CONCERT BAND MUSIC & LINKS
Standard of Excellence, Book 2
CADET BAND MUSIC & LINKS
Standard of Excellence, Book 1
BEGINNING BAND MUSIC & LINKS
St. Raphael School Band Schedule:
Concert Band (same as former schedule)
Monday 3:30-4:00 Woodwinds & Brass
Tuesday 3:30-4:15 Full Band Rehearsal
Thursday 3:30-4:00 Percussion
Cadet Band (based on New Schedule)
Day 1, 1:16-1:56 Cadet Band Woodwinds & Brass
Day 2, 1:16-1:56: Percussion
Day 3, 1:16-1:56: Full Cadet Band Rehearsal
Beginning Band (based on New Schedule)
Day 1, 1:58-2:38 - Flutes
Day 2, 1:58-2:38 - Clarinets & Alto Saxophones
Day 3, 1:58-2:38: Trumpets
Day 4, 1:16-1:56: Trombones & Baritones
Day 4, 1:58-2:28: Percussion (Snare Drum & Bells)
Day 5, 1:58-2:38: Full Beginning Band Rehearsal
The St. Raphael Band program offers students in grades 4-8 the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument and participate in one of the performing groups listed below. The instruments started in grade 4 are the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion including the snare drum, bass drum, cymbals and bells.
The performing groups set-up according to grade and ability level. All band students will be instructed in a small group lesson and full band rehearsal each week band is in session. Students are required to practice their instruments at least three times a week for 20-30 minutes each time they practice. Assignments will be given to the students and extra time will be made available if the student is in need of further instruction.
All bands perform two concerts during the school year at the Christmas and Spring Concerts. The Beginning Band is the only Band that does not perform at the Christmas Concert, but will perform a "Winter Concert" in late February or early March, TBA.
If you have any questions regarding the band program, please contact the music instructor, Matt Wirfel, at mwirfel@saintraphaelparish.com or (440) 871-6760 at your earliest convenience.
II. Performance Groups
Concert Band (Intermediate - Advanced)
This band is open to students in grades 6, 7 & 8 who have been playing their instruments for at least two years. No audition is required to be in this group. The band method book used in this group is the Standard of Excellence Book 2. The band will play ability-based, appropriate band repertoire. Students are expected to practice their instrument at home at least 120 minutes per week (four 30 minute practice sessions/week).
Cadet Band (Progressing)
This band is open to students in grade 5 who have been playing their instruments for one year. No audition is required to be in this group. The band method used for this group is the Standard of Excellence Book 1. The band will also play ability-based, appropriate band repertoire. Students are expected to practice their instrument at home at least 90 minutes per week (three 30 minute practice sessions/week).
Beginning Band (Beginning)
The members of the Beginning Band will be the students in grade 4 that have just started learning to play their instruments. The band will use the Essential Elements Book 1 for their band method and primary source of music for their concerts. Students are expected to practice their instrument at home at least 60 minutes per week (three 20 minute practice sessions/week).
III. Recordings for Practice
Each Band Method Book has online recordings that be accessed easily on the internet.
Concert Band: Method Book - Standard of Excellence, Book 2; Recordings available here.
Cadet Band: Method Book - Standard of Excellencee, Book 1 (latter half of the book); Recordings available here.
Beginning Band: Method Book - Essential Elements, Book 1; Recordings available here.
IV. Rettig Music Company /Private Lessons
This year we will start renting instruments from Rettig Music Company located in Westlake. Rettig Music has been in our westside community for at least 10 years and has built a reputation of providing students with superior student instruments and outstanding service. Please visit the Rettig Music website by clicking here, and visit the Westlake's store website as we will work mainly with this location.
Private Lessons Offered at:
Rettig Music Company; 26469 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, Ohio 44145; (440) 808-0900
Westlake Music Academy - flute, clarinet, percussion
Beck Center for the Arts (contact Jessica Firing McGrath at jmcgrath@beckcenter.org)
Avon School of Music (440-934-9988) Locations in Avon and Strongsville