The three Strath Haven Middle School Bands rehearse before the start of the school day.  Rehearsal time is 7:00 – 7:45am.  The schedule operates on a three-day rotation with each band rehearsing once every third school day.  Parents provide transportation to rehearsal.  Many parents form carpools to help with transportation.

Students need to report to rehearsal by 7:00 am on their designated day in order for practice to begin promptly at 7:00 am. Consistent attendance to all rehearsals is required and is essential to your child’s musical success.  A monthly calendar will be posted online to assist you and your child with the rehearsal schedule.

DAY 1 – 7^THGRADE BAND

DAY 2 – 6^THGRADE BAND

DAY 3 – 8^THGRADE BAND

Students arriving to school for the morning rehearsals will need to be dropped off on the Copples Road entrance to the middle school. All drop offs should be made in the lower tier of the parking lot.  Please do not go up into the school bus lane.

Jazz Band and other small ensembles will rehearse immediately after school: 2:30 pm– 3:05 pm.  These ensembles generally form at the end of October and participation in these ensembles is by student audition.

It is important for your child’s instrumental music growth that he/she studies their instrument with a private music instructor and/or participates in the small group lessons provided at school.

Small group lessons are taught once each week during the school day on a rotating pullout schedule.  The lessons are rotated over seven periods of the school day.  Students report to class and pick up any necessary class work and homework from their teacher before they report to the band room for their lesson.  If a student cannot miss the scheduled class because of a test or special circumstance, they do not report to the group music lesson.  Make-up lessons are offered at the end of each week.

Many students study their instrument with a private music instructor outside of the school.  This is an ideal way to make the best progress on their instrument.  I have included a list of private instructors that I know in the area.

In order for students to achieve their fullest potential, it is essential that they make a full commitment to the band and to learning their instrument.  Here are a few guidelines that should help them along the way.

1. Attend all rehearsals and performances
2. Be on time
3. Attend lessons consistently
4. Practice at home at least 5 days each week for approximately 30 minutes each session
5. Always give your best effort
6. Be respectful of each other
7. Take good care of your instrument
8. Work well together in lessons and in ensembles
9. Be organized
10. Have a positive attitude and have fun

Throughout the year, students will be assessed on their progress.  I have a series of benchmarks consisting of scales, exercises, songs, ensemble music that students will be expected to learn and perform with accuracy.  Students will receive a grade on their report card based upon their effort, attendance, behavior, and musical progress.

The SHMS Music Suite has and instrument locker room that will enable students to lock their instruments in an assigned cabinet during the school day.  Students are expected to secure their instruments in the instrument locker room during the school day and pick up their instrument to take home at the end of school.  Each instrument locker comes supplied with a lock.  Students must have a name tag on their instrument case.  Parents should keep record of the instrument serial number at home.

METHOD BOOKS

Students will purchase these method books through school. (Make checks payable to “Strath Haven Middle School)

Woodwinds and Brass

• 6^th Grade Band – “Standards of Excellence Book 2" – $8.95
• 7^th Grade Band – “Essential Technique" – $8.95 
• 8^th Grade Band – “Foundations for Superior Performance" (this is a school loaned method book) 

Percussionists:

• 6^th  & 7^th  Grade – Alfred Drum Method Book 1 – $9.95
• 8^thGrade Alfred Drum Method Book 2  – $9.95

(8^th grade also uses“Foundations for Superior Performance.” SHMS owns these books and I will loan them to the student for the year)

• String Basics Book 3

SMARTMUSIC

As part of the SHMS Band Curriculum, we incorporate “SmartMusic,” which is interactive music software that enhances the music learning experience.  The band method books that we use in our three concert bands,  “Standard Of Excellence”, "Essential Technique", and "Foundations for Superior Performance" series, as well as many of our band music titles are correlated to “SmartMusic.”

“SmartMusic”is available for home use.  The yearly subscription is $36.00.

Accessories

Recommended to keep instruments in good playing condition and support your child’s progress.  I suggest using the Music and Arts Website for these purchases (Musicarts.com)

For all students:

• Hamilton Folding Music Stand
• QwikTime QT-5 Metronome

• Bach Deluxe Silver Polishing Cloth

Clarinet            

• Box of 10 #2 ½or #3  Rico Reeds
• Vito Reed Holder
• Selmer Tube Cork Grease
• Selmer Dri-Bore Swab

Saxophone      

• Box of 10 #2 ½  or #3 Rico Alto Sax Reeds
• Box of 10 #2 ½  or #3 Rico Tenor Sax Reeds
• Box of 10 #2 ½ or #3 Rico Bari Sax Reeds
• Tube of Selmer Cork Grease
• Micro Le Pactole Sax Swab

Trumpet            

• AlCass Fast Valve Oil
• Giardinelli Lacquer Polishing Cloth
• Giardinelli Brass Mouthpiece Brush
• Selmer Tuning Slide Grease

French Horn     

• Roche Thomas Rotary Oil
• Giardinelli Lacquer Polishing Cloth
• Giardinelli Brass Mouthpiece Brush
• Selmer Tuning Slide Grease

 Trombone       

• Conn Superslick Slide Cream           
• Conn Superslick Spray Bottle
• Giardinelli Lacquer Polishing Cloth
• Giardinelli Brass Mouthpiece Brush
• Selmer Tuning Slide Grease

 Euphonium/Tuba

• Al Cass Fast Valve Oil
• Giardinelli Lacquer Polishing Cloth
• Giardinelli Brass Mouthpiece Brush
• Selmer Tuning Slide Grease

Percussion      

• Vic Firth 5A Wood Tip Drum Sticks