Dear 6th grade parents / guardians,
It is an exciting time for our 6th grade students as we start to prepare for Beginning Band.
Beginning Band will now be offered for all district 6th graders at one central location. Starting
September 27th, band will meet at Allen School from 7:45-8:30am on Tuesday and
Thursday mornings. Students requiring transportation to Allen Elementary in the morning
may ride buses already scheduled to transport high school students. All students will have
district transportation back to their home schools following band class. If you have
questions about the bus that your child should ride in the morning to Allen and/or the time of pick
up, please contact Dan Vermulm or Nancy Angel at 757-3386.
Your students have been taught about instrument families and may already have an idea what
instrument they would like to play. Please help by encouraging your son or daughter to
participate in band. Did you know that participation in music is proven to:
-
Enhance higher brain function
Raise IQ scores
Develop quick and decisive thinking
Build Teamwork Skills
Prepare children for the future
- Improve reading and math skills
- Increase test scores
- Increase self-esteem and self-discipline
- Teach the habit of excellence
In order to participate in band your student will need the following items for class and home
practice: A band instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, snare drum,
or bell kit), “Standard of Excellence Book 1,” a wire music stand, accessories for your student’s
instrument (size 2 ½ reeds for clarinet and saxophone players, valve oil for trumpet and baritone
players and slide oil for trombone players.)
There are a number of ways to obtain an instrument for your student. Most parents rent an
instrument through a local music store. The Music Shoppe and Hugo Helmer Music are two local
stores in the area that are equipped to meet your student’s band needs.
I have a limited inventory of district owned instruments that I can make available to students on a
need basis, but I recommend asking family or friends who may have played an instrument in the
past. Many people who used to play an instrument are willing to lend or give it to a child wanting
to start band. Second hand stores often have instruments for sale too, but make certain they have
a return policy. If you buy a used instrument you will want to have your student bring it to school
to have it examined by their music teacher before the sale is final.
In order to get an accurate student count of those who will participate in band this year I am
requesting that you sign and return the attached form by September 16th if your student intends to
be in band this year.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Hodges
Burlington-Edison 6th Grade Band Director
6th Grade Band Registration Form
Please return to your school music teacher by September 16th
Student Name _________________________________________________
Home School: (circle one)
West View
Allen
Bay View
Lucille Umbarger
Edison
Please Check One of the Following:
□
□
Yes, my student will participate in band this year. Our family will supply
his/her instrument and the required supplies.
Yes, my student wishes to participate in band this year. I request
assistance in finding an instrument for my student to use for the school year.
________________________________________________
Parent Name (please print)
Contact Phone Number _____________________________
_________________________________________________
Parent Signature