Instrumental Music 2004-05
Mr. Dahlberg
All students in grades 4-6 are eligible for participation in the Instrumental Music Program. Each student will be notified as to their status in band early in the school year. If the student is classified as an advanced student, he/she should enroll in the ‘Encore Band’ and should arrange to purchase the following materials:
ENCORE BAND
1. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE – Book 2 (blue)
By Bruce Pearson/ Published by Kjos
2. Accessories as listed under Apollo Band (No. 3 and 4).
3. In addition to the above, please continue to bring STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE -Book 1.
4. I would encourage the purchase of a new or used instrument if the student has participated in the band program for more than one year and has retained interest in participation. Ultimately, a student may be required to own his/her own instrument as he/she approaches grades 7-12.
5. Pencil.
If the student is classified as a beginning student, he/she should enroll in the ‘Apollo Band’ and should arrange to purchase the following materials:
APOLLO BAND
1. Rental or purchase of an instrument. A listing of musical stores has been included with this information. I would encourage communication to area retail music stores to determine which stores can best meet your financial and personal needs. You do not need to feel obligated to purchase a new instrument. Many stores offer instruments that are available for rental or for purchase both new and used at reasonable prices. Explore every option.
2. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE – Book 1 (red)
By Bruce Pearson / Published by Kjos
3. Music Stand (wire folding type is excellent and relatively inexpensive).
4. Accessories as needed per instrument (listed below):
Flute – Cleaning cloth (handkerchief or bandana)
Oboe – Cleaning swab, adequate plastic or wooden reeds – see retailer for recommendations.
Bb Clarinet / Eb Alto Saxophone – Cleaning swab, reed guard, four to six #2 or 2 ½ reeds, cork grease (and neck strap for saxophones only).
Bb Bass Clarinet / Bb Tenor Saxophone (Encore Band Students Only) – same as above. Must complete Apollo Band on Alto Saxophone or Bb Clarinet before attempting these larger instruments or be able to take private lessons simultaneously along with school band instruction. Teacher approval or recommendation required. Inquire if interested.
Bb Trumpet or Coronet / Bb Baritone Horn / Trombone / French Horn – Soft cloth, valve oil (or slide oil – trombone only). One year of instruction on trumpet or private lessons simultaneously with first year of band instruction is required when attempting the French Horn or Baritone.
*Percussion – Snare drum sticks #5A, 5B or similar, practice block or pad. Bell kit is recommended. (Please read below)
*Percussion Only*. Please make sure the student has been accepted into the percussion section of the band before purchasing materials. Also, xylophone/bells and auxillery work (i.e. tambourine, triangle, wood block, marachas, etc.) is a required part of participation in the percussion section. Middle and jr. high schools will be expecting percussionists to be proficient on all aspects of percussion – not just in drumming! Although not yet required, it is highly advised that students interested in participation in the percussion section also take piano lessons or have a working knowledge of the piano/keyboard before enrolling in the program.
5. Pencil.
*APOLLO BAND ONLY* Students will be placed into the band on a first come first served basis beginning with 6th grade, followed by 5th, then 4th grade each day during the enrollment period based on enrollment formed turned in each day (The classroom teacher has been asked to put a date and time of return on each returned form to help determine the order of returns. Sizes (in numbers) of each group of instrumentation is generally not a problem with flutes, clarinets, saxophones and trumpets. If the percussion section becomes too large, students may be asked to choose one of the former instead. Overall size of the band is unlimited provided it is appropriately balanced. Prioity number one is to have all students playing their number one choice!!!
If you have chosen any other instrument not listed above, please contact me before purchasing any materials to insure a positive match with both the student and the band program – and to insure it is an instrument available to play in the instrumental music program. Guitars, recorders, piano/keyboards, harmonicas, etc. are not considered appropriate choices for the band program. If you are interested in strings (violin, viola, cello or string bass), please contact me to see if it is offered during this school year.
Percussion tends to be a popular choice among students and fills quickly. Due to the nature of the percussion family, a class size limit of 5-8 students per band will be enforced. Students signing up for percussion must sign up for a second choice although every effort will be made to accommodate the student’s first choice.
Students should be aware that participation in band is for the 2004-05 school year. I am looking for individuals able to dedicate and commit to the band program for the entire school year.
Please read, sign, and return the following contract if interested in participation of the Instrumental Music Program. Students must hand in the enrollment contract to participate in band. Please note the deadline for returning contracts. I will not be accepting contracts beyond Thursday, October 14, 2004.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at Battle Creek Environmental Magnet School – M/Tue (p.m.)/W @ (651) 293-8850; Linwood A+ Elementary School – Tue (a.m.)/Fri @ (651) 293-6606; Sheridan Elementary (651) 293-8745. Voice mail is available at all three schools.
Thank you for your support! I look forward to a musical school year with the bands! Instrumental Music Policies/Expectations for participation are printed on the school’s website. You may request a written copy if desired.
Eric Dahlberg
Instrumental Music Teacher
