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Information About the Music Progarm (September, 2012 Newsletter)
Dear parent(s) and /or guardian(s),
I welcome your child to the instrumental music program at Henry Munro Middle School with enthusiasm, and I anticipate a fun and successful year filled with a musical variety to interest every student. I feel it is important to involve you as parents, from the start, to ensure a strong communication for the progress of your child in music.
Instruments
Class set usage:
A class set of instruments is available for school use. These instruments are shared with other students. Students will be provided with a mouthpiece dedicated for their use only.
Parents, if they desire, may rent or purchase a musical instrument for their child at their own expense. The following information has been included for parents interested in this option.
a) Rental: This is the most popular choice for the first year. Be sure to check the store’s damage/loss/theft policies and their yearly rates.
b) Purchasing: It is not recommended that you purchase an instrument at this time unless you are absolutely sure that your child will be pursuing instrumental music on a long-term basis.
c) Borrowing: Some students may have access to an instrument on loan from a family member or friend. Please be sure the instrument is in good working condition and has been checked and cleaned by a reputable instrument technician.
School instruments are LOANED to students during class with the expectation that the instruments are returned at the end of class in the same condition. Should your child wish to borrow a school instrument for an evening or weekend, the instrument must be signed out at the end of the day
There is limited storage space in the music room which is primarily reserved for school-owned instruments and student-owned larger instruments. Henry Munro M.S. does not have an insurance policy covering lost, damaged, or stolen instruments and cannot be held responsible in the event this happens. Instruments owned by students should go home every night.
Commitment to the program
There is a shared responsibility and commitment with the school, student, and parents. With a positive attitude, you can accomplish just about anything. Practicing and being a member of the band (the bands are optional) are important methods of improving both interest and technique. “The more you practice, the better you get. The better you get, the more you like it. The more you like it, the more you practice. The more you practice, the better you get….”
Music books
Music books are LOANED to students during class with the expectation that the books and attached CD’s are returned at the end of class in good condition. This means that there is NO WRITING IN THE BOOKS. Should you prefer to buy the book outright, so the student is able to write in it when he/she needs, the cost of the book is $10.00 each. All percussion books are $12.00 each. Should your child wish to borrow the book for an evening or weekend, the book must be signed out at the end of the day
.
Participation (ie. playing the instrument when asked)
Every student is expected to participate in music class. While a cold might slightly hinder the student’s ability to blow into an instrument, participation will not cause additional discomfort to the child. If there is a problem and the student is unable to play, please write a note in your child’s agenda. Participation comprises 20% of the students’ mark.
Assignments – practice sheets and mini-concerts
A daily schedule of home practice time is an integral part of the music program. Without this regular schedule the students become frustrated with their lack of progress. Students are encouraged to practice their instruments a minimum of 30 minutes five days a week* to achieve success and enjoyment. Making up for missed days by practicing longer does not usually help in developing sufficient skills.
Students are to record their practice time on their practice sheets which are available in the music room (and on Henry Munro’s web site). Parents or guardians are asked to sign this chart weekly. Once a month, each student must perform a mini-concert for one or more family members. All that is asked of the family member is to complete a quick evaluation sheet which the student will hand in with the practice sheet. The students’ signed practice sheets must be handed in to me at the end of each month. They are to begin a new practice sheet at the beginning of the following month. It is important that students keep their practice sheets up to date at all times. When handed in, these comprise 15% of the students’ mark.
*Please make note of the following: Each music class counts towards one half hour of practice time; each band rehearsal counts towards one half hour of practice time; if the student takes private lessons on any instrument, this also counts towards one half hour of practice time. Please make note of
Ensembles
At Henry Munro, there will be a jazz band for grade 8 students (members of the jazz band must also be members of the senior band), a senior concert band for second year players, and a junior concert band for first year players. These bands are an important part of instrumental music. They are a means of utilizing the skills that have been learned in class. The students will benefit from being part of a group and feel a sense of accomplishment through concert performances. Band practices will be held on a regular basis and all students are encouraged to participate. Rehearsals for the senior band (Mondays 2:45-3:45) will begin in late September, and rehearsals for jazz band (twice a cycle during the lunch period) will begin in October. Rehearsals for the junior band will likely begin sometime in November with rehearsals being Thursdays
Evaluations
Playing tests………………………………………………….30%
Written tests………………………………………………….25%
Participation in class………………………………………....20%
Signed practice sheets and mini-concert evaluations………..15%
Rhythm …..……………………………………………….…10%
TOTAL 100%
Sincerely,
Ms. A. Read
Music Director
Henry Munro Middle School
613)748-0060
Class instruction is given on:
Flute Oboe Alto Saxophone Tenor Saxophone Trumpet Tuba Bass Guitar
Clarinet Bass clarinet Baritone Saxophone Trombone Percussion French Horn
