Instrumental Music 2023/2024
BAND and String Orchestra
Class overview
Dear Parents and Students,
I am so excited to continue our musical journey with you!
You have made an important decision to encourage your child to learn a new instrument or continue to improve his or her skills on a musical instrument. Music is an integral part of a well-rounded education and studying music offers not only intellectual growth, but also emotional and social growth. It is my belief that music education can provide students with values and skills that will enhance the quality of their lives. Studies have shown that early and ongoing musical training helps to promote higher-level thinking and that students participating in school music programs attain higher grades in their other classes.
The information found here is designed to assist you in giving your child the best support possible for his or her musical experience. The interest and excitement of the student is much more important than any specific talent. With support from parents, playing music can become a natural part of your child’s life. Please be sure to read all of the information provided and please feel free to contact me at any time.
I am looking forward to an exciting year of music making!
Mary Louise Uys
mary_louise_uys@myfsd.org
Field Trip to watch the world Famous USC Marching Band!
Where do I get my band or string instrument?
Although it is my hope that the district will have enough instruments to loan to all students, usually we do not, and we recommend that if you want to have your first choice of instrument, you might want to rent from a music store or borrow from a relative or friend. If this is your first time playing, you may want to borrow or rent one to see how you like it. Each percussion student should provide drumsticks and a practice pad. There are a limited number of percussion students in band, but unlimited number of all the other instruments.
What instruments are in band and orchestra?
Band includes all of the blowing instruments and percussion: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone and percussion (drums).
Introduction to the trumpet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZFZueGnE9s
Introduction to the clarinet
Introduction to the flute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhvI2vsKmCk
Introduction to the saxophone
Introduction to the trombone
Introduction to the percussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ4plrSSOJA
Marine band demonstrations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCTeSjpDsIs
String orchestra includes violin, viola and cello.
Introduction to the violin
Introduction to the viola
Introduction to the cello
If I want to rent or purchase, which stores or sites are best?
Check out the last page of my website for resources.
We traveled to Ireland, England and Spain this summer!
About me
I love all kinds of music and love teaching students of all ages the joy of playing an instrument both alone and with a band or orchestra. I have a degree in music from USC and a Masters Degree in Education. My main instrument is the clarinet but I love teaching all of the band and string instruments!
I have 3 sons who have all graduated from college as of last year! The oldest is living and working in the bay area, my middle son is working locally and the youngest is working and studying for the LSAT (to attend law school). The 2 youngest are graduates of USC and are proud Trojans while my oldest son has a Masters in Computer Science from UCSD and his focus is AI programming.
When I'm not working, I love to take long walks with my husband Peter and dog, Max, go to the beach, read a lot and also play and listen to music. I am a freelance musician in the LA and Orange County area (and a proud member of Musician's Union Local 47) and still love to perform with local orchestras.
