Erik Kamenski, Director

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1 Erik Kamenski, Director Dear 4 th and 5 th Grade Parent(s) & Guardian(s): All 4th and 5th grade students will have the opportunity to explore, learn about, and play a musical instrument this year. Each student will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of band and orchestra instruments, to include Violin, Viola, Cello*, String Bass*, Flute, Oboe*, Clarinet, Saxophone*, Trumpet, French horn*, Trombone, Euphonium* or Percussion*. * Please read choosing an instruments below Why be part of Band or Orchestra? Learning to perform an instrument and belonging to the school orchestra or band can open up a whole new world of friendships and fun. Your child will be able to take advantage of musical performances with other orchestra and band students at both the junior high and high school levels. The opportunities for playing an instrument after graduation from high school are abundant, with many colleges and universities offering scholarships for participation in orchestra or band. Belonging to band or orchestra is a factor in the increasingly competitive college and university student selection process. Why not take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to learn a musical instrument! It used to be said that smart kids are involved in music. Now we understand that kids may be smart because they are involved in music. Studies say that students who participate in instrumental music are better equipped to learn in other areas. For example, the skills needed for reading, mathematics and science are enhanced by the active study and application of music. So, too, are important but less measurable skills like coordination, the ability to pay attention, listen accurately, concentrate, set goals, function socially, and develop self- respect, increase self- confidence, and creativity. First steps to joining the Band or Orchestra: During the first two weeks of school, students interested in joining will attend instrument demonstrations so as to hear and see any instruments they may be interested in. Following that, students will need to choose two instruments of interest to them, one being their first choice, and a second choice. Parent(s) or Guardian(s) will then need to fill out the Instrumental Music Registration Google form, which can be found on the Instrumental Music section of the School s Webpage. (Listed below) Once your students completed form is received, I will arrange a student demonstration for the two instruments chosen. This will act as an assessment to determine which instrument will be the best fit for them. Please complete online Google Form by Wednesday September 16 th 2015!

2 Choosing an instrument: Some aspects to consider when selecting a musical instrument are instrument size, cost, degree of difficulty, and physical attributes. Most of these issues will be addressed when your student demonstrates their instrument choices. Below are specific details to keep in mind, should your child express interest: *Note: Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have questions. Oboe o A wonderful instrument, but maybe a bit challenging in the beginning. The student will need to be highly motivated to practice on a regular basis. Due to the degree of difficulty, it is suggested that students take private lessons in addition to school band to ensure their success. The hard work will pay off and will lead to great opportunities for you re child in the future! Saxophone o This is an extremely popular instrument! In addition to it popularity, this instrument is robust in size and may be cumbersome for a young student to carry and move around, in addition to the majority of its weight being placed on the players neck. Small hands may find it difficult to reach the keys. Its recommended to have a student begin by learning the clarinet, as it s extremely similar to the Saxophone and after the year, re- assess the students progress. French horn o Students possessing a musical ear (students that easily match pitch when singing) should consider the French horn. Due to its acoustic nature, it can be a bit more challenging than other brass instruments. Because of the degree of difficulty it s suggested that students take private lessons in addition to school band to ensure their success. But this is a much needed and wonderful instrument! Euphonium o This is a great instrument to play! One downside may be its larger size, making transporting a little more difficult. Although a smaller child that has small hands will not have a problem playing this wonderful instrument. Please note that this instrument is a vital instrument in band and instrument exploration is highly encouraged! Percussion o Percussion should not be confused with drum set. Much of the instruction will focus on pitched percussion instruments like the xylophone. Having experience playing piano is extremely helpful to percussion students, allowing them to be more successful. String Bass o This instrument is extremely important! This is the largest instrument in an orchestra, and like all string instruments it come in different sizes to fit the student. Depending on the situation, the school may not have

3 an instrument for the student to play during orchestra, therefore parents will need to rent a string bass, and have the student bring the instrument to school when needed. Please contact me to verify if this instrument will be available for the students use during band rehearsal allowing them to keep their rented instrument at home. Cello o This instrument is also extremely important and we need students to play this instrument! It is a large sized instrument, but like all string instruments they come in different sizes to fit the student. Depending on the situation, the school may not have an instrument for the student to play during orchestra, therefore parents will need to rent a Cello, and have the student bring the instrument to school when needed. Please contact me to verify if this instrument will be available for the students use during band rehearsal allowing them to keep their rented instrument at home. Renting an instrument: In order to begin learning how to play an instrument you must acquire a certain amount of equipment and supplies. Obtaining the following items is the responsibility of each student and/or parent. I strongly suggest that Beginning Band students rent an instrument for the first year of playing. Most music stores will rent on a rent- to- own basis. Buying an instrument is a personal investment one should only consider after playing a year or so. A complete supply list is also on the school s instrumental music webpage. Violins, Violas, and Cellos can be rented from the school, however there is an extremely limited number of school instruments available. First priority for school rentals will go to the students on free and reduced lunch. All other instruments will need to be rented from a music store. We highly recommend that you avoid purchasing your first instrument online or from a music store that sells both instruments and groceries. Unless you have a great deal of instrument knowledge and the ability to play, please be weary. It is recommended that you do business with a store that specializes in school band and orchestra instruments. Please remember, as you shop for instruments and supplies consider quality as well as price. If you are not sure about what you are getting, please ask and I will be happy to recommend certain items that are both of high quality and a reasonable price. Two music stores close by and are highly recommend are: Foxes Music 416 South Washington Street, Downtown Falls Church Phone: (703) Music and Arts (Bailey s Crossroads, next to Trader Joe s) 5849 Leesburg Pike Phone: (703) *Note: I have flyers for both in my room

4 When will classes be held? Your child will learn in a class of like instruments, with approximately 2-10 students in each class. Students will be pulled out of their classroom for 30 min. each week. After a long and detailed scheduling process, a sincere effort is made to minimize academic conflicts. Students are provided with a large group learning experience throughout the year. We have a 30- minute lesson once a week, in order to make a decent amount of progress, but students must put in some practice time at home as well. I hope that this material in addition to information available online will help make choosing your instrument easier. Practice As with any course of study, individual effort on the part of the student is essential. Students are expected to attend ALL instrumental music classes with their instrument and music, to take the instrument (if owned or store rental) home to practice during the week, attend all scheduled evening concerts and make a commitment to performing with the ensemble for the entire school year. Learning an instrument can be difficult, but with regular productive home practice and effort during class, the results can be amazing! The students will write their weekly assignment on the Weekly Practice Chart, which is attached to their folder. Parents, please initial the practice chart before your student comes to their weekly rehearsal. The method book - Sound Innovations - has two discs in the back of the book. One of them is a DVD, and has excellent videos to watch and to use during practice. The other disc is an mp3 disc of all of the accompaniment files in the book. You may put that disc into your computer, and then import all of the music into itunes. From there, the music can be played on an Ipod, or other mp3 player. We use SmartMusic in class, and I encourage you to download the program, as well. Because the county has purchased the Sound Innovations books for our use, we are able to download the first 100 exercises for free. SmartMusic is a fantastic tool to help your student learn and follow the music. The full subscription price is $40/year, but, the first 100 exercises should take us through most of the first year of study, and even most of the second year. Go to to download the free program. It can also be accessed on an ipad. Performing Opportunities Our Concert dates will be on our instrumental music school webpage listed below! Having opportunities for students to perform is a great way to motivate students to practice and to keep them interested in learning their instruments! Additional performance opportunities will be announced throughout the year.

5 Very advanced band and string players may want to audition for the Junior Honors Band or Orchestra (grades 4-6). Information can by found here: Private Lessons After getting started on an instrument in school classes, some students may choose to add private lessons with a specialist on their instrument. This is not required but can Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students. Private instruction aids the individual student in strengthening his/her understanding and practice of nuances not covered during a small group lesson or ensemble rehearsal. This does require more commitment, practicing, and financial responsibility. There are many excellent instructors of all instruments who teach private lessons in some of the local Music Stores like "FOXES" and "MUSIC & ARTS CENTERS" (see Rentals & Supplies). Some private teachers can often be recommended to you by others. Local Music Schools like "THE LEVINE SCHOOL OF MUSIC" ( ) or "THE COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS" ( ) also provide private lessons with excellent teachers and professionals on their instruments. Contact Information and Website The best way to contact me is by Erik.kamenski@apsva.us. If you have ANY questions or concerns about the program, or information on instrument rental or purchase, please feel free to contact me anytime! Please visit our instrumental music website for more information Jamestown Elementary Taylor Elementary Thank you, Erik Kamenski, Band and Orchestra Director Erik.kamenski@apsva.us