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Beginning Band
One definition of band is ‘a group of musicians organized for ensemble playing’. This can define our young musicians, but in all honesty, Beginning Band is not actually band at all! This year your student will be a member of a beginning instrument class. Everyone in the class will be learning the same instrument and trying to achieve the same goals. Eventually we will perform as a ‘ensemble’ and combine two different classes. Soon after that, we will perform as a ‘band’ and combine all eleven instruments into one ensemble! Our main goal is to prepare each student for Concert or Honor Band. If students work hard all year long, Beginning Band can also prepare students for Staley Jazz or Symphonic Band!
Be sure to check out this website regularly to keep current on upcoming events. Much of the information we send home will be posted on the Schedule and Forms page. On this page you will also find vital information including;
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2008/09 Beginning Band Calendar
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Blank Practice Report (in case they forgot to bring theirs home)
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2008/09 Beginning Band Handbook
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Step-up instrument information (located in the General Band Info)
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and much more!
Performance Descriptions
Class Recital- (Late December)
This is the first performance for our beginning instrument classes! Since we will have only played our instrument for four months we will have a ‘recital’ during your child’s regular class time. (class times can be found on the schedule page) Come join us for fun music and treats as we celebrate the hard work everyone put in their first semester in band! Students should dress nice (Boys- dress pants, button down shirt, tie. Girls- dress or skirt and blouse). We encourage all students to dress in holiday colors and will even allow them to decorate their instrument!
Solo and Ensemble- (Late April)
This is an individual contest and will involve every student in the program. Students are asked to learn a solo and perform for a judge. To make things easier we will give each student will have three solos to choose from. Private lessons are strongly encouraged to help your student prepare for this fun and important event! (Students should look NICE as their apperance is part of their performance rating)
Concerts- (February and May)
These events are to showcase your student and give you a chance to hear the band’s hard work! Please read more about our concerts in our performance guidelines located on the next page. Major concerts will take place in February and May. February will feature just beginning band and will also have a dinner sponsored by the Band Parent Association. The May concert will feature every student in band at Staley- totaling 4 bands and almost a third of the entire school population! (Attire is same as the class recital with no restrictions on color)
Reward Trips- (3-4 throughout the year)
We appreciate the hard work of all our students! As a reward we will offer our students multiple opportunities to attend concerts or go somewhere fun! Please note that these trips are reward trips and students not working in band or not passing ALL their classes will not be allowed to attend. (Attire is casual and must meet school dress code)
Please refer to the handbook and calendar for more information.
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