Elliott County Music Department
Musical Excellence is our Tradition
John Fleck
Rt 7 Box 687
Sandy Hook, KY 41171
606-738-8052
john.fleck@elliott.kyschools.us
August 26, 2012
Dear Parents,
Learning to play a musical instrument is a rewarding experience for anyone at any age, but music is especially
helpful to the development of our children. It develops mental skills, builds teamwork and is an activity that can
bring joy for a lifetime. It can also help your child be more successful in life. Statistics indicate that if your child
participates in music, he or she is likely to earn higher grades and score better on standardized tests. There are
dozens of studies that indicate that music making is a key component of academic and social success.
The Elliott County Schools provide Band Lessons DURING SCHOOL at all three elementary schools. The only
after school activity will be the spring concert in May. It will not conflict with Basketball, Cheering, Archery,
Academic Team or any other activity. We do not offer the string instruments because they are not a part of a
school Band. The instrument choices are Flute, Clarinet Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone and Percussion.
I hope that you will have your son/daughter join the school band. Come to the High School Band Room on
Monday September 10th from 3:30 - 5 o’clock to discuss how to get an instrument to play. Mr. David Hall from
Hurst Music Company in Lexington will be there if you need to rent or purchase an instrument. The cost for most
instruments is $30 a month. Alto Saxophones are $45 a month. The details can be discussed with Mr. Hall at the
meeting. If you already have an instrument bring it to the meeting so I can look at it and see if it is acceptable. Of
course you are always welcome to find instruments on your own, but if you want a new or slightly used
instrument I recommend you go through this music store.
You might find a cheap instrument at a pawn shop or on-line but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT
WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A “OFF BRAND” INSTRUMENT! There are good brands and very bad brands out
there and I suggest you check with me if the brand name is not one listed below. Some use cheap metal that break
easily and no repair shop will touch them. Remember that when your child joins the band they will be with the
program until they graduate in Eight Years. Invest in a Quality Instrument.
If you find a used instrument in a pawnshop or on E-Bay, check for these names, made or assembled in USA.
Flutes – Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Artley, Yamaha, and Emerson
Clarinets and Saxophones – Artley, Selmer, Vito, Leblanc, Amati, Buffett, Yanagisawa, Yamaha
Trumpets and Trombones – Bach, Blessing, Conn, Jupiter, King, Holton, Yamaha, Getzen Buescher
Drummers can purchase pretty much anything that makes a sound but the better brands of drums are:
Ludwig, Pearl, Tama, Yamaha
If you have any questions before the meeting feel free to call me at 738-8052 or email me at
john.fleck@elliott.kyschools.us
I am working on developing the Music Department web site… Look for more information and announcements at
www.elliottschools.us then click the HIGH SCHOOL link and look for the Music Department link at the bottom
John Fleck - Director