8/31/23
Hello 6th Grade Band Families!
As we get 6th grade Band started there are lots of pieces to put together, so here's some information to help us all out:
-Students that already have instruments should bring them to school starting after Labor Day weekend.
-Students that do not have an instrument, please let me know if you have any questions.
-New students to Band will try out instruments right after Labor Day weekend.
-Students will receive their first assignments next week, more on that to come...
-Students will attend small group lessons during workshop time (Rotation lessons) beginning on Sept 13th, more on that later...
Here is the Foxview calendar link with "Days" and "Rotations" throughout the school year.
- Large group Band class meets every other day, on either Day 1 or Day 2. Day 1 Band starts today (Thursday) and then next week T/R, and Day 2 Band meets tomorrow (Friday) and then next week W/F... so basically every other day, please remember to skip holidays.
OTHER INFORMATION:
ALL BAND STUDENTS WILL NEED... a pencil, the "Tradition of Excellence" lesson book 1 and 2 (red and blue covers),
(DO NOT get the Standard of Excellence), and an instrument in good working order. A band folder will be provided.
CHOOSING AN INSTRUMENT...
-- If your Band student doesn't know what instrument they want to play yet, no worries, we will help them find the right choice in the first week of school. IT IS OK TO WAIT to obtain an instrument until your child has chosen what want to play and fits well.
-- I highly suggest that students try instruments with us AT school rather than going to a music store to try them out. We have 300+ students in Band, and we have the experience and the ability to help fit them correctly. For example, one visit to the music store doesn't always work and a student is not sure what they want to play after trying them out. I can have them come back daily at school to really be sure what works best for their muscles and abilities. Choosing the right instrument from the start is huge!
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING RENTING AN INSTRUMENT...
there are local music stores that have rental options. Instrumental Music Company, a music store in Green Bay, has streamlined the rental process by simply clicking on their rental link page:
-Click on the blue "Begin Rental Here." If you don't see the blue rental button simply type Foxview in the search box.
-Choose DePere, then Foxview
-Click on the instrument your child will be playing and double check the items you will need placed in your cart because some people may already have a music stand at home from siblings etc...
IF YOU ALREADY OWN AN INSTRUMENT...
then all you need is a pencil, and the "Tradition of Excellence" lesson book 1 and 2 (red and blue covers)
(DO NOT get the Standard of Excellence).
IF YOU ARE BUYING AN INSTRUMENT, OR BORROWING FROM A RELATIVE OR PRIVATE PARTY...
feel free to send it to school with your child and I will be happy to assess its playing condition. If a seller, say for example, off marketplace won't let you take the instrument to be checked by me that's understandable, but then be very cautious about purchasing as you don't want to then wind up with costly repairs.
Things to keep in mind renting an instrument...
-- You can always go to the music store, and a representative will assist you rather than ordering online.
-- Instruments and supplies will be delivered to Foxview with your child's name on it.
-- It is best to have the instrument delivered to school where the Band directors will show the students how to properly assemble, clean and maintain your investment, AND produce the correct sound without developing a bad habit from the start.
-- If your Band students wants to change what they want to the music stores will simply switch out instruments, there is no loss in rental money or additional charges.
-- If there are any damages or repairs needed a local music stores supports a rented instrument with no question, at no extra cost.
Please email me if you have any questions, otherwise, watch for upcoming informational messages as your child begins their musical journey in Band!
Chris Andersen
candersen@depere.k12.wi.us
-----------------------------------------> Past newsletters:
8/17/2023
Hello 6th Grade Band Families!
I am Mr. Andersen, and I will be your child's 6th grade band director this year at Foxview, along with Mrs. Manning assisting during large group classroom rehearsals. I am so looking forward to working with your child in Band, and I can't wait to get started! More details about your child's Band experience are coming, but for now, the purpose of this message is to give you information based on what parents have asked in the past, and how we will get started. Please choose which section below applies to your child:
If your child is a returning Band student, and was in Band last year in 5th grade at Foxview...
- Band students do not need to bring their instruments to school on the first day.
- Your Band student will need an instrument in good working order, a pencil, and two lesson books, both book 1 and 2 entitled "The Tradition of Excellence" for their specific instrument of choice. Be careful to NOT buy the "Standard of Excellence lesson book."
- If you already have an instrument from a family member etc... and you want me to look it over, please feel free to send it to school with your child's name on it at the start of the school year, I'll be happy to assess its playing condition.
- Students may bring their instruments to school the second day they have Band class (after Labor Day Weekend).
- Band students wanting to switch to another instrument will tell me the first day of Band class and will be given the opportunity to try out instruments.
Students NEW to Band in the 6th grade and have never played a Band instrument before this year...
- Students be selecting their choice of instrument in the first two weeks with help and guidance of Foxview Band directors.
- If your Band student doesn't know what instrument they want to play yet, no worries, there are many students starting Band in 6th grade, we will help them find the right choice and get caught up in no time!
- I will be sending information on obtaining / renting an instrument very soon.
- If your child (new to Band this year) has a good idea of what they want to play already that's great, please email me and let me know, or have them tell me the first day of Band class.
- If you already have an instrument from a family member etc... and you want me to look it over, please feel free to send it the instrument to school with your child's name on it at the start of the school year, I'll be happy to assess its playing condition.
Students that have played an instrument in another school district before and have their own instrument...
- Band students do not need to bring their instruments to school on the first day.
- Students may bring their instruments to school the second day they have Band class (after Labor Day Weekend).
- Please have their instrument of choice in good working order, and make sure you buy the lesson book "Tradition of Excellence" for both book 1 and 2 (red and blue cover) as noted on the school supply list. Be careful to NOT buy the "Standard of Excellence lesson book." They will also need a pencil.
- If you already have an instrument from a family member etc... and you want me to look it over, please feel free to send it to school with your child's name on it at the start of the school year, I'll be happy to assess its playing condition.
- Band students wanting to switch to another instrument will tell me the first day of Band class and an opportunity to try out instruments will happen right away.
Students that have played an instrument in another school district before, and DO NOT have their own instrument...
- If your Band student does not have an instrument they should tell me the first day they have Band class.
- I will share information to help you obtain an instrument, and what supplies you will need for Band.
- Band students wanting to switch to another instrument will tell me the first day of Band class and an opportunity to try out instruments will happen right away.
Please email me if you have any questions, otherwise, watch for upcoming informational messages.
I sooo look forward to working with your future 6th grade Band student!
Chris Andersen
DePere Bands