* Performances, rehearsals, and lessons will follow all school safety mitigation procedures during the 2021-22 school year.  School band directors will notify families of performance dates, times and locations.

• Attend Band Rehearsals

• Attend Band Lessons

• Attend Performances – 3 per year*

• Home Practice – students maintain a regular schedule. One example might be 60 minutes between lessons, or 4-5 days a week for 15 minutes each time.  See additional tips below.

Students need to bring the following to all band rehearsals:

• their instrument

• lesson book

• band folder and

• a pencil

They will need to bring these same materials to band lessons. Please notify your band teacher of any unavoidable conflicts prior to a performance. Home practice builds confidence! Help your child get in a routine to practice 10-15 minutes each day.

If your child will be a percussionist in the band, please note that the stick bag, sticks, mallets, and books you purchase will be the only things your child carries to school for band and lessons.  The xylophone, snare-practice-pad and all stands (meaning both stands & a music stand if you have one) are for at-home practice only.

Daily Practice

Regular practice is essential for steady progress. Some helpful practice tips include:

• Schedule your practice time and post your practice schedule in a highly visible place

• Establish a practice routine and divide your practice time to cover the following:  Long tones, Lesson Book, and Band Music

• Use Essential Elements Interactive to record assignments

• Eliminate distractions (family/siblings, television, iPods, video games, etc…)

• Practice to improve (concentrate, assess your mistakes and try to correct them)

• Take pride in your practice time—the band is counting on you!

Performances*

Listed below are the three main performances for all 5th Grade Band students.  Each elementary may offer additional performance opportunities. Your band teacher will communicate specific dates and times of all performances to you.

1. Fifth Grade Winter Concert – This December concert features the 5th Grade Band & Chorus.

2. Fifth Grade Spring Concert – This concert features Band, Chorus and Fifth Grade Music and will be held on an evening in April or May in the school gym or high school auditorium.

3. Fifth Grade Band Solo Night – Each student will have the opportunity to perform a solo with a piano accompanist. Scheduled performances will be on an evening in January or February.