5th Grade Instrumental Music
Dear parents of fifth graders,
Beginning in September, all fifth graders will begin their journey in instrumental music on the woodwind or brass instrument of their choice. We will use Essential Elements for Band book one. This has also been published as Essential Elements 2000 in the past. It comes with a download or CD-Rom to help them get started. Instruments can be purchased or rented at any of the local music stores listed below. Some of the choices are: flute, clarinet, tenor or alto sax, trumpet, baritone and trombone. Should they choose an instrument such as oboe, bassoon, or French horn, they must take private lessons because of the high level of difficulty.
It is highly recommended that the student have a music stand to use at home while practicing. This will promote good posture and breathing. It would also be wise to pick up a care kit which may include valve oil, slide/cork grease, a swab, and/or cleaning brushes to keep the instrument functioning properly. Clarinet and saxophone players should buy a box of reeds (#2) to last through the year. Trombone players also need slide cream and a small spray bottle of water (for the slide) in their case. All instruments, supplies and music book can be purchased from your local music store. Based on experience, I recommend staying away from cheap instruments, unless they have a generous return policy. Name brands such as Yamaha, Bach, Conn, and Selmer tend to be safer buys.
The students will be encouraged to work together as a musical team, while they explore the exciting world of instrumental music. Students are encouraged to practice daily as their schedule allows. They will be graded primarily on class participation and individual progress. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am excited to be working with your children again this year.
I recommend that they get their instrument and book at least a couple of weeks before school starts because we start playing right away. They need to be able to assemble it and play the first couple of notes as I showed them. There are plenty of YouTube videos to help them if they forget. Order everything early to avoid the beginning of school rush. The music stores get very busy around this time of year and it could be hard for your child to catch up if miss the first few days. If your child had any struggles with the recorder or reading music, you can do them a huge favor by getting them lessons as soon as possible. It will be much harder for them next year, as these instruments are more complicated than the recorder.
Here is a list of some local stores. See you in September!
Bertrand's Music
145 Vista Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone:(626) 793-4730
Sierra Madre Music
280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, Ca 91024
626.316.7017
Charles Music
421 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, Ca 91206
818.242.6597
Grayson's Tune town
2415 Honolulu Ave.
Montrose, Ca 91020
818.249.0993
Pedrini Music
2916 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta, Ca 91214
818.248.1290
Robb Stewart Brass Instruments
140 East Santa Clara
Arcadia, Ca
(626) 447-1904
Gard's Music (Under new ownership of Music and Arts)
848 S. Grand Ave.
Glendora, Ca 91740
626.963.0263
Woodwind Repair Shops
Greg Adams 626-798-9009 He's in Altadena and offers lessons also!
Michele Forrest 626-345-1730 oboe and clarinet repair
2569 Lake Ave. in Altadena
Skype lessons with Mr. Divers
skypemusic.org or
timdivers.com
