Instrument Transport & Storage

Students are always allowed to bring instruments to and from school on the bus. Students may store their instruments in the band storage room after 7:00am. Flutes and clarinets may be stored in student lockers if preferred. Students may retrieve instruments to take home after their class or after 2:30pm. Each student is expected to bring his/her instrument home at the end of each school day, over weekends, and before long vacation breaks or absences. This will allow them the opportunity to practice and develop their musical skills. Please remind your children to take their instrument home so there are no damages resulting from instruments left at school.

Benifits of Being in Band

For Your Child Music participation enhances:	For Your Family A child's music study also offers opportunities for shared family experiences, including:
Problem solving Teamwork Goal-setting Self-expression Coordination Memory skills Self-confidence and esteem Concentration A wonderful way to praise God! and much, much more!	Music event attendance Family Music Making Performing for and with family and friends Learning about the lives of composers A sense of accomplishment and pride for the entire family.

Band Class Schedule for 2011 - 2012

Elementary School

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
12:20 - 1:05 5th Grade Brass & Percussion	1:10 - 1:55 4th Grade Woodwinds	1:10 - 1:55 4th Grade Brass & Percussion	12:20 - 1:05 5th Grade Woodwinds

Middle School

Intermediate Band	Advanced Band
1:50 - 2:30 (Study Hall) Monday and Wednesday	1:50 - 2:30 (Study Hall) Tuesday and Thursday

High School

HGCS Wind Ensemble	HGCS Jazz Band
A Day 9:20-10:50 (Second Block)	B Day 7:45-9:15 (First Block)

Private Lessons

All music educators recommend private lessons in addition to school band and orchestra rehearsals. Students advance more quickly and learn new skills by studying one on one or in a small group with a private instructor. Plus, studies show that musical training improves math and reading skills, and results in higher S.A.T. scores. Other benefits include improved discipline, social skills, teamwork and self-confidence. Therefore, lessons not only contribute greatly to the individual's musical achievement but to the entire ensemble's as well.
Fortunately, HGBCS has it's own Music Academy that provides both private and small group instruction. The following is from the Academy Director, Kevin Goldbach.

Dear Band Parents, My Name is Kevin Goldbach and I oversee the Hickory Grove Academy of Music and Arts. The Academy is part of the church's music ministry and has offered private and group courses in the fine arts for almost 20 years. We are starting a new program in an attempt to grow and encourage young children on their band instruments.
Once a week your child along with a small group of his peers will have a chance to sit down with an expert on their specific instrument for an hour. The cost of each session will be $10 as opposed to $20-25 for a private 1/2 hour. Your child will get the benefits of a private lesson but for half the cost. Students who supplement band with additional instruction tend to stick with the instrument and experience less frustration.

All classes will be held in the in the school band room between 3-5 pm. Class space is limited so please email kevingoldbach@hgbc.com or call (704) 531-4076 to reserve your spot.
Academy Director

Performances

We ask that you mark your calendars with these dates as it is vital that your children attend. Each performance is an opportunity for you to see what your children are learning in band. Each child plays an important role in the performances. Please show your support for your children by attending the performances. We understand that illness and emergency situations occur. Please communicate any performance scheduling conflicts as far in advance as possible.

Concert Dates

December 2nd @6:30PM Winter Band Concert (4th - 12th Bands)
December 15th @6:30PM Winter Jazz Band and Dance Concert
May 11th @6:30PM Spring Band Concert (6th - 12th Bands)
May 18th @6:30PM Spring Jazz Band and Dance Concert
TBD (usually in March) Spring Elementary Musical (4th & 5th Bands)

Home Practice Support

Every good musician must practice his or her instrument regularly. Every week, your student will bring home a weekly practice sheet in their band folder. I recommend 2 hours of good* practice time a week. Take a look at your student's practice habits. Do they have a regular routine? They should be coming to you asking for your initials as verification of the total time they practiced each week. Some students naturally make time for practicing. Others may need to have a parent help schedule their time.
*Good practice involves using good tone, correct posture, and most importantly no distractions!

How You Fit In

Parent support is an essential element in a child's success with music study. Music achievement requires effort over a period of time. Here's how you can help your child:

• Provide a quiet place for practice
• Schedule a consistent, daily time for practice
• Remain nearby during practice times as often as possible
• Encourage your child to play for family and friends
• Talk to your child about lessons
• Make sure your child's instrument is always in good working order
• Praise your child's efforts and achievements
• Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals
• Set reasonable goals
• Show interest

The "Art of Practicing" as a Young Musician

I know the novelty of being in band will eventually wear off. The months of October and November will be a crucial time in your childs band experience. Below you will find some points on how to practice "correctly" and what to look for as a young musician:

1. Be sure your instrument is in good working order ALWAYS.
2. Listen to, and practice with, the CDs or DVD's (Essential Elements 2000 book).
3. Analyze your own playing through fragmented practice:
• Slow down tough fragments and work them out, note by note.
• Increase speed as comfort and accuracy increases.
• Piece fragments together into full musical phrases.
4. Mark in your music what needs attention through brackets/parenthesis; review playable sections as well.
5. Do not simply practice what you CAN play, but also aspects of your instrument that you CANNOT play (high/low of your range, or tonguing).
6. Always warm up with fundamentals: long tones, articulation patterns to increase your comfort level on the instrument.
7. Practice in front of a mirror at times to analyze your posture / embouchure (facial setting of the instrument)
8. As often as possible, perform for someone other than yourself (mom, dad, etc.)

"Practicing at School" versus"Practicing at Home"

Please understand that there is a MAJOR misunderstanding by most beginners in reference to in-school practicing and outside of school practicing. At school, students will work on various musical exercises and will be given assignments in the traditional take home-and-practice context. "Home Practice" is an essential process where the fundamental work and breakdown of musical technique is covered by the student.

What not to do

Your child's progress will be greatly enhanced if you:

• Don't use practice as punishment
• Don't insist your child play for others when he or she doesn't want to
• Don't ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing
• Don't apologize to others for your child's weak performance
• Don't expect rapid progress and development in the beginning
• If Your Child Loses Interest

In the event that your child loses interest in his or her music study, don't panic.

• Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining.
• Talk to your child's band director (taylorcaton@hgbcs.org) to see what might be done to rekindle their enthusiasm.
• Encourage your child to stick with the lessons for an agreed period of time.
• Offer increased enthusiasm and support.

Please keep encouraging your child and we will try to provide incentives and performing opportunities at school that will inspire them. The success of the band depends on each member being able to make good sounds!

Supplies and Repairs

Students are responsible for their own supplies and repairs. Visit your favorite music dealer to purchase reeds, valve oil, etc. Music & Arts, Howren Music, Sam Ashe are some of the best local options in the Charlotte area -- obviously, there are other sources of music and supplies, but these companies have a strong history of support for band in Charlotte and work hard to accommodate students to the best of their ability.

General Outline for All Instruments

1. Instrument "Upkeep":
• Always keep your instrument Clean and Sanitary - especially the mouthpiece. All mouthpieces can be cleaned with soap suds and warm water. Vinegar and water help loosen plaque caked on materials. Do Not Scratch mouthpiece with abrasives or metal probes. Use Q-tips or toothpicks. NEVER immerse a WOODWIND instrument in water.
• Good mechanical condition. No major dents or keys missing. Woodwinds should have good pads and corks. All brass tuning slides should work easily with no extra effort required.
2. Name tags - label everything with your name: instruments, books, sticks, etc.

Thank You!!!

Thank you for choosing band for your child! I appreciate your support and look forward to helping your students be the best that they can be.