8TH 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 8th grade 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.

Pencil (no pens!)

1" or 1.5" binder with 20 page plastic page protectors.

Essential Elements 2000, book 2 (from 7th grade) and all sheet music/warm-ups - There is no new book to purchase for 8th grade

Maintenance Supplies and Accessories

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.

Percussion - Percussionists will use a mix of school-owned instruments and personal materials.

Ludwig Musser Xylophone Kit - This stays at home
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.