Sousa Elementary
BEGINNING BAND
Handbook
2015-2016
Welcome! The following contains information about the band program at Sousa Elementary.
Students and parents need to read it over carefully and sign and return the signature page.
Areas of focus:
 Musical Literacy – reading pitch, rhythm and vocabulary
 Performance Skills – instrument technique, breath control, ear-training, and sight-reading
 Knowledge of musical styles and relation to the world
Expectations:
 Come to class on time
 Participate in all class activities
 Be prepared - bring you instrument, music and supplies to every class
o Clarinet and sax players need 3 playable (not broken) reeds at all times
o Failing to bring materials may result in notes home and/or a tally/step
 Practice at home an average of 15-20 minutes per day
 Commit to one full school year of membership
Class Schedule:
Beginning band students will meet two times each week for 30 minute classes. Students are “pulledout” of their regular classroom. This means that every student is responsible to find out what they
missed while they were at band and make-up any work missed in a timely fashion.

 Extra classes may be required at lunch recess.
 Extra help is available lunches, before and after school
Beginning band classes will begin soon! Although we will be starting with written theory try
to have your instruments and materials as soon as possible.
Instruments:
School instruments are free, but very limited, especially the small instruments (flutes, clarinets, and
trumpets) Rentals from stores start as low as $15 per month. Look in the phone book and shop
around for good deals. Other costs involved include the book ($7), reeds (clarinet $2 each, bass
clarinet and sax $3 each); music stand ($15) optional; luggage cart (optional for bigger instruments).
All prices are approximate.
Books: All 5th grade band students need to purchase The Standard of Excellence, book 1 from a
music store. Please make sure to purchase for the correct instrument. Percussionists need to
purchase the drums and mallets version. I do not care if you purchase the enhanced version or not.
The books range from $6.95-10.50 (depending on if you buy enhanced or not).
Performance Schedule:
 Dec. 2015 Winter assembly performance and evening concert
 May 2016 Spring assembly performance and evening concert
Performances:
As this is a performance based class, attendance at all performances is mandatory. The exact dates
will be sent home with the students, e-mailed, in the school newsletter and on my webpage. Please
check these locations for updates.
Why is attendance at concerts mandatory?
 Performing for an audience is one focus of this class. Concerts provide an experience that
cannot be reproduced in the classroom.
 Performances are a means by which skills learned in the classroom can be evaluated.
 Band is a group effort. The performance is weakened by every missing musician. We
rehearse together and we perform together.
Concert Dress:
Students should wear white tops, black bottoms, and black shoes for the concerts. Girls may wear
skirts or nice pants. No shorts or t-shirts! Preferred no jeans.
Parental Involvement: Just as with everything else your child expresses an interest in, your attitude,
support, and involvement are important to his or her ability to succeed in music. This includes
offering ongoing support and encouragement. The students who are most likely to succeed are the
ones whose parents are involved!
Why Band? When students rehearse and perform together they develop interpersonal skills, the
ability to work in groups, conflict resolution and learn to recognize strengths in others. The
discipline learned through band helps improve cognitive skills, communication and study skills.
Music performance teaches students to overcome anxiety and take risks. They also learn poise,
composure and the value of continued effort to achieve high standards. All these skills are necessary
in successful jobs, no matter what field a student may choose to pursue. The more years a student
stays in band, the better these skills will be developed.
Questions or Concerns: If you have questions or concerns, feel free to call me at any time at 480472-8929 or e-mail me at KAHanson@mpsaz.org. You can also view my webpage
www2.mpsaz.org/sousa/staff/kahanson.
Beginning Band Registration Form
Student Name: _____________________________________________ Room # ________
1st Instrument Choice ______________________________
2nd instrument choice ______________________________ (only if needing a school instrument)
Have you ever played an instrument (band, orchestra, or piano) before? ____
If yes, which instrument? _________________________
Instruments: please check the one applies
__ I will provide my own instrument (rent, buy, or already own)
__ I need to use a school instrument in order to be in band.
Please remember school instruments are very limited in numbers and in choices.
Important:
Read and discuss this entire handbook with your child before signing and returning this page.
I have read the band handbook and understand the expectations. If I have any questions or concerns,
I will contact Mrs. Hanson.
Parent/guardian Name(s) (printed): ______________________________________
Parent/guardian Signature: _________________________________ date_____________
Student Signature: ________________________________________ date ____________
Parent e-mail address: __________________________________________________
(I only use e-mail to send reminders of important dates like concerts, and for communicating
concerns about your child.)
Parent day time phone # _________________________________
(home) (cell) (work)
Please circle one
Which Instrument Should I Play???
FLUTE: Students who wish to play flute need to be checked for a teardrop-shaped upper lip. It is very
difficult for these students to play flute because their air stream will be split into two different directions
as they attempt to blow across the tone hole. A very high level of frustration occurs at this point.
Students who are contemplating learning the flute also need to be aware that flute is the most
competitive instrument around because it is the most popular.
CLARINET: There are not many limitations for students who are considering clarinet. As long as the
student’s top front teeth are fairly straight and his/her bite is fairly even, success should be imminent.
Clarinet parts in junior high and high school usually split into two or three parts. Therefore, more
clarinets are needed in band than flutes or saxes.
BASS CLARINET: Bass clarinet is very similar to the clarinet except bigger and lower sounding. Bass
clarinets are crucial to the band because they add a very special tone quality that only a woodwind can
make.
ALTO SAXOPHONE: Once again, straight front teeth and an even bite are important for saxophone
players. Students who choose the alto saxophone need to be aware that this is a popular instrument
Competition is fierce in junior high and high school. Also, saxophones are not included in full orchestra.
They are however a staple in jazz band.
TENOR SAXOPHONE: This instrument is the bigger (lower) version of the alto sax. It is more
important in the band setting because of its lower pitch. Tenor sax is a good alternative to alto sax for a
student with larger hands.
TRUMPET: Generally speaking students with smaller front teeth and lips will do well on trumpet.
Students with front teeth that are larger or with bigger lips will experience difficulties with the high
range. Also, as is the case with all brass instruments, if a lot of a student’s gums are visible when he/she
smiles, difficulties mare occur.
TROMBONE: Trombone seems to be a mystery to many people. It is actually one of the most
successful instruments for just about anyone to learn to play. There are no limitations to who should
play trombone. Students with larger front teeth or lips who rule out the trumpet will be successful on the
trombone. Remember too, that the lower the instrument is, the more important it is to the balance of the
band.
BARITONE: Again, there are no limitations as to who should play the baritone. Often trumpet players
who struggle with the high notes switch to the baritone and are very successful.
TUBA: Okay. Are you ready? Tuba is by far the most important instrument in the band. Any band! The
great thing is that there are basically no limitations as to who can be a successful tuba player. Well,
maybe a parent who is willing to help transport the instrument would be helpful, but there are ways
around the transportation problem! Tuba players who become very good can pave their way just about
anywhere in the music world. Take the challenge!
PERCUSSION: Several factors should be considered when choosing to play percussion:
1. Students will learn all percussion instruments including snare drum, bass drum,
bells, and all accessory instruments.
2. The world is full of people who think that they are drummers. A real percussionist is one who reads
music and is better disciplined than other members of the band.
3. A background in piano is recommended.
To hear and see each instrument, go to www.bepartoftheband.com and click on videos.