times yourself. Practice cards will be accepted one week late only. Practice Cards - Points are based on minutes reported on practice card:
Beginning Band Grading Instrument Method Book Practice |
2009-10 Band Trip |
Practice |