Beg, buy, borrow, steal. Ok, maybe not steal! Seriously, there are numerous ways to find a usable instrument for your child to play. You can…

• Go to a band instrument store and rent or buy an instrument.

• Borrow or buy one from a friend - it might need to go to the repair shop, the instrument, not the friend.

• Buy one online - Careful, you can also find some real junkers out there.

• Buy one from a pawn shop - It might need to go to the repair shop.

• Tell me if you cannot afford something - I have ways of solving problems and making things work!

BUT PLEASE… Buy a trusted brand See the Trusted Instrument Brand link for a list of instrument brands we consider to be industry standards and the best bang for your buck.

It is essential that beginning students start on an instrument that will allow them to be successful. In determining this we look at the following:

• Facial Features

• Hand and Arm Size

• Potential for physical growth

To ensure a proper balance of instruments in each grade, we make sure to place enough students on every instrument to ensure the sections will be properly balanced as the students progress from year to year. We want every child to enjoy the instrument they are assigned to learn to play. We listen to our students' opinions yet advise them as to what is the best choice for them and the band program. Rarely does a student who truly wants to learn to play an instrument fail, if he is on the right instrument for his mouth and body.

Ask your local band director. I have years of experience and quite honestly, I know what I'm doing. If you have questions, I'll give you an answer. It will be the truth and in the best interest of your child. Use me, your tax dollars are at work!

Practice makes better. There are numerous resources available to help make practicing fun, while providing reliable feedback to help your child improve. We find that students who truly enjoy playing their instrument will naturally practice because they want to be better. We do not force our students to practice, and we do not use practice records as a method of grading.

Beginning band is the key to it all. The beginning band is the future of our program. As your student progresses in our program you can expect the following:

• Consistent first division ratings in marching and concert band.

• Students involved in all-region and all-state honor bands.

• Students seeking scholarships in college bands. Not all of them, but those who choose to continue at that level.

• Students who will seek careers in music. Just because you're in band doesn't mean you have to pursue a career in music.

An instrument

• We start beginners on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion

A Band Book

• Tradition of Excellence - Book I by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin for winds

• A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum by Mark Wessels for percussion

Basic Personally Owned Accessories

• These are specialty items one would purchase in a music store

• Oils, reeds, grease, cleaning cloths, etc.

• Instrument maintenance and minor repair

For your convenience, and within reason, I will provide the necessary accessories your child needs. Unless otherwise instructed, I will send you a bill in the mail. All I ask is that you send in your payment in a timely manner. This simply saves you a trip to the music store, and it prevents your child from nickel and dimeing you for reeds and small change stuff that I can take care of for you.

The beginner band does not play at football or basketball games, or other events. In fact, except for the Christmas and Spring Concerts, everything we do is during our regularly scheduled class time. Normally there are no conflicts with other school activities.

The band directors at West Fork School are Omar A. Taweel, Brent Parks, and Cory Robbins.

Mr. Taweel is beginning his 29th year of service as director of bands at WF School. He is proud to say that West Fork is still his first teaching job. He holds a BSE and MMED from the University of Arkansas. Mr. Taweel is a Past President of the Arkansas School Band & Orchestra Association. Mr. Taweel has a sweet, cute wife named Katrenia.

Mr. Parks is beginning his 7th year in West Fork and also serves as the director of choral activities. He holds a BME degree from Arkansas Tech University and a MSE degree from Arkansas State University. Mr. Parks has 9 years of teaching experience in his career. Mr. Park's wife is Kayla, a WF Band alum, and they have three children, Adam, Aven, and Everett.

Mr. Robbins is a graduate of WFHS and holds a degree in Music Production from Full Sail University. Mr. Robbins is the Network Administrator for the West Fork School district, and teaches and coordinates all levels of the percussion area.

It’s Fun! Students can develop a lifelong appreciation for making good music with others! Besides the music students also learn:

• Positive self esteem

• Self discipline

• Teamwork

• Commitment

• Time Management