Instrumental Band

The Band Program, now in it's 23rd year, provides basic instruction (gr. 4-8) in: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, baritone horn, trombone, and percussion.  No previous experience is required.  Beginners may choose: flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone.  You may play other wind instruments or percussion with the permission of the teacher.  The bands will perform at both the Christmas and Spring concerts.

Questions, contact Ms. Louie at ok2bjadine@mindspring.com

Band Orientation Nights (choose one)    6:30 - 8:00pm

Find out more about band class (presentation 6:45-7:00pm)

• Check out the instruments at the tryout stations!
• Enroll in band class.
• Rent an instrument, buy band books, and supplies.

Cost = Tuition + Book + Instrument

Band tuition is $330 for the school year. You may choose to authorize (9) automatic monthly payments of $40 on your credit card.  The band book is less than $10; though percussion books may be a little more.

You will need an instrument in good working condition.  For your convenience, you can rent an instrument from Bronstein Music (one of our program sponsors) at orientation night, or from a local music store.  See www.bronsteinmusic.com for information and rates on various instruments.  The basic instruments (listed above) are $60 for a trial period of three months, then $22.50/month after that.

Continuing Band Students Only

If you are continuing in band on the same instrument, paying tuition in full, and do not need to rent an instrument, you may not need to come to orientation night.  Contact Ms. Louie (email above) for instructions on Express Band Sign Up.

2006-07 Class Schedule

What is Expected of Band Students

• Be prepared.  Bring your instrument, music, and a pencil on Band days.  Come to every class, even if you forget your instrument.
• Turn in a practice sheet every Thursday, even if you didn't practice that week.  Write what you played and for how long, before asking a parent to sign it.  To earn an "A", your practice sheets should have the following minimum average weekly time: Beginning - 30 mins., Intermediate - 40 mins., Advanced - 50 mins.  Students who do not turn in any signed practice sheets during a grading period cannot earn higher than a "B" grade.
• Complete assignments.  1 or 2 times a month, there will be a short homework assignment.
• Take care of your instrument.  Do not allow others to play with your instrument.  Show Ms. Louie if you think something is wrong with your instrument.  She will deliver instruments leased from Bronstein Music that need repair.  If you have purchased or borrowed a used instrument, have a knowledgeable person check that it plays properly before band starts.  Clarinet and saxophone players should keep at least 2 working reeds in their cases.
• Ask for help.  You can see Ms. Louie after during recess for help playing your instrument or understanding homework.  This time counts on your practice sheet.
• Attend class.  Unless you are absent from the school the whole day, bring a note from your teacher or parent if you are absent from band.  Attendance at quizzes and performances is very important; these dates are announced well in advance.  Students who are unprepared or who do not give advance notice of an anticipated absence are not automatically given make-ups.

Band Class Policies

Attendance.  Unless absent from school or excused with a note from parent/teacher, students come to every band class - even if they do not have their instrument.  Attendance at performances is very important.  Dates are announced in advance so there is time to manage conflicts.

Homework, Quizzes, and Grades.  There are only a few homework assignments reinforce and short "playing" quizzes during the year.  The 'big quiz' days and concerts at the end of each semester are very important.  All quizzes are announced in advance.  Ms. Louie is not required to give make ups to students who are unprepared or who did not give advance notice of an anticipated absence.

Instrument Repairs.  Ms. Louie will deliver instruments leased from Bronstein Music that need repair.  Normal wear and tear (but not abuse) are covered in your lease.

Special Events (Spring 2007)

These extracurricular band activities are optional.  There is a fee for each.

Honor Band (March)

• Intermediate and advanced students tryout in January - February for this All-Star band.
• 4 evening rehearsals
• Field trip: performances at schools
• Final concert at St. Francis High School

Marching Band (April)

• All band students are eligible.
• Attend at least 3 after-school practices to perform in the Mtn. View Parade
• Includes SF Band t-shirt.