August 19, 2015
6th Grade Band
Dear Parents and Students!!!
Here is a quick rundown of what the class will be doing during the first couple week or so of class. If you
have any questions, please email me at wwells@afftonschools.net please type“6th Band” in the subject
line.
First Day (Today)
Today I had your student complete a card with the following information: Name, hallway locker
number, age and parent. We will had a brief discussion of the instruments they may select from, then
asked them to write down their top three choices of instruments. A band needs to have a balance
instrumentation to achieve the “correct sound”. The instruments students may choose from are:
clarinet, trumpet trombone, French horn, tuba, flute, alto sax and percussion. Certain instruments will
have limits placed on the number of students allowed to begin on them. These include flute, alto sax
and percussion. These three instruments are the most popular, however, they are also the three that a
band needs the fewest of. The number of students them will be based upon the size of the class. If your
student has an instrument already, they were asked to place that as their first choice.
Day 2
Students will begin testing on all of the mouthpieces. This allows me to see which instrument
they may be the most successful on. For example, a student that is getting braces in the next 3 months
or so may have trouble if they are playing trumpet (this is due to the size of the mouthpiece). This may
cause frustration for the student and this is something I try to avoid if possible.
Day 3
Continue mouth piece testing.
Day 4
Percussion evaluation and rhythmic evaluation.
Day 5
Students will learn their instrument placement and the class will begin learning/ reviewing note
names and basic rhythms. I will send a letter home for your student and you.
Day 6
Students that have their instruments will begin learning how to play their mouth piece and
breathe correctly to play a wind instrument. If possible I would like all students to have their
instruments by September 1st.
School Owned Instruments
RMS has a limited supply of school owned instruments available for 6th grade students to use.
These instrument may be used until your student has their own instrument if available. The school
provides tubas for students to use. There is no fee charged by the school for using a school owned
instrument.
Where to Get an Instrument.
There are several options on places to get an instrument. An instrument does not have to be
brand new! It only has to be in good working condition. If you would like to rent an instrument you may
utilize Nottelmann’s Music (314-631-1486) or City Music (314-961-8700). Both stores are located close
to RMS. There are other options for parents as well, craigslist, garage sales or pawn shops.
If you decide to purchase an instrument from Craigslist, garage sales or pawn shops, look for
these brands of instruments: Gemeinhardt, Yahmaha, Jupiter, Bach, Olds, Conn, Selmer, Bundy, Noblet
and Buffet. These are all quality instruments that will last for a long time.
Books
The book that we use at RMS is an older series that is difficult to find and I have a complete set
of the series. All students will be given a copy of their instruments book. There is no charge for the
book!
I hope that I have given you all the information to get us going right from the start. Please email
mail if you have questions (I reply much faster to emails than phone messages). Sixth grade band is one
of my favorite classes to teach. I enjoy their excitement and energy and we all have a great time
learning. From you, I ask that you are support when they play/ practice for you. In the beginning it will
be one volume (loud) and a song may not quite sound like one. Always be encouraging and positive!!!!
Sincerely,
Mr. Wells
wwells@afftonschools.net
www.afftonbands.yolasite.com (AHS/ RMS website)