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Beginner Band 

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year.  I am really excited to start the Roseland Beginner Band Program with your children!  

On Wednesday, 9/20, a special guest from the Music Shop will be coming to visit the class to do the Band and Orchestra Demo.  He will demonstrate the different instruments so students can have a chance to really listen and decide what they want to do.  

After that I will have a conference with each student that week and they will let me know their final top two choices.  Once I have met with all the students, I will let them know what instrument choice they got.  They will go home with a form with information about renting their first band instrument!  

If children are still having a hard time making a decision, I will allow them to come up to my room and hold the different instruments and cases to help them make a decision. 

It is important that you do not submit the rental form without my approval first.  The reason we need to think about instrument choices has to do with the balance of the band.  Imagine a band of one flute, one trumpet, and twenty drums.  In addition, do not purchase a “cheap” instrument online without checking in first.  Unfortunately, there is a lot of junk being sold out there, and trying to play a crummy instrument can really impact your children’s desire to continue learning how to play. 

Once I have met with everybody who is interested, I will send an email to all parents about what choice band instrument your child got. I  will do a similar process with students interested in the Orchestra Program as well.  

If you already own an instrument, there is no need to rent one.  It may need to be checked out and cleaned before it can be properly used.  Let me know as soon as possible if that is what you plan to do.  

These are the instruments that beginner students may choose from:

  Flute

  Clarinet

  Alto Saxophone

  Trumpet

  French Horn

  Trombone

  Baritone

  Percussion - (learning xylophone and then snare drum later in year)

I am sure there will be questions, and I will be happy to help you any way I can.

Beginner Band Instruction  

Learning to play a band instrument is a challenging and rewarding process!  Students can participate in Beginner Band starting in 4th grade ,and 5th and 6th grade students are welcome to join as well.   The only thing you need to do to get started is be willing to learn a new instrument and be willing to put in the time to practice at home.  

Once we learn the fundamentals of how to put an instrument together, how to hold it, and how to make our first sounds, we will start the Band Karate program.  I will post more information on the website and Google Classroom, but basically students will need to pass off excerpts of music from their method books and when they have received all the checks for a belt, they will have earned a belt.  It’s a fun way to motivate students to practice and keep track of their progress throughout the year.  

Required Materials 

1. Sheet music, method book, and folder

2. Instrument and supplies (reeds, valve oil, etc) 

3. Music stand (recommended for at-home practice)  

Classroom Rules and Procedures 

1. Respect teacher and students in the music classroom. Handle instruments and other materials with care.  

2. Keep hands to yourself and your own instrument. Do not trade instruments with other students. 

3. Bring instrument and music folder to every lesson.  

4. Enter the classroom quietly and begin the Do Now activity.  

5. Play instruments only when asked by the teacher.  

6. No student will handle or retrieve materials or instruments from the music room without the teacher’s permission.  

7. Always try your best! 

Pull-out Lessons  

Students will participate in a small group lesson each week. Lessons will occur on the same day most of the time, although it could occasionally change due to vacation days, scheduling conflicts, etc. 

Practicing 

Consistency is key! Meaningful and consistent practice is the only way to improve skill level and create lasting  results. Playing an instrument is a physical, kinesthetic activity. New muscle groups must build strength  and endurance. Students who spend even a short amount of time playing their instrument every day are  immensely more successful than students who do not. It is recommended to practice for at least 15 minutes a day, at least 3 days a week.  

Encouraging students to practice is a team effort between parents and teacher. Please do not hesitate to reach out  regarding this matter. Practicing is similar to homework, even the most motivated student will need to be reminded from time to time.  

Parents’ Responsibilities 

1. Help your child be prepared to do their best at lessons.  

2. Help your child find time to practice. Ask your child to show you what they have been learning in lessons. 

3.  Help your child care for their instrument and music folder.  

4. Help your child have concert attire ready for performances.  

5. Attend performances. Applaud your child and their friends; the recognition will be well-deserved!  

6. Keep open communication with the teacher, especially if any difficulties arise.  

Concert Dates:

Beginner Band Concert - More info to come out, but we are hoping to have a Beginner Band Concert in January/February. 

Wednesday, May 29th - Spring  Concert 

Contact 

Sean Gavarny - Roseland Music Teacher 

E-mail: sgavarny@roselandnjboe.org