Other Info
Band Program Ensembles offered at MASH:
Concert Band, Symphonic Band*, Marching Band, Jazz Band(s)*, Winter Percussion*, Winter Guard(s)*, Small Ensembles
*audition may be required
County, District, Region & State Honor Bands!!
CCMEA and PMEA run annual live performance festivals for advanced musicians. These are once-in-a-lifetime honor band experiences not to be missed. Mr. G will be giving out more information in band on how and when auditions take place. For dates and more information, see the following links:
CCMEA County Band: https://ccmea.weebly.com/county-festivals.html
PMEA Honor Concert Band (Districts, Regionals, States.): https://www.pmeadistrict7.org/district-band--orchestra-auditions.html
PMEA District 7 Jazz Ensemble: https://www.pmeadistrict7.org/district-jazz-auditions.html
PMEA All-State Jazz: https://www.pmea.net/pmeaall-stateinformation/
Practice Expectations….
You are on the team and we are counting on you!! You don't have to be perfect, but you do have to be prepared. Your progress is the ultimate goal. Your instrumental journey may look different than someone sitting next to you and that's OK. Just dig in and get a little better every week!
My expectation is that you build and maintain a regularly recurring routine at home on your instrument practicing at least 4 days each week for at least 20-30mins. Skill is built incrementally over time and little, regularly occurring chunks of time at home will make huge difference in your playing. Tips and reminders for getting the most out of practice time…
1. Set up a regular practice spot in the house
2. If possible, schedule a regular practice time that occurs at the same time each day
3. I recommend the following tools / approaches:
a. Set small goals for each practice session
b. Use a metronome
c. Practice small segments at a time
d. Practice things slow enough to play them as close to perfect as possible
e. Take breaks. “Cramming” simply does not work with practicing music
f. Chart progress by keeping a journal of some kind
g. Even a small amount of time each day is FAR better than not playing at all
h. Always play at least one thing in your practice session that you really enjoy
i. Be nice to yourself!! A positive attitude has a huge impact on your learning.
Private Lessons
It is strongly encouraged for students to take advantage of the great private instructors we have in our area. There is simply no substitute for one-on-one instruction with a specialist. I maintain a list of local private instructors and will share contact info with you you upon request.
Instrument Repairs & Supplies….
The horn hospital typically visits every THURSDAY MORNING to pickup repair needs and deliver supplies ordered.
If your instrument needs repair or maintenance, you should have mom or dad first call the horn hospital at 957-2775 or email them at hornhospitalllc@gmail.com at least one day before pickup to arrange for a free loaner instrument.
Please see that the following information is somehow attached to the case:
1) Student name
2) Parent name
3) Parent phone number
4) Detailed description of the problem / what work is to be done to the instrument
Students should REMOVE their mouthpiece, reeds, music, etc. from the case so that they can continue to use them on a loaner instrument. Leave instruments outside Mr. G’s office for pickup.
The horn hospital will also deliver items that are purchased by individual students to MASH (Mouthpieces, reeds, etc.) www.hornhospital.com
The Mechanicsburg Music Alliance (MMA)
We have a wonderful music parent organization with the purpose of supporting extra curricular music here at Mechanicsburg. More details can be found on their website at http://www.mashmma.com/
MMA Inbox…
Look for the boosters’ inbox in the hallway directly across from Mr. G's office. This is used to collect all music department forms and payments. Submissions need to be clearly labeled with the student’s name. For security purposes, please do not deposit any cash in the booster inbox (checks only).