Beginner Band Information
2022-2023 Wrightstown Beginning Band Program
Welcome! I am very excited for you to be here and begin your exploration and understanding of music through performance on an instrument! Instruction for the 2022-2023 beginning band starts the summer before entering the 5th grade.
Beginning band classes are now being organized at Wrightstown Middle School. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to discover their talents and explore an additional means of expression and creativity. It will help your child become a part of a group that will make its influence felt, not only for the rest of their school days, but for their entire life.
Back in February, 4th grade students had an opportunity to view an instrument demonstration concert by the high school band. Last week students were fitted to the band instruments they have shown an interest in playing. It is important to have the students fitted to instruments to determine which one(s) will be suitable for them. Mouth, lip formation, teeth arrangement and hand size all play a part in the student’s success on an instrument as a beginning band member. We want every child to have the best opportunity. From the fitting sessions, specific instruments were then recommended for your child. Also note, for those who will have orthodontic braces/appliances, you should know that you can play a band instrument; orthodontic treatment does not stop you from participating.
Earlier this month, students were given a letter from Mr.Caelwaerts (WMS Principal) regarding signing up for band in the 2022-2023 school year. If your students’ form was already turned in and your student would still like to add band class, it’s not too late! Please call or email Miss Penny at the Elementary School office (920)532-4818 or barta@wrightstown.k12.wi.us and she can make the change to your students’ form.
Other information regarding the Wrightstown Middle School Summer Band Program, supplies, and renting/purchasing instrument are included in this letter. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to having your student in the 2022-2023 Wrightstown Middle School Band Program!
Sincerely,,
Eileen Carlton
Middle School General Music/Middle School Band Director
Wrightstown Community School District
carlton@wrightstown.k12.wi.us
(920) 532-5553 Ex 5013
2022-2023 Wrightstown Middle School
Summer Band Program
Although the summer band is not required, it is HIGHLY recommended to give your student a headstart to the school year. During summer band students receive their instruments, learn how to properly assemble and hold it, learn care and cleaning, can play the first five notes, and are even able to play some simple songs like “Hot Cross Buns” and ”Mary Had A Little Lamb”. Registration for the summer band program is available at the Wrigthstown Middle School website https://www.wrightstown.k12.wi.us/district/summerschool.cfm
Scroll down to the fourth item, “Summer Band Information”. Please note that even though normal summer school registration has ended, summer band registration will remain open. Also, due to construction at the middle school, ALL summer band sessions will be held in the HIGH SCHOOL band room.
The next page is the summer band schedule:
2022 Beginner Summer Band
5th Grade
Wrightstown HIGH SCHOOL Band Room
All summer band sessions will be located in the Wrightstown HIGH SCHOOL band room due to construction at the Middle School. Come in through the student entrance by the gym and turn right.
Week 1 = Getting Started
Time
Tuesday, July 12th
Thursday, July 14th
8:00-9:45
Flutes
Trumpet
10:00-11:45
Clarinets
Trombone
12:00-1:45
Saxophones
Baritone
2:00-3:00
French Horn
Tuba
Weeks 2 – 5 = Group Lessons
Everyone will have group lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 19th and continuing through August 11th.
Time
Class
8:00-8:45
Flutes
9:00-9:45
Clarinets
10:00-10:45
Saxophones
11:00-11:45
French Horns
1:00-1:45
Trumpets
2:00-2:45
Trombone/Baritone
3:00-3:45
Tuba
Week 6 – Full Band Experience
The FINAL week of the summer program will be a full band experience for ALL beginners. We will meet in the High School Band Room from 9:00-10:30. The dates for this part of the program are:
Tuesday, August 16th
Thursday, August 18th
Practicing during the last few weeks of summer are crucial to continued progress when the school year begins. Please encourage your students to practice regularly.
I look forward to working with your students over the summer!
Eileen Carlton
MS General Music/MS Band Director
Wrightstown Community School District
carlton@wrightstown.k12.wi.us
(920) 532-5553 Ex 5013 (MS)
2022-2023 Wrightstown Middle School
Beginning Band General Information
The 5th Grade Band meets twice a week during the school year, Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Band and choir run on a rotation schedule so students have the ability to participate in both band and choir. In addition to full band class, each student will be scheduled for an individual or small group lesson once a week for 15 minutes. Please note that students do not miss core instruction by participating in band. Band class and lessons are scheduled during homeroom, guided study, recess, and encore class times.
NEW THIS YEAR: With much consideration and research, we have decided to require students to have a year of experience on a different band instrument before they can play percussion. Students ask all the time, "what is the hardest instrument?" And the correct answer is percussion. Students always look surprised because it looks so easy - you just hit things, right? Wrong! It requires a large amount of technique to accurately play and students must be able to keep a consistent tempo or "feel the rhythm" of the music. Percussionists are the heartbeat of the band. The other major consideration is the amount of instruments students are expected to play. It's not just a clarinet, or not just a trumpet. It is bells, snare drum, bass drum, tambourine, xylophone, crash cymbals, marimba, ect. After participating in band for a year on another instrument and demonstrating the commitment, determination, and practice habits that it takes to be a percussionist, applicants will be considered. Our goal is to set students up for success as percussionists and we believe this change will do just that.
Members of the 5th Grade Band participate in four required and graded performances throughout the school year. Final dates will be given to students at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. These are when concert performances usually occur.
Fall Concert – Mid-Late October
Christmas Concert – Second week of December
Band Extravaganza Concert – Mid-Late March
Spring Concert – Second week of May
Students are expected to wear concert attire for our performances. Concert attire consists of black on the bottom (black pants, skirts, socks, shoes) and white on the top (white button down, blouse, cardigan).
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What will my student need to participate in band?
All lesson books, music stands, instruments, and supplies can be purchased/rented through any local music store. However, Wrightstown Middle School uses Instrumental Music Company (IMC) in Green Bay for all our instrumental needs. A complete list of all needed supplies and accessories is included below. Please note that if renting through IMC, some supplies are included in the rental.
ALL STUDENTS - Lesson Book - Essential Elements for Band Book 1 (instrument specific)
ALL STUDENTS - Music Stand (for practicing at home)
Flutes (Brands – Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Pearl, Armstrong)
Cleaning Rod (included in IMC rental)
Cleaning Cloth (hankerchief)
Polishing Cloth
Drawstring bag or tote bag (to carry instrument/folder/cleaning cloth; the cleaning cloth should not go into the case as it could cause damage to the instrument)
Clarinets (Brands – Yamaha, LeBlanc)
Cleaning Swab (included in IMC rental)
Cork Grease (included in IMC rental)
Box of 10 Reeds - Rico 2 ½
Mouthpiece Brush
Alto Saxophones (Brand - Yamaha, Selmer)
Cleaning Swab (included in IMC rental)
Cork Grease (included in IMC rental)
Box of 10 Reeds Rico 2 ½
Mouthpiece Brush
Trumpets (Brand – Yamaha, Getzen)
Valve Oil (included in IMC rental)
Mouthpiece Brush
Trombones (Brand – Yamaha, Getzen)
Slide Oil (included in IMC rental)
Slide Cream (superslick)
Mouthpiece Brush
French Horn, Baritone, Tuba – Kelly Mouthpieces (if renting from school)
Valve Oil
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Rental Information
Most families rent instruments through the “rent to own” program at Instrumental Music Company (IMC) in Green Bay. For more information regarding pricing and the terms of the rental agreement, please search “IMC Rental Program Information” via Youtube. Here is the link for the IMC Rental Program Information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypKSarR4AQg&t=107s
Rentals can all be done online at their website:
http://www.musicimc.com/rental.html
It is pretty self-explanatory. Please select Wrightstown MS in the drop down menu. After the application is complete, IMC will contact you for payment information. IMC will also deliver the instrument/supplies to school for you.
DUE TO COVID SUPPLY CHAIN DELAYS, RENTALS MUST BE PLACED NO LATER THAN JUNE 1st TO BE DELIVERED TO SCHOOL AND READY FOR SUMMER BAND TO BEGIN JULY 12th.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIRST PAYMENT WILL NOT BE DUE UNTIL THE WEEK BEFORE SUMMER BAND BEGINS.
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Purchasing Information
Purchasing an instrument can be a way to save money versus renting. I recommend Instrumental Music Company (IMC) in Green Bay.
Here is the link to their website:
http://www.musicimc.com/index.html
Here is the link to their contact information:
http://www.musicimc.com/contact.html
I suggest contacting IMC or going there directly so the process is done in time for summer band to begin.
PURCHASES MUST BE MADE NO LATER THAN JUNE 1ST TO BE DELIVERED TO SCHOOL AND READY FOR SUMMER BAND TO BEGIN JULY 12th.
Below are some estimates of instrument prices for both new and used instruments from IMC.
New Instruments (Estimates)
Flute - (Yamaha) $920
Clarinet - (Yamaha) $950
Alto Sax - (Yamaha) $2040
Trumpet - (Yamaha) $1180
Trombone - (Yamaha) $1180
Used Instruments (Estimates)
Flute - $370
Clarinet - $370
Alto Sax - $750
Trumpet - $455
Trombone - $455
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Already have an instrument?
If you have an instrument available to you, and it is suitable for your child, please have it checked over by a music repairman. Instruments must be in good playing condition to ensure a student’s success and enjoyment in playing. It’s also recommended that instruments are professionally cleaned by a music store to ensure the health of your student.
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IMPORTANT Information Regarding Brands of Instruments
Caution: We have been informed and witnessed the presence of some instrument brands that do not meet the standards of a quality instrument. Some wholesalers and office supply stores are carrying instruments as “back-to-school” supplies and many are also being sold on eBay, Kohls, Walmart, Target, Craigslsit, etc. While some of these other brands are less expensive to purchase, they will cost more in the long run due to poor durability and the need for continual repair. In many cases, music stores are unable to repair these instruments due to their poor quality and lack of repair parts available. If it comes with white gloves and is any other color than the traditional instrument, do not buy it!
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School Owned Instruments
The school does provide some of the more expensive instruments for students to rent such as french horn, baritone, and tuba. These are available on a first-come basis. Of course, it is only on the recommendation of the band instructors that your child play one of these unique instruments.
Students/families that financially cannot even consider renting an instrument should contact Mrs. Carlton. We have been very fortunate to have received some instrument donations of some of the more common instruments, like flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone in recent years. Your situation will be assessed and determination will be made if you qualify for one of these school rentals. School owned instrument rental is $30 for the school year to help cover repairs and cleaning.
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Please email me if you have questions. Make sure you like us on Facebook - search Wrightstown Bands for updates and reminders. I sincerely look forward to having your student as part of the Wrightstown Middle School band program!
Musically yours,
Eileen Carlton
Middle School General Music/Middle School Band Director
Wrightstown Community School District
carlton@wrightstown.k12.wi.us
(920) 532-5553 Ex 5013
