Welcome to East Olympia Elementary Band

Band is a year long class that will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 11:20 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and will be a pullout class.  We will learn the basic skills of our instruments while having fun.  5th grade students will get to try out different instruments during the first week of school and decide on whether or not to join Band or Orchestra.  It is not a requirement to join either but we encourage every interested student to sign up.  Don't be surprised if your student comes home talking about the cello or trumpet.  The first day of Band and Orchestra is September 15th without an instrument for students to get more information and to decide whether or not it's the right fit.  They will get more information about instrument rentals and bring home more information for parents.

We have three concerts over the course of the year and dates and style are still being finalized.  There is usually a concert in late November/early December at East Olympia Elementary.  Our South End Band Festival is in February at Tumwater High School.  Our end of year concert will be late May at East Olympia Elementary.  All concerts start at 7 p.m. (Look for updates once dates are finalized at the beginning of the school year under Calendar/Schedule tab.) 

We have a contract with Ted Brown Music of Tacoma for renting instruments.  Renting your own instrument is highly encouraged as they are in excellent playing condition and the music store helps you when something is wrong.  The instruments are rented online ahead of time at Ted Brown Music Website and then dropped off at the school (don't forget to add the book to the order!).  However, you are welcome to rent an instrument from a local music store of your choice.  Students who rent their own instrument tend to be more successful than those that use one of the scarce and old school models, though those are available for families in financial need.  Music stores have great rent to own programs with different rates for new or used instruments.  If your family is experiencing financial difficulties please reach out to Miss Tibbetts.  There are scholarships and programs in place for families to help your student participate in band and orchestra.

 The choices of instrument for beginning band are flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone.  Those wishing to play percussion must talk to me in advance for an audition.  Those who want to play saxophone must play clarinet for 5th grade and then can switch in 6th grade.  Don’t forget to buy your book Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 1 by R. Sheldon, P. Boonshaft, D. Black, and B. Phillips

Goals of the Course

Learn the fundamentals of playing a band instrument for continuing at the Middle School and High School music programs. 

Textbook

Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 1 by R. Sheldon, P. Boonshaft, D. Black, and B. Phillips  Double check you are getting the book that is specific to your child's instrument.  If you aren't sure when looking to purchase, email me and I'll send you a direct link to the correct book for your child. 

Graded Course Components

The main focus in elementary band is showing up and having fun while we learn our instruments.  While you will see band on your child's report card due to having band listed in Skyward, I am just tracking their participation in class and any skills that I assess are over multiple points in time so your child has many times for success.  

Active Participation in Class

Participation in the class activities is the best way for students to learn new skills to take home for practice.  If a student does not attend class or is not on task, the learning cannot take place. 

Other Information

Preparation, Attendance, and Pacing

This class meets Monday and Thursday and it is important that your student is in attendance every day possible.  In order to keep up with the rest of the group and not fall behind it is best to be there.  It is also important to:

• Be on time
  
  

• Bring their instrument, pencil, and other maintenance supplies that are the student's responsibility (reeds, oils, grease, cleaning cloths, sticks, etc.)
  
  

• Be ready to work 

Instructor: Miss Lori Tibbetts

360-709-7162

lori.tibbetts@tumwater.k12.wa.us