7th/8th Grade Instrumental Music
Each elective class will participate in band for one quarter. We will meet for study hall on Mondays and rehearse Tuesday through Friday. We will continue using Essential Elements 2000 volume 1. This has also been published as Essential Elements for Band book one. It should come with an instructional dvd/cd-rom on how to get started and care for their instrument. The instruments can be purchased or rented from any of the music stores listed below. Should they choose an instrument such as oboe, bassoon, or French horn, they will need to 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 or slide oil, cork grease, polishing cloths, and cleaning rods/brushes in order to keep the instruments functioning properly. Clarinet and saxophone players should keep a box of reeds in their case at all times. Trombone players need slide cream and they should keep a spray bottle (for the slide) in their case.
They are graded on behavior and effort and will also receive a pass/fail grade depending on their participation in class. Students are encouraged to practice daily as their schedule allows and private lessons are always recommended but not required. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am excited to be working with your children again this year.
Here is a list of some local music stores where you can buy anything you might need:
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