Beginner FAQ

Salisbury Township School District

Beginning Band - Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child take lessons in school?

Yes! Lessons are approximately 30 minutes long and are held weekly on a rotating, pull-out basis. This means that your child will miss approximately 30 minutes of regular class time, but not the same class every week. Missing class is not usually a problem for students, and they quickly learn how to make up any instruction that they miss. These lessons are small groups, of similar instruments or similarly skilled players, and the instruction focuses on progressing through a band method book that teaches notes and rhythms in a sequential manner.

Is my child part of the Band? What does that mean?

Band is when all of the players, from all of the small groups, get together to learn large ensemble rehearsal skills and work on music written for that large ensemble. This is the group that you will see perform in public at our annual concerts. These rehearsals are held weekly, and are scheduled at the beginning of the school day. There is also a band of our 2^nd year players and they rehearse at a different time.

I don’t know anything about music. How can I help my child improve?

This is a great question. Students will need to practice at home in order to reinforce the lessons being taught at school. For beginners, 15 minutes of practice, 4 times a week, is usually a good amount to plan. And the best day to practice is the night of their in-school lesson. This will help reinforce any new material that was introduced that day.

As you listen to your child practicing, it should sound like music notes. While there will be occasional squeaks, most of the time it should sound like….well…like sound. If the song title in the book is “Mary Had A Little Lamb” it should sound like that song. Have your child explain the symbols on the page: some are for sound and some are for silence, and all are held different amounts of time. Explaining these symbols should help your child remember what they mean. You should not need to hover over your child’s practice, but these elements may help you to help your child be more successful.

How/Where do I get an instrument?

You may choose to purchase an instrument or participate in a rental program. For your convenience, Nazareth Music Center is here tonight to present information about their rental program. You may use an instrument you already own, but we do recommend that you get it checked out by a professional to see that it is in good working condition. More information on what to consider when getting a band instrument can be found later in this packet.

Salisbury has a limited number of instruments available for students to use. These are made available to economically disadvantaged families (free and reduced lunch, homeless, or group home students) who qualify for free or reduced lunch and should additional instruments be available, to anyone. Please ask for information about borrowing from the school inventory if this will help your child get started.

Why rent or buy a quality instrument?

Perhaps the most important consideration in getting a band instrument for a beginner is to get one that works well and easily. While that statement may sound obvious, many parents buy "bargain" instruments for their children that are virtually impossible for even experienced players to play. Learning to play a band instrument is never easy. Trying to learn on a horn that simply won't play will only serve to frustrate the young player, causing him/her to quit.

If you plan to buy a used instrument for your child, PLEASE let Mr. Griffis, Ms. Mosley or Ms. Reinecke see the instrument BEFORE you make the purchase. We will give you an honest evaluation of the instrument. Buying a used band instrument is like buying a used car: you must be careful that you are getting a good one. A poor band instrument can cost you more in repairs (and in lost playing time for the child) than a new one. Additionally, it is not necessary to purchase a professional level instrument for a beginner.

If you are using an instrument that was previously used by a family member or friend, take the time to have it professionally cleaned and repaired if needed. If it has been sitting for some time, it will likely need some attention. Taking the time to make these adjustments before your child starts playing will set your child up for more success once they start.

You may choose to purchase an instrument or participate in a rental program. For your convenience, Nazareth Music Center is here tonight to present information about their rental program. Other music stores likely offer comparable programs. While you are free to work with any store you wish, we strongly recommend that you work with an instrument dealer that offers fast and dependable repair service to insure that your child’s instrument always plays its best. While you are free to work with any store you wish, we highly recommend the services of Nazareth Music Center: their rentals are sturdy, durable models and consist of good and reliable brands.

INSTRUMENT BRAND NAMES THAT ARE ACCEPTABLE

WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS: (flutes, clarinets, oboes, saxophones)

Vito Leblanc Gemeinhardt* Artley Yamaha Bundy* Selmer* Armstrong

*Older models only: the newer ones are being made in China and are not of good quality.

BRASS INSTRUMENTS: (trumpets, cornets, trombones, French Horns)

King Holton Conn Bundy Yamaha Bach

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS: Pearl Ludwig Yamaha

SOME BRAND NAMES TO AVOID:

Lauren Vedette Silvertone Simba Standell Pan American Revere Amati Olds (New) LaFayette Jupiter Winston Grand Roy Benson First Act Mendini Cecilio Jean Baptiste Suzuki and (new) Bundy

Do not buy instruments from a catalog company such as Sears or J.C. Penny or big box stores such as WalMart and Sams Club. Also avoid instruments from China.

These instruments have proven to be very low quality: they break easily and parts are not available for their repair.

Other than an instrument, is there anything else we need?

Yes. Students use a method book for their lessons. A music stand is needed for home practice. Some instruments have specific needs (reeds, cork grease, valve oil) that are necessary for the instrument to make sound or for its maintenance.

For all instruments, please also plan for the following:

Essential Elements Book 1 (lesson book)--$9.00-$17.00 depending on the instrument
a music stand for home practice (about $13 for a basic stand)

Other instrument specific things that your child will need. (This is especially important if you are not renting:)

Flute: cleaning swab or rod (often in the case) and a 10”x10” piece of cotton cloth
Oboe: cleaning swab and reeds (ongoing need—they break)
Clarinets: cleaning swab, cork grease, reeds (ongoing need-they break)
Saxophones: cleaning swab, cork grease, reeds (ongoing need-they break)
Trumpets/French Horns—valve oil
Trombones: slide oil or grease

If you are in need of anything to start the year or at any time during the year, you can purchase items from Nazareth Music Center, on the phone using a credit card, and they will deliver the items to school

Should my child put the instrument together?

Tempting as it might be, please do not touch your instrument before your first lesson. At the first lesson you will learn the proper way to make a sound and put it together.