Jump Start for Beginning Band  

August 11 - 15, 2025 (Mornings, times based on instrument selection)

New Prague Community Ed Class Registration Link

This is an optional class for students wanting a jump start on their instrument, or it can be a great opportunity to "test out the waters" before committing to band for the school year.  This class is taught by Mrs. Spindler and Mrs. Hertzfeld (middle school band director). 

Band will begin mid-September for all district 5th graders who are interested in BAND. 

Here is the timeline/process for signing up for band:

1.  All 4th graders will hear the "Meet the Instruments" presentation in  April/May.  All band instruments will be demonstrated for students to get an idea of what instrument they might want to choose.  You can watch a virtual presentation  HERE = MEET THE INSTRUMENTS PRESENTATION (created fall of 2020, may have some outdated info)  

2. Students will pick their top three choices immediately following the presentation. They will fill out this STUDENT INTEREST GOOGLE FORM to give me an idea of what instruments they gravitate to.  List of instrument choices with pictures , for reference.

3. Need more help with deciding? Check out this LIST OF INSTRUMENT VIDEO LINKS for more recordings and some fun online interactive games/quizes.

4. First Letter Home to Parents. (Sent  in May via Infinite Campus/Classroom Teachers)

5. Once students have viewed the presentation and have completed the google form, band information will be sent home to families.   This information will include student instrument placement,  Parent Registration Link, what materials are needed, and instrument rental information. I will work with teachers to find a lesson time that works best for each student. Selected Instrument Letter (Hard copies will be sent home in May.)

6. Optional: Summer Band Jump Start - run through New Prague Community Ed., August 11-15. A great way to get a head start on your instrument!

7. Small group lessons and large group rehearsals will start mid-September.

Weekly band expectations when we start this fall:

• Set your practice space with a good chair, music stand  (or prop up your book somehow), and good lighting.  Start in your book where we last left off with your next circled song.  Warm-up on long tones, and practice your next 3 to 5 circled songs. 

• While you are practicing, set a metronome (type "metronome" in google search bar) while you are practicing to play with a steady beat. There are free metronome apps that you could also download on to another device, if you like.

• We will have one small group lesson and one rehearsal on a 4-day rotation cycle (for 2025-26 school year). Please come prepared so you don't let your lesson buddies down!

• Once a month, you will perform for an adult at your house - it's a great opportunity for you to perform for someone, receive positive feedback, and to show off all of these new skills you are learning!

PARENTS:

• Parents can contact me anytime via email  jspindler@isd721.org or via REMIND.  Please let me know how I can help!

• Keep all receipts of music purchases for tax purposes. MN k-12 Education Subtraction and Credit