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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!
Media/Handouts
Below are some media/handouts for all beginning band members. For more specific items relating to your instrument click the correct tab on the left.
Body Basics Concept Sheet
Music Basics Concept Sheet
Announcements
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Students should have all their supplies by next week! If your family needs assistance getting the required supplies please contact your child's band director. We are happy to work with you or loan some supplies until you can get everything you need.
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Beginners should be practicing!!! Use your practice journal (due every Friday) to keep track of your progress.
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ALL forms and money due Friday, September 2nd.
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Material grades and tardies start next week. All the beginning classes DID AWESOME this week so we do not expect to have any problems.
Performance Descriptions
Preview Concert- (October)
This performance will feature the different beginning band classes. Students will demonstrate basics of their instrument as well as help introduce parents to the fundamentals of their new instrument! Performances will feature individual classes playing lines in the book and other showcase our hard work at the start of the year.
Class Recital- (Late December)
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! Students will perform some of your favorite holiday classics as a class and as larger sections.
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 full band’s hard work! 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. This is THE FIRST time we will feature true band music (the instruments playing multiple parts within the music). The May concert will feature every student in band at Staley- totaling 5 bands and almost a third of the entire school population! (Attire is same as the class recital with no restrictions on color)
Reward Trips/Practice Parties- (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 and specific dates for Beginning Band.
For Fun
Want to spice up your band binder? Check out the 'For Fun' page for band logos you can print off! | 
