SELINSGROVE AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Welcome to the Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School Instrumental Music Program! Learning a musical instrument provides many benefits such as the development of greater self-confidence, responsibility, mental and physical discipline, coordination, dexterity, self-expression, and cultural understanding. The group activity of a band develops cooperation, unity, and teamwork. There is a growth in the joy of living through the building of an appreciation of the arts and achieving a truly balanced education.

Some parents doubt that their child is talented enough to study music. Any child willing to put in a reasonable amount of effort can succeed. Band is a great place to make new friends and feel a sense of belonging. Class lessons for beginning students will be given at the Intermediate School during regular school hours. The lessons are free of charge. Band will begin later in the fall with a concert in April.

The following information serves as a guide to the Instrumental Music Program. Please read the information carefully so that you understand all policies. Have a great year!

I am looking forward to working with the fifth grade students this year. Please feel free to contact me via email with any questions you may have about our program here.

Musically yours,

Mrs. Cheryl Shellenberger

cshellenberger@seal-pa.org

 

• Lessons are going very well.  However. . . If your student misses a lesson they need to make it up during Make-Up lesson times.  As of now those are on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5 from 2:00-2:30.  All lessons need to be made up even if it an excused absence because of a field trip or illness.
• Next Friday, October 26 is the Fall Festival.  We will still be having lessons.  It will be a Day 6.
• Large group band will begin on November 1st (Day 4) for the woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, and saxophone).  On November 5th (Day 6) the Brass (trumpet, French Horn, and trombone) and Percussion (bells) will have their large group band.  Please make sure your student has their instrument at the school for this extra rehearsal.  These large group rehearsals will prepare us for our April band concert.  Large group band will take place from 11:50-12:20 (during lunch recess).  This is the only time that I am able to have all the students at the same time.  Students who do not have their instruments are expected to come to large group band anyway!

        2007-2008

Lesson Schedule

      Day 1                                                 Day 2

8:25-8:55 Trumpet 1/Trombone                         9:15-9:45 Flute 3

8:55-9:25 Saxophone 1                                        1:05-1:35 Percussion 1 

9:25-9:55 Trumpet                                              1:05-1:35 Saxophone 2 (Mrs. Herrold)

10:25-10:55 Trumpet 2                                       2:00-2:30 Make-up Lessons

1:00-1:30 Flute 2                                                2:00-2:30 Flute Lessons

1:30-2:00 Clarinet 1

       Day 3                                                        Day 4

8:35-9:05 Saxophone 3                                                  8:35-9:05 Clarinet 2

9:15-9:45 Saxophone                                                     12:25-12:55 Flute 5

9:50-10:20 Trumpet 3                                                   1:05-1:35 Flute 6

10:20-10:50 Percussion 2                                            2:00-2:30 Make-up Lessons

10:50-11:20 Trumpet 4                                              

1:00-1:30 Trumpet 5

1:05-1:35 Saxophone 4 (Mrs. Herrold)

1:30-2:00 Flute 4

2:00-2:30 Make-up Lessons

2:00-2:30 Trombone

    Day 5                                                        Day 6

8:25-8:55 Flute 7                                                                8:35-9:05 Clarinet 3

8:35-9:05 Trumpet 6 (Mrs. Herrold)                                 9:15-9:45 Percussion 4

8:55-9:25 Percussion 3                                                     12:30-1:00 French Horn

9:25-9:55 Trumpet 7                                                        1:05-1:35 Oboe

10:35-11:05 Saxophone 5

12:30-1:00 Trombone 1

1:05-1:35 Trombone 2 (Mrs. Herrold)

2:00-2:30 Make-up Lessons

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

ATTENDANCE

Band is a subject in which each day's lesson is based upon the previous day's work; therefore, regular attendance (with instrument, lesson book/music, and pencil) is required. If a student is absent or misses a lesson for any other reason, a make-up lesson will be scheduled as soon as possible (see make-up lesson section of document). Parents of students who have accumulated three un-excused absences will be notified in an effort to curtail the problem. Students whose instruments are undergoing repair or who are absent the day of their lesson will not be penalized. They should, however, schedule a make-up lesson.  Students who know that they are going to be absent for an excused trip are encouraged to make up their lessons ahead of time.

PRACTICE

All students are expected to complete their homework. In this case, homework involves practicing your instrument. You will be expected to practice a minimum of five times per week for 15-20 minute sessions. It is suggested that you block out the same times each week for practice. Regular improvement requires regular practice. This improvement is seen in the individual player and in the ensemble. As the ensemble gets better, it is more fun to participate in!

CONDITIONS OF INSTRUMENTS AND MUSICAL EQUIPMENT

All students are expected to keep their instruments in top playing condition. This includes keeping valves oiled, mouthpieces clean, proper reeds, swabs, etc. Instruments are not toys and must be taken care of properly! Do not let younger siblings or friends "fool around" with your instrument. Never touch or play someone's instrument without their permission; this especially applies to percussion equipment (drums). Your music book (Band students - "Best In Class" Bk. 1,) should be kept and transported in a safe place, not folded or stuffed in your backpack.

DROPPING PROCEDURE/SWITCHING INSTRUMENTS

Choosing to play an instrument is a major commitment and may get rather frustrating at times. However, any child willing to put in a reasonable amount of effort can succeed. Those who try it for a few weeks to see if they like it, inevitably do not. A commitment must be made if you are going to succeed. Please discuss with your parents and me before quitting. A note will be required from your parent to officially drop the course. At times, students may be asked to consider switching instruments in order to find a more suitable instrument or to improve the balance of the ensemble. This decision will be approved by your parents. Students who desire to switch instruments must have the approval of the director and parents. It is not advised to switch instruments once the school year has begun.

INSTRUMENT LOCKERS

Lockers are provided as a convenience to band members; however, because so many people use the music room, instruments should not be left in lockers overnight and especially not on weekends or vacations. The school district cannot be responsible for the safety of your instrument. Parents may want to check with their insurance carrier to see that instruments are covered on their insurance policy.

PRIVATE TEACHERS

The availability of individual instruction is limited because of the large number of students enrolled in the instrumental music program. Studying with a private teacher outside of school time is highly recommended. A private teacher is able to help a student progress very quickly and will ensure that the student is being given challenging music to work on. Mrs. Shellenberger can give names of private teachers, or you may call Mary Lippert-Coleman at Susquehanna University for information on their private study program.

MAKE-UP LESSONS

Students who miss a lesson (excused or un-excused) will need to reschedule a make-up lesson. Each student is scheduled for one small group lesson per cycle and two large group sessions. If a student in the group is not prepared, the whole group suffers. It is the student's responsibility to schedule make-up lessons. Parents will be notified if missed lessons are not made up.  Make-up lessons will be held on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5 from 2:00-2:30.

Please fill out this form and return to your child's classroom teacher if your child will begin learning an instrument.