Embedded Files
4th Grade Band is where students get to learn to fall in love with playing an instrument!
Here are some of the foundations of playing music in Band that students will learn here:
Note Reading
Keeping a Beat
Posture
How to Hold an Instrument
Breathing
Performing
Collaborating with other Musicians
and more!
Instruments Recommended for 4th Grade
The following instruments are great choices for students to have their first musical experiences on in Band. While these are not all the instruments typically found in Band, I would suggest these as starting points for a student to see if music is for them. These instruments factor in that at this age, students still have a long ways to grow, accessibility of obtaining some of these instruments, and initial ease of learning (although any instrument takes a lifetime to master!). If a child has interest in an instrument outside of this list I will more than happily consider having them play that in Band!
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Trumpet (Or Cornet!)
Trombone
Percussion (Bell Kit)*
*NOTE: Students learning Percussion will begin 4th Grade on Bell Kits (a small version of a Xylophone). This is a mandatory percussor to students wanting to work their way up to Snare Drum and other Percussion instruments. Once in 5th/6th Grade Advanced Band, there will occasionally be times for Percussion students to experience playing on Drum Kit but please note it is not a "day 1" experience and will take commitment to develop the foundational skills for.
Materials Needed
In addition to an instrument to play on, there are just a few items I would ask of parents to make sure students have so that we can make class time as smooth and consistent learning environment:
Tradition of Excellence Book 1 (for your child's specific instrument)
This will be the main resource of our curriculum for this year in band. It is available from a variety of retailers for no more than $15 and can even be paired with your Milano Instrument Rental.
There is ANOTHER red-colored music fundamentals book. Please make sure yours is "TRADITION" of Excellence :)
Second Edition preferred but not required
Instrument Care Kit (can usually be bundled as well for a low cost)
Instrument Specific Items
Reeds for Clarinet/Saxophone (strenghth 2 or 2.5 is good to start, make sure it's for the right instrument!)
Mouthpiece for Trumpet/Trombone (rental or bought instrument will come with one though!)
Sticks and Mallets for Percussion (rentals and bought instruments should come with them too)
1" 3 ring Binder
Sheet protectors
Pencil!!!
A great attitude :)
Choosing an Instrument!
There's a lot of things to consider when first choosing an instrument, but a BFCS we want students to be able to try something that speaks to them! Check out this fun video from the U.S. Army Field Band that will give you an idea of what every instrument in the Band can do!
What to Do First!
These videos from Milano Music help give a brief "First Lesson" on how to properly put together an instrument, as well as tips for making your first sounds. Check it out!
Mr. Reid's Contact Info
Email : preid@bfcsaz.com Phone: (480) 632-0722
Page updated
Report abuse