BEGINNING BAND LETTERBEGINNING BAND LETTERDear Beginning Band Parents and Students:
The opportunity for your child to participate in band is beginning and my hope is this letter will assist you in getting prepared. Below I have listed options for you to consider. My hope is each child will have an instrument and book, ready to play, by the time he or she begins band. Remember, this is a life-long activity your child is embarking on. The instrument you start them out with will ultimately determine whether they succeed and continue or become frustrated and quit. Playing an instrument is challenging enough with starting on an instrument that does not work correctly.
If you already have an instrument – Great! Please make sure it is in good playing condition – pads, corks, springs, valves, etc. tend to deteriorate with age and need to be reconditioned. Your child’s initial success depends upon having an instrument that works well. Have the instrument checked by a reputable music store this summer (the sooner, the better – they get very busy during this time). Great Falls has Jerome’s Band & Violin Repair (615 Central) and Rod’s Music (on Central).
Purchasing a new or used instrument from a music dealer is a preferred method by most. Your child will potentially play this instrument for eight years at Choteau School and who knows beyond that! Remember, you are looking for an instrument your child will play and enjoy for a long time and with proper care, last for many, many years and generations to come. I have provided a brochure from Eckroth Music (affiliated with Rod’s Music). If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call them or myself at school (466-5303) or home (466-5638).
If your child is interested in percussion only, please call me before purchasing a drum kit. I cannot have eight to ten drummers in beginning band – it is virtually impossible to keep them all on task and learning during band sessions and could end a child’s band experience on a very bad note. Percussion equipment is as costly as other instruments and demands as much commitment, if not more, from students in practice – it is not the cheap and easy way out! Something to consider: If your child has had a year or more of piano, the rhythm and note-reading skills are a huge advantage in percussion playing.
If your child is still somewhat undecided as to which instrument he/she would like to play, I will put a “plug” in for those that are needed and sometimes overlooked by beginners. Flutes, clarinets, saxophones, and trumpets are always the first instruments chosen by students, as they are the most recognizable by sight and sound. For a well-balanced band, we also need the lower sounding instruments such as trombones, baritones (euphoniums), French horns, tenor saxophones, and tubas. They make fine solo instruments as well as fill in that full, rich sound every band requires.
A couple of concerns and warnings: One, please try and avoid purchasing instruments from chain-store retailers when the price seems “too good to be true”. Trust me, they are! These instruments are not built to last and may not get your child through the first year of band. Their quality in construction, tone production, and part replacement is very questionable. In the long run, you will probably spend much more by starting out this way than be going with a name brand, reputable instrument company to begin with. Two, if you are going the “Ebay” route (believe me, I use it often) or classified ad route, keep in mind pictures and descriptions do not tell the whole story and the instrument may not be what your child is looking for. Good deals can be had this way, but if you go this route, please have the instrument gone through by a reputable music repair/reconditioning resource.
Also at the time of instrument purchase, rental, or repair please purchase your child’s band book. We will be using the Ed Sueta Premier Performance Book I. I will have a certain amount of these on hand for purchase at the high school office, but to ensure your child having one the first day, pre-purchasing is advised.
Please do not hesitate to call with questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support of Choteau School music!
Sincerely,
Lorran Depner
Band Director