Join The Southeast Polk 5th Grade Band!
2023-2024
To officially sign up for 5th grade band please take a moment to fill out the form linked above. If you already signed up when you received the tryout packet back in May you do not need to sign up a second time. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the band directors.
Mr. Criswell's Contact Information:
Clay, Centennial, Mitchellville, and Four Mile
chad.criswell@southeastpolk.org
Phone: (515) 967-2109 x5810
Mr. Varner's Contact Information:
Altoona, Delaware, Runnells, and Willowbrook
benjamin.varner@southeastpolk.org
Phone: (515) 967-3771 x5017
Instrument Info Videos Made By The 5th Grade Band Directors
Flute Info
Clarinet Info
Alto Sax Info
Trumpet Info
French Horn Info
Trombone Info
Baritone Info
Tuba Info
Percussion (Bells and Snare Pad) Info:
Please be aware that all potential percussionists must audition for a limited number of slots at each school. Due to equipment and size constraints we can only accept 2-4 percussionists per building depending on size of the facility and overall enrollment.
Obtaining An Instrument and Lesson Book
Students rent or purchase their own instruments and lesson books to participate in the program with the exception of the larger instruments such as tubas, baritones, and french horns and those who request assistance from the Band For All program.
Please note that you will also need to purchase a lesson book at the same time. All of the area music stores carry our lesson book. The book you need is Tradition of Excellence Book 1.
Copies of the band information letters, rental agreements, etc. are found on the Documents page of this site.
Contact Information for the 5th grade band directors is available here.
Additional resources and tools to help you decide what instrument to play can be found here.
SmartMusic Home Practice System
SmartMusic
SmartMusic has been purchased for use by all 5-12 band members. SmartMusic is an interactive practice system that helps students learn to play their instruments by providing instant feedback as they try to play their lessons. With the likely changes this year of when or where we will be able to have lessons SmartMusic will be a way to keep the learning going even if our classes are disrupted due to other issues beyond our control.
Still not sure whether or not band is for you/your child? Watch the above video for some fun facts!