Expectations of instrumental Music Students
1. Attendance at lessons and band rehearsals with instrument and books is required. If you are absent from band
but are in school that day, you must bring a note from a parent for the absence to be excused.
2. Clarinet and saxophone students are expected to have 2-3 good reeds at all times. Please make sure that they are #2
1/2 or #3. Reeds may be purchased locally at Rieman Music or the Ankeny Music Center.
3. Instruments must be kept in good working condition.
4. Practice is required for success on any instrument. We recommend 120 minutes per week.
Practice logs, in the front of the book, should be filled in weekly and initialed by a parent/guardian.
5. Students are expected to attend all concerts, unless they are ill. These performances are a culmination of our
work, and therefore it is very important for students to attend.
Expectations of Parents
1. Encourage your son/daugter to set up regular periods of practice.
2. Show interest in his/her progress. Listen to your child practice and give positive encouragement.
3. Encourage attendance at band and lessons. Check with your child to make sure that they have a current band schedule.
4. Initial the practice log in the front of your child's book every week.
The keys to a successful instrumental music experience are patience, perseverence, and practice.
Schedules/Lessons
Lessons:
Band lessons will begin within a couple of days following the Instrument Display meeting.
Each student will receive one 30-minute lesson, once per 6-day cycle. These lessons will be held in groups of like
instruments. Each group will rotate throughout the school day, so students will not miss the same class each time they
have a lesson.
Students are expected to check the lesson schedule and come to their lesson at the appropriate time.
Early Band:
The large group band will not begin rehearsals until the end of September. Large group band meets 2 times per cycle
at 7:15 AM. Students should arrive at school between 7:00-7:10 on early band days. Please do not drop your child
off before 7:00 AM, there is no adult supervision prior to that time. Students are expected to be in attendance for
early band unless they are absent from school that day. If your child will be at school, but cannot attend early
band, please send a note.
Band Days:
Westwood- A & D (Early band & lessons)
Terrace- B & E (Early band & lessons)
Northwest- C & F (Early band & lessons)
Northeast- A & D (Early band & lessons)
East- B & E (Early band & lessons)
Southeast- C & F (Early band & lessons)
Crocker- A & E (Early band & lessons)
Band schedules with the calendar dates for lessons and early band will be sent home the week following our
first meeting with students. A new schedule will be sent home with students approximately every six weeks.
Practice Tips:
1. It is an expectation that students record their practice minutes on their practice logs weekly. Parents should initial
each weeks total.
2. Have a goal of two hours of practice each week. Spread this out over several days. Do not try to practice two
hours in one day. We recommend 20 min. per day and take one day off per week.
3. Make it a routine. Practice the same time in the same place each day.
4. If you miss a day, practice extra the next day.
5. Practice each song in the assignment three times each day.
6. Practice every song on the page in the book.
7. Play frequent concerts for family members
8. Practice with friends.
9. Have rewards from parents when practice goals have been met.
10. All children develop at their own rate. Be encouraging and try not to compare your child's progress with someone
else.
What not to do
1. Do not try to do all of your practicing for the week in one day.
2. Do not insist that your child play for others when he/she doesn't want to.
3. Don't ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
4. Don't start your child on an instrument that's in poor working condition.
The best way to keep your child interested in band is to show an interest yourself. Take
time to listen to your child play, and ask them to teach you things about their instrument.
Band Awards:
You will have the opportunity to earn points toward band awards throughout the school year. Band awards will be
presented at an awards ceremony at the end of the school year.
Band Certificates:
All students who participate in band for the entire school year will be awarded a certificate of band participation.
Band Pins:
Students who earn 600 points or more during the school year will be awarded a band pin. Points are awarded based on the
following:
- Attendance at early band: 10 points for each rehearsal
- Helping set up or take down equipment: 5 points each time (There will be a sign up sheet for students. You must sign up
to get your points!)
- Passing a page in the band lesson book: 10 points
- Practice minutes: 5 points for every 120 minutes turned in (Minutes must be recorded on the practice log prior to your
lesson to count.)
- Attendance at concerts: 20 points
- Attendance at other band concerts: 10 points (You must turn in a program)
Musician of the Month
Each month selected students will be recognized as "Musicians of the Month." They will receive a "traveling" trophy to
take home for the month and a special prize. This award will be given to those students who are outstanding in the following
areas:
- Attendance at lessons and early band
- Home practice time
- Demonstrating the six pillars of good character
- Progress in lesson book
What To Do When Your Child Wants To Quit Band
Don't panic- most students want to drop at one time or another, but the good news is that most students don't
end up dropping. Learning an instrument takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. Every young
musician deals with frustration, so don't let it be a sign of discouragement. It is part of the total learning process.
Some persuasive and encouraging words from you, the parent, will be most helpful at this point.
Call your child's band teacher for advice. We have dealt with this issue countless times. For most students, the correct
advice is to keep playing in band. Most students go through a period when it starts to get difficult and they want to give
up. Usually, we will advise you to have your child complete the year. We can help them get through those "rough" spots, and
they will find enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
If you do make the decision to allow your child to drop band. Please keep the following in mind:
1. Please drop at the end of grading periods. This helps the teachers with record keeping and planning.
We select music for concerts and plan lessons based on the students we have in band. When students drop, that alters
our plan and it is not fair to other students to have to change music right before a concert.
2. A parent must contact the band teacher directly before a student is dropped from the band roster. We
must have a note, phone call, or e-mail from a parent giving their child permission to drop band. We cannot simply take
the students word for it.
