6th Hour Google Classroom Code-6dyeity
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The number one question you probably have is about how to get your child an instrument. There are a few different ways to make that happen and I will outline them below.
If you're not sure what instrument your child was fitted to play, don't worry! Mr. Cavis has that information and you can find out by emailing him.
1. Rent to Own a new instrument from MarshallMusic. You make monthly payments until the instrument is paid off. These are new or nearly new instruments that are insured for accidental damage during the rent to own contract. If you are choosing this option, visit their website, www.marshallmusic.com and you can read in further detail about the Rent to Own process. This is a very popular option for families. If you're ready to rent but cannot attend the Open House rental time, you can rent online at www.marshallmusic.com and look for Harper Creek Middle School in the drop down list for schools. Everything your child needs will be delivered to school.
2. Purchase a quality used instrument. We recommend Keifer's Music (269-601-1961) in Battle Creek. They have quality, used instruments for sale at all price points. Keifer's also carries all Band supplies your child needs and visits us at school each week for supplies and repairs.
3. Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to look for instruments. If you forward me the link (driverb@pennfield.net) I can tell you if it's a quality brand or not and if the price is reasonable.
4. Obtain a quality used instrument from a family member, or a friend. This is a great way to get an instrument in the hands of your child. Ask your family members, neighbors, co-workers if they have an instrument that is just sitting in a closet that you can have or borrow. You just never know who has one until you ask. Even if the instrument is older, it probably is a quality instrument and could be put into playing condition by Keifer's Music at a minimal cost.
***Please note**** If you choose to look for a new instrument at a low cost on the internet, be very careful. I have yet to find a $100 brand new instrument that works correctly, that sounds good, or can withstand the hands, fingers, and habits of a beginning Band student. I'm happy to look at any web link you send me and give you my opinion on what you're looking at, before you buy it. In 99.9 percent of all situations, a COLORED instrument is not a quality instrument and will NOT play correctly or hold up for your child. This will frustrate them and make Band a negative experience. The best thing you can do for your child is to get them a good instrument that plays correctly, whether it's new on the rent to own process, or a quality used choice.
Welcome beginning band students! Please feel free to view this video to see which instruments you have the choice to play this year! You can scroll ahead to the instrument(s) you are interested in learning more about.
Students-please use this site and view the videos on assembly and sound BEFORE you begin playing your instrument at home alone. If you have any questions or unsure of something, please contact me or wait until our next class to be shown what you need to do. Happy practicing!
Use this tuner to work on holding a steady tone. Brass players-remember that when you play your 1st position open note make sure the tuner says F-if it says another letter then you are either too high or too low. Flutes should play your D, Clarinets should play your E, and Saxophones should play your B when using the tuner right now. Your goal at the moment is to FREEZE THE DIAL. We will be doing this in class the next couple of weeks also.