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

        2009-2010

Lesson Schedule

and Weekly Assignments

      Day 1                                                 Day 2

8:25-8:55  Clarinet 1                        9:15-9:45  Percussion 1

    Exercises 21-24                                                            Keep working to memorize 24 for bells

    Memorize 22 and 24                                                    Page 8A for snare and bass drum

                                                                                          Bring bells next lesson

8:55-9:25  Clarinet 2                        9:45-10:15  French Horn

    Exercises 21-24                                                                Begin looking at page 8B

    Memorize 22 and 24                                                         Practice tonguing

                                                                                              Exercise 17 is a pass off song

9:25-9:55  Trumpet 1                       10:15-10:45  Flute 2

    Exercises 21-24                                                              Exercises M-9 on page 6

    Memorize 22 and 24                                                       Exercise Q is a pass off song

1:15-1:45  Flute 1                            10:45-11:15  Percussion 2

    Exercises N-R                                                                   Keep working to memorize 24 on bells

    Review exercise Q for pass off                                        Page 8A for snare and bass drum

                                                                                             Bring bells next lesson

2:00-2:30 Make-up Lessons              1:15-1:45  Saxophone

                                                                                             Pages 7 and 8 exercises 16-20

                                                                                             17 is a pass off song

        Day 3                                                        Day 4

9:15-9:45  Percussion 3                    8:25-8:55  Oboe

     Page 6A and 7A                                                               Exercises 18-24

    Keep working to memorize 24 and 30                             Memorize 22 and 24

    Something special is sticking test                                   

    Bring bells next lesson

10:35-11:05  Clarinet 3                    8:55-9:25  Flute 3

    Exercises 18-24                                                              Exercises 16-17

    Begin trying to memorize 22 and 24                            Practice tonguing

                                                                                           Exercise 17 is a pass off

2:00-2:30 Make-up Lessons              9:25-9:55  Low Brass

                                                              Exercises A-J on page 5

                                                                                            Exercise J is a pass off song

                                                        2:35-3:05  Saxophone 2

                                                                                             Exercises 16 and 17

                                                                                            Exercise 17 will be a pass off song

                                                                                            Practice warm-ups 1 and 3

        Day 5                                                      Day 6

8:25-8:55  Flute 4                            8:25-8:55  Trumpet 2

    Exercises 16-20                                                             Exercises 16-24

    Exercise 17 is a pass off song

    Practice warmup #3                                                                                      

8:55-9:25  Percussion 4                   8:55-9:25  Trumpet 3

    Keep working to memorize 24                                        Exercises 10-15

    Page 6A and 7A                                                             Exercise 15 is a pass off song

    Bring bells next lesson

9:25-9:55  Clarinet 4                       9:25-9:55  Trumpet 4

    Exercises 18-20                                                                Review Exercie 15

    If you did not pass 15 you need to play next time                  Practice all warm-ups

12:30-1:00  Flute 5                         10:35-11:05 Saxophone 3

    Exercises I-R                                                                    Exercises 18-24

    One of these will be tested next time                               Memorize 22 and 24

1:00-1:30  Low Brass                      1:15-1:45  Flute 5

    Exercises A-J                                                                  Exercises 16-17

                                                                                            Exercise 17 is a pass off song

STUDENT AND PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

INSTRUMENTS

Instruments can be purchased or rented from Haines Music in Selinsgrove or from Robert M. Sides in Williamsport.  Both companies are very reputable and have good quality instruments and a rent to own program.  The only school instrument that we have that is available to borrow is the trombone.  We have very few and they are only loaned out if your situation requires it.  All other instruments must be obtained by the student.

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.  Students are also required to make up any class work that they may miss from their regular classroom while they are at lessons.

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!

 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 year long commitment must be made if you are going to succeed. Students who wish to quit may only do so under extenuating circumstances.  A conference will then be set up with their parents to discuss the matter.  This not only affects the sound of the entire group, but also the smaller lessons.  If it becomes too difficult to play the instrument you have chosen, you may be able to switch instruments.  Students who desire to switch instruments must have the approval of the director and parents.  All students, along with their parents, who desire to play an instrument, will be expected to sign a contract that states that they will commit to the whole year.

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.

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.

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.

 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 1 and 3 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.