septletter

 Teacher: Ms. K. Holland kholland@vsb.bc.ca   September 9, 2009  Dear Future Band Students, Parents and Guardians:  Welcome back to another school year! This year your son/daughter has the opportunity to participate in band. Band is offered to grades 6 and 7 students wishing to learn to play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Band classes are held Monday morning and Thursday after lunch.  __Why Band? __ It’s not a secret that “//making music makes you smarter//.” Studies have shown that music students out-perform non-music students on achievement tests in reading and math. Skills such as reading, anticipating, memory, recall and concentration are developed in musical performance, and these skills are valuable to students in math, reading and science. In addition, playing a musical instrument, particularly in a group setting, uses areas on both sides of the brain, the same areas that are used in analytical and mathematical thinking. Being a member of a musical ensemble develops discipline, confidence, self-esteem, social and teamwork skills, responsibility, and on the whole make students well-rounded citizens. Most importantly, it’s fun! 
 * Nootka Band Program  **

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">__Which Instrument Should my Child Play?__
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A band is a team. It is the largest group project you will ever be involved in. A band without trombones would be like a hockey team with no goalie. Everyone has an important role to play and a variety of instrumental colour is what make bands sound they way they do. Can you imagine what a band of 30 flutes and 1 tuba would sound like? That being said, choosing an instrument is still very much a personal decision. A typical 3- piece band would consist of 5 flutes, 8 clarinets, 1 bass clarinet, 3 alto saxes, 2 tenor saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 2 baritones, 1-2 electric basses and 2-3 percussion. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For parents, the cost of an instrument may be a deciding factor. Clarinet, flute, trumpet and trombone are the least expensive to rent or purchase. If your child is undecided, the clarinet is a good starting instrument as it has a large playing range and a mellow sound. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This instruments that I teach are: <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Flute Clarinet Bass Clarinet Alto Saxophone Tenor Saxophone <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Trumpet Trombone Baritone Electric Bass Percussion (permission only) <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">__How do I get an instrument?__
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While the school district provides lessons free of charge, families are expected to provide their own instrument. Typically band instruments are rented or purchased from a music store. To make the process easier for families, a rental night is being held at Franklin Elementary on Sept 17th from 4-8pm. There are a number of music stores in Vancouver that rent and sell band instruments. I have chosen to use Tom Lee Music because of their outstanding commitment to music education, competitive prices and excellent service. Alternate music stores include Prussin Music, Northwest Music and Long & McQuade <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rental Night is : **Thursday Sept 17th 4-8 pm at** **Franklin Elem - 250 S. Skeena St. ** <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is best for families to rent from a music store as the instruments are generally less than 3 years old and are kept in extremely good condition. **Please be cautious** if you choose to purchase an instrument from another source. Band instruments are very much a “you get what you pay for” product. In most cases what seems like a good deal will ultimately be a frustrating experience for your child. If you already own an instrument that has not been played for some time, please have it checked out by an instrument repair technician. Instruments have many moving parts, springs and pads and depend on tight air seals to work properly. In some cases it is worthwhile to rent a newer instrument than to spend hundreds of dollars repairing an older one. Beginner level instruments, if they are well cared for, should last a student through the end of high school and are easily re-sold. On a side note – I am currently playing a student model clarinet that my brother used in the mid 1980’s. It was used when my family rented, and later purchased it, and is still in good playing condition. Needless to say, they are a good investment. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In addition, each student will need to purchase an “Essential Elements 2000” method book level 1 specific to their instrument (flute, trombone etc). Books cost approximately $10.00 and will be used each day for the entire school year. These books are available at the rental night as well as any music store. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at your child’s school or by e-mail at kholland@vsb.bc.ca Please note that as I teach at six schools, messages left at the school may take a few days to receive. If possible, I would prefer e-mails as I can normally respond the same day. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I look forward to a wonderful year of music making! <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ms. Kim Holland <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nootka Elementary __Please return to Ms. Holland on or before Monday Sept 14th__ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, my child would like to participate in band. We understand that band is a __full year commitment__ and the class is depending on the full participation of everyone involved. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Please make sure you have ID and a credit card in order to rent an instrument. **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">//Please print clearly//
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Full Student Name: ______________________ Grade: _____ Div: _____ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Instrument Choice #1 ___________________ (only 1 choice may be flute or clarinet) <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Instrument Choice #2 ___________________ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you play piano? ___________ Do you plan on attending the rental night? _______ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">______________________ ____________________ _________________________ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Parent signature Phone number Parent e-mail .