Band Newsletter

I sadly was out sick both Wednesday and Thursday this week. While I was grateful to have a music sub for one of those days, I sadly was not able to secure one for Thursday.

All Thursday Groups Should...

- Keep practicing!

- Move ahead one lesson in their book.

- Practice Jingle Bells in their packet (if able)

If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you for your patience!

Given the large number of students that I work with (currently 140), I do not schedule individual conferences. I will be reaching out this week via email if I have any comments or concerns. If you would like to check in or you would like a conference, please feel free to email me. dbennett@clarenceschools.org

Please avoid scheduling your child for other clubs after school during band rehearsals. They cannot participate in both. Rehearsals and concerts are listed below!

FOURTH GRADE:

Clarence Center 4th Grade Band: Mondays after schools Jan-June

after school until 3:40pm

Sheridan Hill 4th Grade Band: Wednesdays after school Jan-June

after school until 3:40pm

Mon 6/9/25 Lead the Way 6:30pm @ CC Elem. School Gymnasium

Tues 6/10/25 District Band Spectrum Concert 7:00pm @ Clarence HS Gymnasium

FIFTH GRADE:

Thurs, 1/16/25 Clarence Center Winter Concert

Mon, 5/19/25 Sheridan Hill Spring Concert

Tues, 6/10/25 District Band Spectrum Concert

@ Clarence High School Gym 7:00 p.m.

In the last lesson of December, students are invited to wear holiday colors play some carols for a couple of classes around the school. Your child was given a Holiday Songs packet this month to practice. Fourth grade students should focus on practicing Jingle Bells. Fifth grade students can practice any and all songs. Percussionists will learn to play the band sleigh bells and woodblock. Students have a choice of whether or not they feel ready to play for others, but should still come to their lesson that day. I'm looking forward to a week full of holiday cheer!

If your child cannot participate due to religious reasons, please kindly let me know.

Fourth Grade:

Students receive music evaluations in December and June.

Students will also receive a letter inviting them into band if they are showing signs of readiness. Below is a link on what we are working towards.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lLpQ6kCILQsUuElMcai2iBEKapJ99aLdRgnOzt363XI/edit?usp=sharing

If your child is not yet ready for band, they should still stick with lessons on their instrument as they have a chance to join late or join next year.

Fifth Grade:

Students receive music evaluations in January (after 1st concert) and June.

Students are always in need of new supplies and materials, please consider making one of your holiday gifts a music one! Here are some easy ideas:

Here's our list for brands and types:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17XUJBTkmC2rtRrFc7YUB-YoRJRe_h2P5Mar2aJlNoWY/edit?usp=sharing

Clarinets/Saxophones/Oboes/Bassoons:

- New Reeds

-Cork Grease

-cleaning swabs

- thumb rests

Flutes:

- Bo Pep Thumb Rest

- Polishing Cloth

Trumpet/Horn/Trombone/Baritone/Tuba:

- Polishing cloth

- tuning slide grease

-valve oil

-trombones only: spray bottle

Percussion:

- new sticks

- a new percussion type instrument for home

Other Ideas: Music socks, music scarf, music stand, Book 2 Breeze Easy, pop/rock/movie music books for their instrument (beginner level)

Healthy practice habits take time to form, especially when students are learning how to balance homework, sports/dance practices, and free time at home.

Here are some easy ways for you to encourage practice:

1. Set a time for your child to play every day. It's not always possible, but having it be the same time every day allows students to better adjust and make it a new habit. Even if it's for 5 minutes, it is better than zero!

2. Struggling to get more than a minute of practice? Set a time for 10 or 15 minutes.

3. Ask your child to play for you or for someone in your family. Use encouraging words. "You are working hard on that!" "I see how focused you are!" "You are holding the instrument much better than you were before." Please remember that beginners are extremely sensitive. Positive comments go a long way.

This is the time of year where the music gets harder, the skills get more intricate and the shiny newness of playing an instrument wears off.

You may notice your child is not as interested, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should stop. We want them to stick with it and give them some "light" to focus on. Try to think of this as a different season of their playing. Just like we need more lights and different indoor activities in the winter, students may need some different music to keep them excited, engaged, and practicing. Light this month could be their caroling music or a new song they've figured out for themselves.

With that in mind, please consider buying some pop/rock/movie music for them to play on their instrument. A brick and mortar music store is usually best for this because they can look through and see what level the book is while getting a chance to visit an exciting place. Please remind them: Playing an instrument gets easier over time and gets really fun when we all play together in band!

Have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!