Band
Within the regular school time, we have three levels of concert band classes all of which meet three times a week through the entire school year. These levels are based on grade level. In addition, the rehearsal schedule for our other ensembles is as shown below.
Our main goal for the music program is to provide students with well-rounded, comprehensive music classes. Performing is only one aspect; a thorough understanding of theoretical and compositional elements of music is essential. Therefore, your child will occasionally have written homework along with his/her regular practicing requirements. In addition to our main musical objective, other goals have been included such as dependability, responsibility, punctuality, teamwork and co-operation.
These ensembles require a full year commitment. Please think about this commitment and have a serious discussion between child and parent concerning this. Please keep in mind that for ensembles that meet outside of the timetable, attendance is essential; if you cannot make it to these rehearsal times, please talk with Mrs. Romphf to see if something can be arranged.
Our main goal for the music program is to provide students with well-rounded, comprehensive music classes. Performing is only one aspect; a thorough understanding of theoretical and compositional elements of music is essential. Therefore, your child will occasionally have written homework along with his/her regular practicing requirements. In addition to our main musical objective, other goals have been included such as dependability, responsibility, punctuality, teamwork and co-operation.
These ensembles require a full year commitment. Please think about this commitment and have a serious discussion between child and parent concerning this. Please keep in mind that for ensembles that meet outside of the timetable, attendance is essential; if you cannot make it to these rehearsal times, please talk with Mrs. Romphf to see if something can be arranged.
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Band students have the choice to play between the following instruments:
Flute Oboe (with special permission) Bassoon (with special permission) Clarinet Bass Clarinet (with special permission) Alto Saxophone (limited number) Tenor Saxophone Baritone Saxophone (with special permission) Trumpet French Horn (with special permission) Trombone Euphonium Tuba Bass (limited number) Percussion (limited number) |
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What Students Need In Class?
Brass Players – valve/slide oil and a cleaning cloth Bass Players – patch cord Percussionists – must bring your own sticks
What Students Need At Home?
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Method Books
These very affordable method books are available at any music store. Prices range from $10 - 14.
Grade 6:
“The Standard of Excellence” Book 1 (Red)
Grade 7:
“The Standards of Excellence” Book 2 (Blue)
Grade 8:
“I Recommend” (Orange/Red)
These very affordable method books are available at any music store. Prices range from $10 - 14.
Grade 6:
“The Standard of Excellence” Book 1 (Red)
Grade 7:
“The Standards of Excellence” Book 2 (Blue)
Grade 8:
“I Recommend” (Orange/Red)
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Classroom Procedures
EvaluationStudents will be marked on the following criteria:
We will be using the terms Emerging, Developing, Proficient, and Extending.
Instrument Rental
Prices will range from store to store so we recommend doing your research prior to renting.
Here are come reputable music stores to rent from:
The quality of the instrument is extremely important as a good one will assist in making the playing of that instrument more enjoyable.
Please be very wary of buying instruments from box stores such as Costco, Walmart, etc. These instruments are of very poor quality and are unreliable. When they break, they are not repairable.
Do not buy any coloured plastic “brass” instruments as they are not suited for the ensembles in our music program.
Some questions to ask when making your decision are:
Make sure that when renting an instrument, they include the following:
Percussionists need to have a stick bag (containing 1 pair of drumsticks, a set of medium yarn mallets, medium rubber mallets, medium hard plastic mallets) and a practice pad.
Brass Instruments - Valve oil, and for trombones slide grease and NOT slide oil.
Woodwind Instruments - cork grease, an instrument swab/cleaner, and for saxophone a neck strap.
Reeds: Clarinets and Saxophones must have at least 3 reeds. For beginners, use at least a size “2 1/2”.
Also, using a synthetic reed may be preferable as they are very durable, sound fairly good and much cheaper in the long run.
ONCE YOU HAVE ACQUIRED THE INSTRUMENT PLEASE ENSURE THAT IT IS COVERED WITH THE NECESSARY INSURANCE, AS OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT CARRY ANY INSURANCE FOR THESE.
- Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Kind, Be Safe
- Please be respectful to other students, teachers, as well as property (that includes your own instrument).
- Ensure that your name is visible in big, clear, letters on your instrument case.
EvaluationStudents will be marked on the following criteria:
- Technique Skills (Tone Quality, Note Accuracy, Rhythm Accuracy, Articulation, Dynamics, Phrasing, and Instrument Posture)
- Ensemble Skills (Blend, Balance, Listening Skills, Intonation with ensemble, Following the Conductor, Musicality, Rehearsal Etiquette)
We will be using the terms Emerging, Developing, Proficient, and Extending.
Instrument Rental
Prices will range from store to store so we recommend doing your research prior to renting.
Here are come reputable music stores to rent from:
- Long & McQuade 384-3622 www.long-mcquade.com
- Tom Lee Music 383-5222 www.tomleemusic.ca
- Tapestry Music 590-0752 www.tapestrymusic.com
The quality of the instrument is extremely important as a good one will assist in making the playing of that instrument more enjoyable.
Please be very wary of buying instruments from box stores such as Costco, Walmart, etc. These instruments are of very poor quality and are unreliable. When they break, they are not repairable.
Do not buy any coloured plastic “brass” instruments as they are not suited for the ensembles in our music program.
Some questions to ask when making your decision are:
- Once I have bought an instrument what guarantee does it have?
- If I should change rental instruments, for example clarinet to trumpet, will all my rental money be able to be used towards the purchase of any instrument the company sells should we choose to purchase later?
- Will all of my rental be used towards the purchase of any instrument the company sells should we choose to purchase later?
Make sure that when renting an instrument, they include the following:
Percussionists need to have a stick bag (containing 1 pair of drumsticks, a set of medium yarn mallets, medium rubber mallets, medium hard plastic mallets) and a practice pad.
Brass Instruments - Valve oil, and for trombones slide grease and NOT slide oil.
Woodwind Instruments - cork grease, an instrument swab/cleaner, and for saxophone a neck strap.
Reeds: Clarinets and Saxophones must have at least 3 reeds. For beginners, use at least a size “2 1/2”.
Also, using a synthetic reed may be preferable as they are very durable, sound fairly good and much cheaper in the long run.
ONCE YOU HAVE ACQUIRED THE INSTRUMENT PLEASE ENSURE THAT IT IS COVERED WITH THE NECESSARY INSURANCE, AS OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT CARRY ANY INSURANCE FOR THESE.
