Incoming 6th Graders
Welcome to 6th grade band! I've set up this part of my website to answer some questions you may have about being in 6th grade band next year. If you don't see the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact me!
~Mrs. Hanratty
Smith School's new music wing
It features a brand new band room, lesson rooms, chorus room and music technology room.
Tired of dragging your large instrument to school?
At Smith School, if you play bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, euphonium (baritone) or tuba we will give you a sanitized instrument to play at school, and you leave your rental at home! No more dragging! In addition, percussionists do not have to drag their bell kit to school on lesson and rehearsal days.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of music does the 6th grade band play?
In addition to standard concert band music, lyrical pieces and marches, we play music that you will know.
Best Day of My Life
Happy
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Believe (from The Polar Express)
Themes from Harry Potter
Linus and Lucy (Peanuts theme)
Jurassic Park theme
And many more!
What's Mrs. Hanratty like?
I have been working at Smith School for 15 years! Before that, I went to Ithaca College for my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education and taught middle school band in a tiny school in the center of the Adirondacks. I have known that I wanted to be a middle school band teacher since career day in 7th grade. I love music, working with middle school students and teaching instruments. My main instrument is the tuba, and I've been playing the piano since I was 7, but I love to play all the instruments. You will find that I like to write (and talk) with exclamation points!
What's a lesson? What's a rehearsal?
Lessons take place in small groups of the same instrument. We practice out of the lesson book in lessons. Rehearsals are when the full ensemble meets on stage to practice band music.
When do I have lessons?
Lessons are scheduled right into your regular class schedule. You do not miss class for your lessons!
Will I get graded for being prepared for my lesson?
Yes!
When do I have rehearsals?
Lessons are scheduled twice a week during Exploratory time.
Do I have to practice?
Yes! You will get a weekly grade on how well you prepare your music for me. Tips for successful practicing can be found on my website!
What book do we use in 6th grade band?
We will be using STANDARD of Excellence Book 1. It looks like this...
Percussionists will need to buy two new books: A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum AND A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion, both by Mark Wessels.
I play an instrument with a reed, what kind of reeds should I buy?
We play on Rico 2.5 strength reeds. Please DO NOT purchase size 2 reeds any more! Once the box is opened and even 1 reed used, they can not be returned.
My parents want to buy me a new instrument, should we just look on Ebay or something?
First, that's so exciting!! Next, NO!! Before returning, trading in, or buying a new instrument, be sure to contact me. The instruments that are rented through Music and Arts are high level, dependable, and easily fixed beginner instruments. This will help you be more successful and have a positive experience while starting band, without having to worry about your instrument. Instruments purchased online, at big box stores or loaned from well-meaning family members may sometimes be inferior, challenging to play, not easily fixed, and create problems for developing players. I will do my best to assist you at any time with instrument purchase questions.
Where can I rent an instrument, get a new book, reeds, or any supplies?
www.musicarts.com You can order anything you would like online and have it delivered to school. We get deliveries every Wednesday.
Can I switch instruments?
This year, please stay on your original instrument. We need to have solid 2nd year players on all instruments! If you are interested in oboe, horn or tuba, please contact me.
Can I switch to alto sax or percussion?
Nope! The lottery that took place at the end of 4th grade still counts, even in middle school. Our wonderful balance of instruments is why we have such a great program! :)