All students will need a lesson book, empty 1" binder, and a pencil. 

There are additional instrument specific supplies that will need to be purchased. Lists, and pictures, can be found on the supply page. 

If you are having trouble getting supplies, or have a question- please email me.

Please check the Supplies page, and click "Why do I need this" on the visual supply list to find out the reasoning behind each of the supplies listed for your child's instrument.

Rehearsals occur every week as scheduled. I try to send out a reminder each week, however I do sometimes forget. Unless you receive a message that rehearsal is cancelled, we will be meeting.

If for some reason I need to cancel, I will always send out a message via ParentSquare. If you are not signed up, or do not have notifications on, you may miss the message.

Please message me if your child is unable to attend rehearsals.

Rehearsals are considered a class which takes precedence over clubs. If there is a conflict with a club, please let me know in advance and I will do my best to work with you and your child so they are not missing out on opportunities.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX IT! DO NOT USE ANY TOOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT!

Please contact me or bring the instrument to school so that I can take a look at it. 

If you rented the instrument from a local music store, you can also bring it their to be looked at. 

If you try to fix the instrument yourself without repair knowledge, you risk damaging the instrument further and creating a more costly repair.

Students are provided an instrument through the district, free of charge, in their first year of instruction. A rental agreement will need to be filled out to receive an instrument.

In the 2nd year and beyond only students playing larger instruments (bass clarinet, tenor sax, baritone/euphonium, horn, tuba, cello, bass) are provided through the district. All other instruments will need to be purchased or rented through a local music store.

I highly recommend renting an instrument until you know your child is committed. Investing in an instrument of good quality that your child will be successful on can be an expensive purchase. 

If you are having trouble acquiring an instrument, or have a question about purchasing- please email me.

In most cases, students stick with the same instrument from 4th grade on. Each instrument has its own unique features and techniques; Switching often results in students needing to learn new techniques or reading different music and becoming a beginner again. This means they would need to work harder to catch up to their peers.

If there is an issue with the instrument your child is playing, please contact me so that we can work together to find a solution.

Students will usually have lessons on the same day each week, but at different times. Students are grouped based on grade and instrument. 

The lesson schedule page is updated every other week to show the upcoming lesson times. If you're unsure of how to read the schedule, please email me or send a message.

Early morning rehearsals are large group instruction that take place before the school day starts. 5th grade will have rehearsals twice a week from September-February and once a week from February-June. 

4th grade will begin rehearsals in June. Please look the "Important Dates" page, or the information packet you received at the beginning of the year for specific days/dates/times for each group.

Lessons are small group instruction that take place weekly during the school day from September-June. 

Students are expected to attend both lessons and rehearsals.

Yes, students are expected to practice each week as their homework. Building muscle memory is essential to learning an instrument, which takes time and dedication. The more that students pick up their instrument and play, the more likely they are to enhance their muscle memory and thus improve their playing. Beginners should spend about 10 minutes practicing 4-5 times a week. As they progress and build stamina, students should lengthen each session.

At times, students may also be asked to complete worksheets or Google Classroom assignments for homework.

This is an optional opportunity for your child to perform and receive comments from a judge. The solo festival usually takes place in April and sign up usually occurs in December/January.

There are three components to an instrumental solo:

• Scales- students must memorize a select number of scales, this is dependent on the level of the solo.

• Solo- students must prepare a solo from an approved list. 

• Sight-reading- students will be given a short time to look over 1 or 2 lines of music then perform it for the judge as best they can.

It is recommended that students who are interested in participating work with a private teacher to prepare. While I am able to help pick out a solo and offer some extra help sessions, there is not always enough time in my schedule to fully help students prepare. 

Costs: A registration fee & purchasing original music (students must perform with an original copy and have a copy for the judge to look at. The judge's copy can be the piano part of a solo, if available)

Sachem Elementary Music Festival (EMF) is an opportunity for 5th grade music students in band, orchestra or chorus.

Email or ParentSquare messages are the best way to reach me. 

Please keep in mind that I am teaching during the day, so it may take some time to respond. If you message me outside of school hours, I will do my best to respond first thing in the morning.