Band

June 7- 11

For our final end of the year celebration, students will be playing any of the pieces from their method book (Essential Elements) from number 44 on. This is a chance for students who go above and beyond what we do in class an opportunity to share their learning with us.

May 31- June 4th

It was great to get back to Band after being online and having a short week last week. Reminders to practice and bring music and their instruments on Mondays and Tuesdays!

May 3-7

Great job, Grade 6's on your playing test this past week. It was great to hear how far we have come; keep it up!

Students have taken their instruments and music home during our two weeks online. When taking a break from class, why not have your child bring out your instrument to practice? If it's nice out, you can even play for your neighbors! I've added a challenge to the Music 6 Google Classroom if your child is looking for something new to play.

April 23-30

Students have a playing test on #42 "Skip to my Lou" on Monday, May 3rd.

Reminder: Band is on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please make sure students are taking their instruments home after our class on Tuesday and have their instruments and music back for class on Mondays.

Week Twelve

Another piece of new music has been handed out this week. We continue to work on notes and move towards dynamics and balance within the ensemble.

For practicing at home, students should spend 3-5 minutes warming up with our First Five Notes, then move to their method book. I always talk in class about playing exercises we can already play, but also moving ahead in the book as well. This should be about 5-10 minutes. Next, students should play through their two pieces we are working on in band: Dragon Dance and Daydreams. Each instrument has a section they can work on. Finally, students should save some time to play the music they are interested in. Want to learn how to play the Mario Theme Song or a pop song by your favorite singer? Find a book in a local music store and try learning it on your own!

Reminder: Band is on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please make sure students are taking their instruments home after our class on Tuesday and have their instruments and music back for class on Mondays.

Week Eleven

New music has been passed out to students this week. As I wrote last week, this should be another way for students to be developing their skills. We usually work on two or three pieces over the year, so they will likely get more to add to their practice routine. Instruments should be going home each week and students should be playing at least three times a week outside of class. Unlike sports, no one is on the bench watching; we are a team and we must work together to play our best. Need ideas for how or what to practice? Feel free to contact me and I would be more than happy to give suggestions.

Reminder: Band is on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please make sure students have their instruments and music for class.

Week Ten

We have made it to our tenth week of Band! Students continue to progress each week and show their dedication. I hope you are hearing wonderful music at home! Playing for family is a great confident boost, so have them play a little concert for you to hear their progress.

Next week I will be handing out our concert band music. Our goal is to perform this as a celebration of all the hard work we've done this year. Because of COVID restrictions, the performance will likely be pre-recorded and sent out to parents. This is an opportunity for students to be challenged as each section could be playing a different harmony or rhythm. We will need to listen to each other and be confident in our own part to work together as a team. It is a highlight of my year!

Reminder: Band is on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please make sure students have their instruments and music for class.

Week Nine

We are making progress through our method book this week and can really hear the band improve each week. I would encourage your child to find time to practice at least three times this week- I don't want to lose all the work we've put in and how far we've come! Students can practice exercises from our method book or, for a challenge, from their binders.

We will begin again on Monday and Tuesday when we return. Please make sure students have their instruments and music for class.

Week Eight

Students continued working through our Essential Elements method book. We played through London Bridge on Monday and Tuesday- ask your child to play it for you and your family. I'm sure they would love to perform for you!

Just a reminder: band class will be Mondays and Tuesdays. Don't forget your instrument and music!

Week Seven

The Grade 6's had their first playing performance this week and I was very impressed with how well they did! Great job! Students are encouraged to continue practicing outside of class. As we move forward, we learn new notes, learn harder music, and develop our sound (tone). I would suggest practicing a minimum of three times during the week for 15 minutes. Students have their method book (Essential Elements) and a binder with extra music for those who want a challenge.

Band class will be Mondays and Tuesdays.

Week Six

Students are working towards their first playing performance on Tuesday. Each student will be playing a duet with another student as a check-in to hear how they are progressing. Please remind students to take their instruments home and practice during the week.

Band class will be Mondays and Tuesdays until you are notified of any changes.

Week Five

A new method book was handed out to students this week: Essential Elements. We have made great progress as a group and I appreciate those who are practicing at home, as well. Students volunteered to play Hot Cross Buns for the class and it was amazing! Keep it up!

Next week Band will be Monday and Tuesday again.

First Week Back from Christmas Break

Band will be running Monday and Tuesday this week. Please make sure students have their music and instrument for class. Looking forward to making wonderful sounds together again!

Week Three

This was a short week because of the early dismissal on Friday. Students continued to play through their first five notes and even challenged themselves to play the exercises by memory. Great work!

There are a few students who learned how to play Christmas carols- I hope they are able to share their hard work with you.

A gentle reminder that students should be practicing 5-10 minutes at home to develop muscle memory and continue their progress. Merry Christmas!

Week Two

Students continue to learn the first five notes this week. The class is working hard and progressing well- I hope you are hearing practicing at home!

Next week, Band will be on Monday and Tuesday. Students are encouraged to take their instrument and music home over the break to continue practicing. I have included a holiday packet for them to play through if they would like to work on something more challenging.

Looking for ideas for Christmas? A metronome, tuner, music stand, sheet music, reeds or valve oil, or recordings of different musicians. A great way to feel inspired is to hear great musicians! Need some guidance? Feel free to email me and I can give a few suggestions.

Week one of Band

I am so proud of how well the Grade 6's are doing in Band! We learned how to set up in the gym, put our instruments together, and play our first five notes. Ask your child to play for you- I'm sure they'd love to show you have far they have come.

Band will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays until Christmas break.

As always, you are welcome to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

We just heard from Palliser at 2:00pm today (Friday) that Grade 6 Band has been given the approval to go ahead! Yippee!

Please bring your instrument and any other resources on Monday and Tuesday for Band. You are encouraged to read over the requirements for Band in the "Countdown to Grade 6 Band" note below.

You are always welcome to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

While I was sorting out the details of when to schedule Band, Palliser has asked all Band programs to submit a request to begin rehearsals detailing the safety measures put in place. As of Friday morning, Mr.Potvin and I have not heard back from Palliser and will postpone until we have been granted approval.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at christina.carpenter@pallisersd.ab.ca

Adjustments were made to the Grade 6 schedule and I am trying to coordinate when I can use the Gym for Band. At this point, I will postpone Band until I can sort this out. I apologize for the inconvenience!

Countdown to Grade 6 Band!

I am really looking forward to our first band class on Wednesday, November 18th. Students can bring their instruments to the Grade 6 classroom when they come to school. Here are a few reminders:

1) Rentals or purchases can be made at Long & McQuade or St.John's Music. If you already own an instrument, I strongly recommend having a reputable technician look at it. It will make sure your child is set up for success!

2) Please purchase or make a bell cover for clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone instruments.

3) Flute players will need to purchase a clear plastic face shield.

4) Other materials:

  • clarinet and saxophone players will need reeds. I recommend starting with either a 2 1/2 or 3 strength. One reed should last a month if treated with care.

  • trumpet and trombone players will need valve oil or slide oil.

5) Percussionists

  • Students should have their own snare drum sticks and a practice pad to practice at home. The school does have mallet and bass drum sticks for students to borrow.

6) Electric Guitars

  • Students should bring their own amp and a patch cord/instrument cable. The school will provide extension cords, if needed.