6TH GRADE ANNOUNCEMENTS & INFO

ASSIGNMENTS & GRADES - In band, we place a high emphasis on student accountability, effort, and proficiency. Generally speaking, a low grade in band is NOT a reflection of poor musical ability. Rather, it is a reflection of students not doing their work. Our grading system is setup in a way that if a student puts forth their best effort and turns in their assignments, they will do well in our class. Click HERE to see our "Assignment Info Cheat Sheet"
COURSE FACT SHEET - Click HERE to view the course fact sheet for 6th grade band.

6th Grade Welcome Letter 2025-2026.pdf

Welcome Letter - This letter went home with students on the first day of school. It includes an outline of our first 3-4 weeks of beginning band as well as important details about obtaining a quality instrument for your child.

Click here to learn about creating a balanced band

SUPPLIES

Below is a list of supplies needed for band. Many of these are items students should have in class every day in order to participate fully. Additionally, students who do not come to class prepared will receive a mark on their Coy card, per school policy. It is very important each student has his/her own materials so they can participate fully in class.

Items listed with an *asterisk are things you can get at the start of the school year. For all other items, please wait until after our parent meeting on Sept 9 to get them. At that parent meeting, we will help you make sure you get the right items and place the orders.

**Pencil (no pens!)
**1" binder with 20 page plastic page protectors.
Essential Elements 2000, book 1 for their instrument and all sheet music/warm-ups
- This book will be available for purchase when you order your child's instrument (Average cost is usually $14-17)
Maintenance Supplies and Accessories (all of these are available for purchase when you order your child's instrument)
- Brass - valve oil and slide grease
- Woodwinds - cork grease (clarinet/sax only); Cleaning swab
  - Clarinets/Saxes/Oboe/Bassoon - Reeds in good condition (3 required for clarinet/sax; 2 required for oboe/bassoon); For clarinet/sax, we request the Vandoren (blue box) size 2.5 for Bb clarinet or Eb alto sax
Woodwinds/Brass - instrument in good working condition. You do NOT need to get an instrument until we complete the fitting process and your child makes a selection. Please click HERE for information about obtaining a quality instrument. We will help you get an instrument at our Sept 9 parent meeting.
Percussion - Percussionists will use a mix of school-owned instruments and personal materials. They need:
- Ludwig Musser Xylophone Kit - This stays at home (details about getting this will be available at the Sept 4 parent meeting)
- Drum pad - Included in the LM xylo kit - This stays at home
- Drumsticks - Included in the LM xylo kit OR purchase Innovative Percussion IP-JC snare sticks
- Xylophone/hard mallets - Included in the LM xylo kit OR purchase Innovative Percussion IP902
- Marimba/soft mallets - Innovative Percussion IP20006
- Stick bag
- Note - Because mallets and sticks are used on school-owned instruments, students MUST use the items listed above. Any substitutions must be approved by Mrs. Garrett prior to use.
SmartMusic subscription - This is a program we use to help the students practice as well as take tests. A subscription costs $14/year and is covered by your school fee and will be ordered by the school for you.
Tuner - These are provided by the school and students are expected to have it in class everyday. Students are responsible for keeping it charged. You may choose to purchase your child their own tuner if you would prefer. Click HERE to view the link on Amazon.