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There is so much information about band. It can be overwhelming for any parent, especially if you're not a musician. This page will help you with tips to make your student more successful. Please reach out to me as often as you need when things don't make sense. I would much rather you ask than not.
Please remember that...
Your support is a key element in your child`s success in band.
Skill development requires effort over an extended period of time.
Encourage practicing
Prepare in advance for the end of the "new puppy phase" by setting routines your home first thing.
Set realistic, specific goals!
"Perform for the family on Monday nights."
"Select the hardest four measures and devise a plan to master them."
"Learn <song > to perform at <event>."
Set a regular practice time and space. Practicing 15 minutes, 4 times per week is much better than 60 minutes, once per week.
Use your resources! The books we use in class come with backing tracks. You can adjust the tempo (speed) to the ability of the student. This is especially helpful if you are not a musician yourself. Email Mrs. Soper if something doesn't make sense. Utilize neighbors, friends, family that are musicians. Musicians love helping others!
What else can you do to help?
To give your child the best possible support, you should...
Encourage your child to play for family and friends.
Offer compliments and encourage them regularly. Acknowledge their improvement.
Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals. Encourage them to learn different types too!
Ask them about what we are doing in class.
Providing them with a private lesson teacher. See me for local teachers who are qualified and will work well with your individual student.
Remember that your student must practice with a full sound in order to develop their tone properly.
Understand that they are attempting to master an advanced skill. Expecting them to sound like John Coltrane on saxophone at any point in their playing career is like expecting them to play tennis like Serena Williams.
Take care to not...
Use practice as a punishment
Force your child play for others when they don`t want to.
Ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
Apologize to others for your child`s weak performance.
Start your child on an instrument that is in poor condition (new or used).
Expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there school instruments available to use?
Yes. Please see the "Instruments & Care" section of the website for more information.
What if I cannot afford the materials for band?
Reach out to Mrs. Soper so that donated materials can be acquired.
My child wants to switch instruments. Is this possible?
That's a complicated answer and depends on the situation. For beginning students, it is best that they stay on the instrument they chose during their instrument fitting. Often times, a student experiences a moment where they struggle and see others progressing faster. They might associate this with "this instrument is harder than theirs." Every instrument has its challenge moments. Some of those moments are in the beginning stages (flute for example), while others experience their struggles later on (clarinets crossing the break at the end of 6th grade-early 7th grade). The grass is not greener on the other side. Water your grass!
If a student is struggling on their instrument, it has been awhile, all efforts/attempts have been exhausted, and things just aren't clicking then it is time to switch.
If your student wants to switch because they feel they've "learned the instrument" then we need to visit more challenging music. Learning a musical instrument is a life-long process - and as even professionals can attest, no one never truly masters their instrument.
My child wants to quit band. What should I do?
The idea that a student wants to quit band is a common occurrence when learning a musical instrument. Learning to play a musical instrument is a challenge, and with every challenge comes success and failure. As the quote on this website states, "the road to the next level is always uphill." When students understand and attack the challenge, rather than recoil from it, they begin to understand the learning process. Also remember that the band contract everyone signs states that "Band is a full year commitment. If you are looking to 'try out band', realize that you will be trying it for the full year."
Encourage them to keep trying to push through tough concepts. Today's challenges become next year's successes.
Have them play music that is fun and enjoyable for them (movie music, songs from the radio, songs from church, etc.)
Remind them of how much more fun each year gets and the new opportunities that come with each level.
Ask them why. Sometimes it's "never about what it's about."
Talk with the teacher. The more we are in communication, the better.
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