Embedded Files
FallConcert.2025.pdfHere's the information on the fall concert
Here's the information on the fall concert
We're excited about our first performance coming up on Tues, November 4!
Weekly Lesson Schedule
(lessons are from 7:30-8:20 am at Dover Middle School)
Weekly Lesson Schedule
(lessons are from 7:30-8:20 am at Dover Middle School)
Tuesday: Trumpet lesson (with Mr. Carrick) / Clarinet lesson (with Mr. Redd)
Wednesday: Trombone lesson (with Mr. Carrick) / Alto Saxophone lesson (with Mr. Redd)
Thursday: Percussion [Mallet] lesson (with Mr. Carrick) / Flute lesson (with Mr. Redd)
Note: if there is not school on your lesson day, please come the next day of school with the exception of Friday.
Tuesday: Trumpet lesson (with Mr. Carrick) / Clarinet lesson (with Mr. Redd)
Wednesday: Trombone lesson (with Mr. Carrick) / Alto Saxophone lesson (with Mr. Redd)
Thursday: Percussion [Mallet] lesson (with Mr. Carrick) / Flute lesson (with Mr. Redd)
Note: if there is not school on your lesson day, please come the next day of school with the exception of Friday.
General Info.2025.26.pdfWelcome to Band
Welcome to Band
This is a welcome letter that talks about some procedures for this year's 5th Grade Band.
Este documento está en inglés y español.
YearlyInfo.2025.26.pdf2025-26 Details
2025-26 Details
This provides some important dates for this year's performances.
Este documento está en inglés y español.
Don Lazar Info.pdfDon Lazar Rental Prices
Don Lazar Rental Prices
This paperwork lists the prices for renting new instruments from Don Lazar Music Services.
Don Lazar Instrument Reservation & Legal Paperwork (English and Spanish).pdfInstrument Rental Paperwork
Instrument Rental Paperwork
Returning this paperwork with payment will get you on your way renting a band instrument through Don Lazar Music Services.
Este documento está en inglés y español.
Common Questions About Band
Common Questions About Band
What is Band?
What is Band?
Band is an interactive class which meets before school for the entire year in which you learn how to read music and how to play an instrument of your choice. We will perform music at an end of the year performance. After getting your start in 5th grade, you can continue to be a part of the band for all three years at Dover Middle School, and then continue in high school, college, and beyond!
What instruments can I play in Band?
What instruments can I play in Band?
We have 3 families of instruments to choose from: Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion.
If you want to play a woodwind instrument, you can choose the Flute, Clarinet, or Alto Saxophone.
If you want to play a brass instrument, you can choose the Trumpet or Trombone. Horn, Baritone and Tuba will come later.
If you want to be a percussionist you will begin playing Bells.
How do I sign up for Band?
How do I sign up for Band?
Please get your parents’ permission first, because you'll eventually need an instrument. You and a parent should join us at the Instrument Rental Meeting in the Dover High School Auditorium at 7:00pm on Tuesday, September 9. If you missed the meeting, you can EMAIL MR. CARRICK for more info.
Can I wait and join when I get to middle school?
Can I wait and join when I get to middle school?
While it is technically possible, we've found that the extra time as a beginner in 5th grade really helps you feel comfortable as a member of the DMS Band. Piling the learning of an instrument for the first time on top of a transition to middle school can be a little rough. If you've got questions about this or just aren't sure, Email me at carrickm@dovertornadoes.com. We want you in band, and we will make it happen!
How should I get a Band instrument?
How should I get a Band instrument?
This is a family-owned shop that I have been working with for many years, and I give them my highest recommendation. Their service is great and you will not find better rates. A representative from the shop visits our school weekly to check on your child’s instrument, and to bring them anything you order through a director or over the phone. If your child’s instrument needs to be repaired, they will pick it up here and deliver it back. Their options are (1) a monthly rental, (2) a discounted purchase plan program which means you are not just renting, but rather making payments towards the purchase of the instrument (which is much better for you financially), or (3) outright purchase of an instrument at a discounted price. You can order your rental through the school and they will bring the instrument to Dover, so you never need to drive to the shop in person.
PLEASE, DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON A CHEAP “INSTRUMENT” ONLINE
PLEASE, DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON A CHEAP “INSTRUMENT” ONLINE
I am aware that cheap “instruments” are available online through Amazon or eBay, or even major big-box retail stores. These are knock-offs, not real instruments. Please, please do not buy them. Really. They stop working within a year, and they cannot be repaired because the parts are not available to licensed repair technicians.
I have had too many good kids quit band because their instrument breaks, and I would like to avoid this. I understand you may want to save money, but buying a cheap instrument so you have to buy another one later because it broke is not a way to save money, it is a way to waste money. I also understand families may be hesitant to invest money in a real instrument since there is uncertainty if the student child will stick with band. It is my experience that kids do not stick with band when they're frustrated after their knock-off instrument breaks.
Don Lazar Music Services has many options to make it very affordable to give your child a high-quality real instrument that will set them up for success, which is one of the reasons why our band program works so closely with him. Please consider these options, instead of buying a toy for your child to play in our band.
THE LIST MR. CARRICK WAS TALKING ABOUT...
THE LIST MR. CARRICK WAS TALKING ABOUT...
The following are quality brands that I recommend and that can be serviced by our local professional repair technicians: Armstrong (not Aristocrat), Bach (not Prelude or Aristocrat), Blessing, Bliss, B&S, Conn, Getzen, Gemeinhardt, Haynes, Holton, Jupiter, Kanstul, King, Ludwig, Leblanc, Musser, Pearl, Selmer (not Prelude or Aristocrat), Vito, Yamaha.
But I don’t know how to play an instrument...
But I don’t know how to play an instrument...
That’s normal! Most students start 5th grade band with no previous experience. Don’t worry, we will teach you everything right from the beginning. All you need to do is listen carefully to your Band Director, follow directions, and practice your instrument at home every day. The more you practice, the easier it gets, and the more fun you have!
If you love music, if you want to help other people and be a part of a team, and if you have the self-discipline it takes to learn how to play a musical instrument, I need you to be a part of our band at Dover Ave! ~ Mr. Carrick
If you love music, if you want to help other people and be a part of a team, and if you have the self-discipline it takes to learn how to play a musical instrument, I need you to be a part of our band at Dover Ave! ~ Mr. Carrick
WEATHER REMINDER: If school is on a 2 hour delay or cancelled because of weather, there will be NO 5th GRADE BAND.
WEATHER REMINDER: If school is on a 2 hour delay or cancelled because of weather, there will be NO 5th GRADE BAND.
Ever wondered what your instrument is SUPPOSED to sound like? CLICK HERE to hear one of the PROS throw down on your instrument!
Ever wondered what your instrument is SUPPOSED to sound like? CLICK HERE to hear one of the PROS throw down on your instrument!
Click here to learn how to keep yourself and your instrument clean.
Have a phone/device? Turn it into a tuner for your instrument!
Have a phone/device? Turn it into a tuner for your instrument!
Click on Bandmate Chromatic Tuner to learn more.
Trumpets...This is the video we were talking about in class. Be careful and you'll do fine!
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