Band/Jazz Resources

Private Lessons

Private lessons are an essential part of your growth as a musician. There are a multitude of music studio options in the area, each with particular strengths. Please allow us to offer recommendations and guide you through the process to be sure you maximize your investment. Email Mr. Schumacher for assistance.

Reeds

Reed selection is a very personal and subjective decision. They are sized according to instrument and thickness - the higher the number, the thicker and therefore more resistant the reed. In general, elementary saxophone and clarinet players will find success with size 2 reeds. 7th grade saxophone and clarinet players will find success with size 2.5 or 3, while 8th graders are typically ready to move up to size 3 or even 3.5. Any time a student makes the transition between sizes, they can expect a period of adjustment during which the new reed seems too resistant and the old reed too free blowing. If that period lasts longer than a few weeks, it is likely that the switch was made prematurely and the student should return to the old reeds. The most practical brand for elementary students is Rico (orange box). Middle school students can upgrade to Rico Royal or Vandoren (a bit nicer quality). High school students should be using Vandoren reeds which come in a variety of models. Reeds are delicate and break frequently as students learn to handle them, so it's best to invest in a box of reeds for your child to keep in their instrument case. Please email Mr. Schumacher with any questions or concerns.

Repairs and Maintenance

If you are currently RENTING your instrument, you are likely entitled to complimentary servicing under your insurance agreement. In that case, please contact your rental company directly to coordinate the repair. It is imperative that you insist on a loaner instrument to be used while your instrument is away, as most of these companies have a 1-2 week turnaround for repairs. You will likely be asked to leave the instrument in the main office of the school. Please let us know if you experience any issues.

If you OWN your instrument, or are no longer covered under your rental insurance agreement, we are happy to attempt a repair ourselves or make a recommendation for where you should bring it.

If you are BORROWING a school-owned instrument, please bring the issue to our attention and we will coordinate any necessary repairs.

Enrichment and Scholarship Opportunities

Our Enrichment and Scholarship Opportunities doc gives you information for festivals, competitions, summer camps, regional ensembles and programs, private lessons, honor bands, internships, honor societies, local live music venues, and scholarships of all kinds. It's a great resource for parents and students!

Practicing

Specific assignments are given each week, and students are expected to make every effort to practice regularly. As with any sport, practice is an essential component of consistent progress and achievement for both the individual and the collective. Please remember that "rehearsing" as we do in class at school is distinct from "practicing". A unique set of skills and goals will be pursued in each of those forums. In general, high school students should strive to practice for at least 30 minutes, 4-5 days a week, with specific goals in mind. The most serious students should be practicing at least 45 minutes, 5-6 days a week, and be taking private lessons on a regular basis - see "Private Lessons" above. Those goals can be easily aligned with the current units of study outlined during ensemble at school. Your progress and development will be clear and strong as a result, and this individual success will allow the ensemble to pursue greater and more satisfying challenges!

*PRACTICE RESOURCES* *PRACTICE STRATEGIES*

Purchasing new equipment

Vendors of both used and new instruments often have agendas, and will push you toward instruments, mouthpieces, and accessories that might not be the right fit for your child! We know our students abilities and needs better than store sales people and website representatives. Please do not make purchases without discussing your intentions with us first. Once armed with the most viable options and recommendations we can provide, you will be far better equipped to make a smart purchase that will serve your child well and offer a solid investment.

Instruments are usually offered in three categories: student, intermediate, and professional. Student model instruments are usually most appropriate for students up through middle school. Intermediate models are usually most appropriate for students in middle school up through high school. Professional models are usually most appropriate for serious high school students and those continuing their study into college. Notice that there is overlap in the appropriateness of the three models. This is always a decision that needs to be made with a specific student in mind.

Here are our recommended makes and models. Please let us know if you have any questions.

clinic and masterclass archive

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pmc awards, accomplishments, & press

Access a running list of PMC awards, accomplishments, and press stretching back to 2011! Send us something we forgot by emailing David Schumacher