Resources

Band Handbook

Handbook

Students and parents should review this document and save for reference throughout the year, including:

Classroom Procedures & Grading
Band Officers
Private Teachers
Recommended Equipment & Maintainance

Band Folder Essentials

If you've lost the copy provided in your band folder at the beginning of the year, use the files on the right or see Google Classroom to find the replacement:

Fingering Charts

Major Scales

Circle of Fifths

Clarinet Pinky Fingerings

Equipment

Students should have the following in addition to their instrument:

Woodwinds
- Rotate several reeds and change them often
- Vandoren Traditional (blue box) strength 3 is a good starting point
- A reed holder (LaVoz, Rico) is recommended to prolong life of reeds
- Swab out after each practice session
Brass
- Oil your valves regularly
- Maintain your slides (grease, oil, spray bottle)
- Clean your mouthpiece with a brush and warm soapy water
Percussion
- You are responsible for a basic set of drum sticks: ex. Vic Firth SD1 General
- Other mallets/instruments are provided, but you are ALL responsible for their care

Investing in upgraded equipment will have an immediate positive effect on your sound. Consult the recommended equipment page of the handbook and/or ask Mr. Kokus for an individual recommendation before making music gear purchases.

Fingering Charts.pdf

Major Scales.pdf

Circle of Fifths.pdf

ClarinetPinkyFingerings.pdf

Repairs

Routine instrument maintenance prevents an expensive repair later on. There may be a problem with your instrument that has happened slowly over time; therefore you don’t even notice something is wrong. Protect your investment. An instrument in good condition sounds better, lasts longer, and is easier and more fun to play! I advise everyone to have his or her instrument brought to “playing condition” by a trusted professional repairperson once a year. I have listed some below:

The Music Lab, LLC

Rochambeau Mall

1783 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike Unit 1,

Milldale, CT 06467

(860) 426-1961

https://www.ctmusiclab.com/

Gerry’s Music

80 Lamb Street (Rte. 116)

South Hadley, MA 01075

(413) 534-7402

1-800-724-7402

www.gerrys-music.com