2016-2017 grade 4 and 5 instrumental music guidebook for ...€¦ · p a g e | 2 table of contents...

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Mr. Paul Mariconda Director

2016-2017 Grade 4 and 5 Instrumental Music Guidebook

for Students and Parents

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover 1 Table of Contents 2 Letter to Parents 3 4th Gr. Band Letter 4 4th Gr. Instrument Selection Sheet 5 4th Gr. Rental Information 6 4th Gr./5thGr. Lesson Schedules 7 4th Gr. Lesson Procedures 8 4th Gr. Progress Report 9

5th Gr. Band Description 10

5th Gr. Rental Information 11 5th Gr. Band Schedule 12 5th Gr. Band Procedures 13 5th Gr. Progress Report 14 Tips For Parents 15 Tips For Students 16 Concert Information 17 NYSSMA 18 Private Teacher List 19

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September 2016 Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, We are excited that you have decided to be a part of the Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School 4th and 5th Grade Instrumental Music Program. The goal of the beginning band experience is to provide a solid foundation of musical skills and techniques, while providing an opportunity for students to have fun making music with others. This is accomplished through weekly lessons, large group rehearsals, and school concerts. Success in music is largely determined by the desire to succeed, the motivation to practice consistently, parental support and quality instruction. Please be mindful of the following:

Students in the 4th grade receive instruction in a small group, once a week, for 40 minutes in like-instrument groupings.

Students in the 5th grade receive instruction in a small group of mixed instruments as well as in like-instrument groupings.

Lessons will be scheduled so students will have as little interruption in their daily schedules as possible.

Students are expected to practice between lessons. Please encourage your child to practice on a consistent basis. Please read the Practice Tips For Parents on page 15 for suggestions on how to practice at home.

Large group rehearsals will begin later in the year to prepare for school concerts. We want to look sharp for our school concerts! Concert attire is a white shirt and either

black or dark blue pants for boys, and a white shirt and either black or dark blue pants/skirts for girls.

Your child will be receiving an instrumental music progress report twice a year, in addition to indicators on your child’s report card, so that you and your child can review his/her progress together.

We look forward to a wonderful year! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Sincerely,

Paul Mariconda

Paul Mariconda Director of the Ridge Street School Instrumental Music Program [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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4th GRADE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM LETTER

Dear Third Grade Parents:

Fourth graders are eligible to participate in the Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School’s Instrumental Music Program. This program is not a requirement. It is an elective aligned with New York State Standards for Arts Education and standards set by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). This letter provides information needed to assist you in deciding if your child should participate in this program and aide you and your child in selecting an instrument offered by the program.

Please discuss the following aspects of the 4th Grade Band Program with your child. Understanding these key points will help you and your child decide if participating in the 4th Grade Band is the right choice. This information is not provided to “scare” any student from participation in the 4th Grade Band. However, students should know what will be expected of them if they choose to sign up:

1. Attendance at all lessons is mandatory. Please make sure your child understands that band members must bring their instrument and book to school as per scheduled.

2. Practicing at home is mandatory. While most students enjoy listening to music and singing along with cds, learning to play an instrument requires a consistent practice routine.

3. Performing in class is required. Students must play their instrument along with other members of their assigned lesson group. “Faking” is not allowed.

4. Band members will analyze and critique their work as well as the work of others. Students will perform music together,individually , and discuss their own performance and the performances of others in a friendly cooperative manner.

5. Periodic assessments. While there are no written tests, band members will be required to play short sections of their music individually .

6. Fun! Fun! Fun! We have a lot of fun creating our music and we are thrilled when our first strange sounds turn into beautiful music!!!

4th Grade band instruments have been presented to all 3rd Grade music classes. During that time I demonstrated the three instruments used in the 4th grade band. I discussed with them how to make a good choice. An instrument selection sheet is included with this letter. Please discuss the instrument choice with your child and return the selection sheet to your child’s classroom teacher.

Group lessons are available for the following instruments: flute, clarinet and trumpet. Our 4th Grade Band Program does not include the following instruments: strings, piano, electric or acoustic guitar, or drum set.

Our school does not provide instruments. If your child wants to participate in this program the desired instrument must be rented and the band book must be purchased. The 4th Grade Band uses a comprehensive band method entitled “Accent On Acvievement Book 1” that can be purchased from Ardsley Music, Sam Ash Music, Greenwich Music, Music and Arts in Mamaroneck and online through Amazon.

If your child is interested, please fill out the attached selection sheet. I will send home rental information. Thank You, Paul D. Mariconda

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FOURTH GRADE INSTRUMENT SELECTION SHEET 2016-2017 (Please fill this out with your child.)

Dear Families, Please fill this out with your child and choose an instrument from the list below. Please return this to me as soon as you can. I will send home rental information after I have all the sign up sheets.

Have fun selecting an instrument and I hope to see your child in the 4th Grade Band! Thank You, Mr. Mariconda [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Student Name:______________________________________________________ Current 3rd Grade Teacher’s Name:______________________________________ Home Phone:________________________________________________ Parent’s Email:_______________________________________________

FLUTE___________________________ CLARINET_______________________ TRUMPET________________________

Please note: Our 4th Grade Instrumental Music Program does not include the following instruments: strings, piano, electric or acoustic guitar, or drum set.

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RENTAL INFORMATION FOR 4TH GRADE BAND

The Ponterio Ridge Street School does not provide instruments. All instruments must be rented and all fees are exchanged between parents and rental companies. PRSS does not accept rental money for the rental companies.

Flute Players: rent a Flute with a cleaning/tuning rod. Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams, Flute Bk 1. Clarinet Players: rent a B Flat Clarinet. Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams. Clarinet Bk 1. Purchase a small tube of cork grease and a few extra No.2 clarinet reeds.

Trumpet Players: rent a B Flat Trumpet. Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams, Trumpet Book 1. Purchase a small bottle of valve oil for the trumpet valves. The Blind Brook Rye School District does not endorse any rental company. The list below is provided for your convenience. You may rent from any company that you choose.

Rental Companies

Ardsley Music…..……………914-693-6639 www. ardsleymusic.com Sam Ash Music Store:……..914-949-8448 www.samash.com Greenwich Music:………….203-637-1119 www.greenwichmusic.com Rental Instrument Corp…203-226-0805 www.rentalinstrument.com

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4th Grade Lesson Schedules

Students are responsible for remembering their instrument on their scheduled day(s) each week.

Students need to attend lessons/rehearsals even if they forgot their instrument at home that day. Students can still learn without their instrument.

Parents may need to remind their child to bring their instrument on their scheduled lesson day(s). If you wish, you may have a reminder of their lesson/rehearsal schedule to post at home somewhere in a highly visible location (The refrigerator usually works best!) Grade level band rehearsals will be scheduled closer to the date of the school concert. You will be apprised of these rehearsals later in the year.

2016-2017 4th Grade Band Lesson Schedule

A Day B Day C Day D Day E Day F Day

Mrs. Bal Ms. Blumstein Mrs. DeLuca Mrs. Scardina Ms. Onofrio

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PROCEDURES FOR 4th GRADE BAND

For Small Group Lessons

Always bring your own instrument to school on your assigned small group lesson day. Keep your instruments with you in your classroom. Your teacher will show you where to put them. Always enter the band room quietly using the Art/Spanish hallway double door entrance. After taking a band book from the bookcase, go directly to your seat with your instrument and wait for directions from Mr. Mariconda. Once you are able to assemble your own instrument and produce a sound you may follow the warm up tips taught to you by Mr. Mariconda.

WARM UP TIPS!

ALWAYS WARM UP SOFTLY. WE CREATE MUSIC, NOT NOISE!

★NEVER PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT WHILE WALKING. ★ NEVER POINT YOUR INSTRUMENT AT SOMEONE AND PLAY IT LOUDLY.

At the end of class slowly put away your instrument and return the band book to the bookcase. Exit the band room using the Art/Spanish hallway. Before you attend your next lesson, you are required to practice at home at least twice for 15 minutes each time.

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4th GRADE BAND PROGRESS REPORT Below is an example of the 4th Grade Band progress report emailed to 4th grade band parents twice per school year. The evaluation criteria has been created by combining the New York State Standards for The Arts and the standards created by the New York State School Music Association. (NYSSMA)

Student’s Name__________________Instrument____________School Year_____________Semester____

Evaluation Criteria

1. Demonstrates the proper assembly and maintenance of one’s own instrument.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 2. Demonstrates how to use our band book for home practice.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 3. Demonstrates correct performance posture.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 4. Demonstrates correct embouchure formation.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 5. Demonstrates correct breathing technique.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 6. Able to identify note names on the staff and the correct fingering used to play that note.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 7. Demonstrates knowledge of clapping, counting, and performing simple rhythms.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 8. Actively participates in group performance during small group lessons.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 9. Follows band room procedures.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely 10. Demonstrates effort.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely SUMMARY

Signature______________ Date__________ Paul D. Mariconda 4th Grade Band Director

Signature of Parent or Guardian_________________________

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5th GRADE BAND DESCRIPTION The 5th grade band program expands the number of instruments offered to band members. Students may choose to remain on the instrument they already play or switch to Alto Sax, Trombone, Baritone Horn or Percussion. The 5th Grade Band uses the same book as the 4th grade band: Accent On Achievement Book 1. The number of Alto Saxes used in the 5th Grade Band is limited to 8 players selected through a lottery. I present this option to Clarinet players and ask them if they are interested in the Alto Sax because the mouthpiece, reed and embouchure used for the Alto Sax are similar to the Clarinet. I discuss with Trumpet players the option to consider switching to either the Trombone or Baritone Horn. These two low brass instruments use a mouthpiece and embouchure similar to the Trumpet. There are no limits on these two instruments as well as no limits for continuing on Flute, Clarinet and Trumpet. Percussionists are chosen using a lottery. The band only uses 3 or 4 percussionists and usually the drum set is not included. Percussionists will play Snare Drum, Bass Drum and Xylophone as well as small percussion instruments such as Tambourine, Cowbell Shakers, and Cymbals. Any 4th grade band member can sign up for the drum lottery.

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RENTAL INFORMATION FOR 5TH GRADE BAND

The Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School does not provide instruments. All instruments must be rented and all fees are exchanged between parents and rental companies. PRSS does not accept rental money for the rental companies. Trombone and Baritone Horn players: rent a Trombone or a small Baritone Horn (be sure to specify the smaller Baritone Horn) Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams, Baritone Horn Bass Clef Bk 1 or Trombone Bass Clef Bk 1. Purchase a small bottle of valve oil. We do not use slide grease.

If you feel that the baritone horn is too expensive, the trombone is the best alternative.

Flute Players: rent a Flute with a cleaning/tuning rod. Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams. Flute Bk 1. Clarinet Players: rent a B Flat Clarinet. Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams. Clarinet Bk 1. Purchase a small tube of cork grease and a few extra No.2 clarinet reeds. Alto Sax Players: rent an Alto Saxophone. Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams, Alto Saxophone Bk.1. Purchase a small tube of cork grease and a few extra Alto Sax No. 2 reeds.

It's a good idea to request a Neo-Tec Comfort Strap for the sax neck strap.

Trumpet Players: rent a B Flat Trumpet. Purchase Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams, Trumpet Book 1. Purchase a small bottle of valve oil for the trumpet valves.

Drummers: You do not need a full drum set to get started. Rent a snare drum and a snare drum stand or purchase an 8 inch practice pad. Purchase a pair of No.5 or No.7 wood tipped drum sticks (any brand is fine.) Accent On Achievement by O’Reilly/Williams, Combined Percussion Bk 1.

Band Percussionists play bass drum, snare drum and xylophone. The drum set is rarely used. The Blind Brook Rye School District does not endorse any rental company. The list below is for your convenience. You may rent from any company that you choose.

Rental Companies

Ardsley Music ……………….914-693-6639 www. ardsleymusic.com Sam Ash Music Store:…..….914-949-8448 www.samash.com Greenwich Music:……….….203-637-1119 www.greenwichmusic.com Rental Instrument Corp….203-226-0805 www.rentalinstrument.com

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5th Grade Lesson Schedules

Students are responsible for remembering their instrument on their scheduled day(s) each week.

Students need to attend lessons/rehearsals even if they forgot their instrument at home that day. Students can still learn without their instrument.

Parents may need to remind their child to bring their instrument on their scheduled lesson day(s). If you wish, you may have a reminder of their lesson/rehearsal schedule to post at home somewhere in a highly visible location (The refrigerator usually works best!) Grade level band rehearsals will be scheduled closer to the date of the school concert. You will be apprised of these rehearsals later in the year.

5th Grade Band Lesson Schedule

Please remind your child to bring his/her instrument to school according to the schedule below.

Please note that your child may be bringing his/her instrument on two different days.

A Day B Day C Day D Day E Day F Day

6th period (12:14-12:54)

Ms. Krill

Ms. Sarli

Mrs. Fava

Mrs. Fernandez

Ms. Rosen

9th period (2:25-3:05)

Alto Saxes Trumpets Clarinets Drums Trombones Flutes

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PROCEDURES FOR 5th GRADE BAND

6th Period Lessons: after recess, come to the band room directly from your locker with the materials you need for your 7th period class. 9th Period Lessons: from your 8th period class go to your locker and pack up with everything you will be taking home before coming to the 9th period lesson. Mr. Mariconda will accompany 9th period band students to the front of the building for dismissal.

For Small Group Lessons and Full Band

Entering the band room quietly, always walk entering from the Art/Spanish hallway. If you have books or a binder with you leave the materials in the hall placed against a wall. Flute/Clarinet players: get your instruments, a Flute/Clarinet band binder and go to your seating assignment. You will share a binder, band book and a music stand. After you assemble your instrument, place your case under your seat. You may warm up SOFTLY. Alto Sax players: place your case along a wall in the band room and assemble your instrument before going to your seating assignment. Get a band binder. You will share a binder, band book and a music stand. You may warm up SOFTLY. Trumpet/Trombone/Baritone Horn players: place your case along a wall in the band room and assemble your instrument before going to your seating assignment. Get a band binder and a book and share it. Buzz your lips softly before playing your instrument softly to warm up. Percussionists: get sticks and mallets from the drum room, get your band book and binder and walk to the percussion section. Percussionists will use special warm up techniques that do not require playing the drums.

WARM UP TIPS!

ALWAYS WARM UP SOFTLY. WE CREATE MUSIC, NOT NOISE! NEVER PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT WHILE WALKING.

NEVER POINT YOUR INSTRUMENT AT SOMEONE AND PLAY IT LOUDLY.

At the end of class, slowly put away your instrument and return the band binder and book to the shelf. Return your instrument to the instrument storage room. Exit the band room using the Art/Spanish hallway.

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5th GRADE BAND PROGRESS REPORT

Below is an example of the 5

th Grade Band progress report emailed to 5

Th grade band parents twice

per school year. The evaluation criteria has been created by combining the New York State

Standards for The Arts and the standards created by the New York State School Music

Association. (NYSSMA)

Student’s Name__________________Ins trument____________School Year_____________Semester____

Evaluation Criteria

1. Demonstrates correct performance posture.

Consistently Sometimes Rarely

2. Demonstrates how to use fingering chart for his/her instrument.


3. Demonstrates knowledge of differences in pitch.


4. Demonstrates ability to sing a note and match the note on their instrument.


5. Demonstrates knowledge of written musical directions within the music.


6. Demonstrate ability to adjust performance volume to blend with other musicians.


7. Demonstrates knowledge of clapping, counting, and performing simple rhythms.


8. Actively participates in group performance during small group lessons.


9. Follows band room procedures.


10. Demonstrates effort.


SUMMARY

Signature______________ Date__________ Paul D. Mariconda

4th Grade Band Director

Signature of Parent or Guardian_________________________

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Tips for Parents

Your child is learning a new skill (like riding a bike). He/She will need your encouragement and support in order to succeed. Be patient!!! Show an interest in your child's instrumental music experience.

Be supportive through frustrations, and enjoy progress together. Give your child positive feedback. Praise your child's efforts.

Encourage good practice habits.

Assist your child in setting up a regular time and quiet place for practice. Encourage creative practice, such as practicing in front of a mirror. Provide a music stand.

Assist in the care of the instrument.

An instrument works well only when it is maintained in the best possible condition. Students should clean their instrument’s mouthpiece once a week. Instruments should be in their case when not in use. It should be cleaned after each use and returned to its case and stored in a safe place. Repairs should be made by an experienced, qualified repair person. Check with your teacher

for specific suggestions. Only your child should play the instrument, no one else.

Instrumental music is both an individual and a group endeavor.

Reinforce skills needed to participate as part of a group, including individual responsibility, dependability, ownership, and attention.

Please be mindful of your child’s lesson schedule. Stress the importance of being punctual for lessons, rehearsals, and concert performances.

Get acquainted with your child's instrumental band teacher.

Call or email whenever you have questions or concerns. o Phone number: 914-937-3600 x3006 o Email: [email protected]

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Practice Tips for Students

Practice often and regularly at home It is recommended that a student practice at home 15 minutes three times a week. It is often helpful to practice at the same time every day. For example, before school, after

school, or right after dinner. Find a time that's best for you and your family.

Find a suitable place in your home to practice.

Look for a place where you will not be interrupted by distractions like the phone, television, or other family activities.

It is helpful to practice in front of a mirror to check posture and techniques such as correct embouchure (lips, mouth), mouthpiece position, and instrument position.

Sit up straight or stand tall and practice with a music stand.

This will ensure proper posture, correct breathing and instrument position. (Check your instructional band book for pictures that reinforce correct posture.)

Take care of your instrument

An instrument works well only when it is maintained in the best possible condition. It should be returned to its case and stored in a safe place. Do not let anyone else play with or use your instrument. Clean your mouthpiece once a week.

Strive for a pleasing sound.

Never feel discouraged about hearing unusual sounds. They are a part of the development process.

Stop and work out difficult parts.

Practice slowly and repeat them before playing the entire piece. Don't be discouraged by a plateau in progress or a dislike for practice once the"newness" has worn off.

Experience has shown that, with continued effort, this cycle passes quickly.

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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONCERTS

FULL BAND PRACTICE FOR SCHOOL CONCERTS Grade level practices for school concerts will be scheduled closer to the concert date and will be held during the school year for students only. The 4th Grade Band performs once a year in the spring. The 5th Grade Band performs twice a year (once in the winter and once in the spring.) SCHOOL CONCERTS School concerts take place in the George C. Trautwein Auditorium located at the Blind Brook Middle School/High School. Students should arrive a half-hour before the start of the school concert, dressed in band attire and with their instrument. For example, if the concert starts at 7:00 pm students must arrive at the Blind Brook Middle School/High School at 6:30 pm dressed in their band attire with their instruments and band music. SCHOOL BAND CONCERT ATTIRE Concert band attire will be the following: Girls (white shirt and dark blue/black pants or skirt) Boys (white shirt and dark blue/black pants)

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NYSSMA

The mission of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) is to advocate and improve the musical education of all people in New York by promoting appropriate music activities and programs in the schools and communities of New York State.

Most NYSSMA activities are referred to as “festivals”. For example: NYSSMA Solo Festival, NYSSMA Piano Festival, NYSSMA Majors Festival. These festivals can either be for individual students or small and large ensembles. The festival facilities are located throughout the state. The Blind Brook Rye School District is considered a down county district in NYSSMA Zone 11.

Most Ridge Street students participate in either the NYSSMA Solo Festival and/or the NYSSMA Piano Festival. Participation in a NYSSMA event is voluntary and is usually recommended to students and their parents by the student’s private teacher and the school music teacher. Typically, a student will have to memorize 3 scales and perform a solo piece of music that is listed in the NYSSMA Manual.

All NYSSMA participants must register through their school’s music teacher. This online only registration is completed by the student’s music teacher. Participation fees are paid for by the district.

Information concerning these festivals will be distributed through the Blind Brook District Website as the information becomes available from NYSSMA.

www.NYSSMA.org

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Private Teachers Available in the Blind Brook Area

Please Note: The Blind Brook School District does not endorse nor recommend

any specific teachers.

Flute

Pamela Sklar 914-723-8404

Maryanne Lepre 914-227-7712

Herk Faranda 914-769-1432

Anthony Masi 203-556-5920

Joseph Stelluti 914-949-3490

Nino Pallotti 914-939-6248

Jennifer Pyne 914-419-1809

Edward Herko 914-762-2455

David Markowitz 914-980-9549

Jill Weiss 914-328-5669

Dianne Spitalny 914-238-8238

Melissa Healy 914-844-7404

Clarinet



Amy Glover 972- 989-0045

Gwynne Whitman 845-216-1643


Curt Ebersole 914-997-7940

Alfred Renino 914-946-2702


Gary Brown 845-887-5372

Saxophone


Tim Reardon 860-508-6874


Herk Faranda 914-769-1432

Charles Lagond 914-428-3860



Trumpet

Anthony Sabia 914-939-2159

Ken Kraut 914-939-1946

Ben Acrish 914-456-2369

Jim Cifelli 212-927-7086

Joyce Toth 845-228-2553

Steve Smyth 212-569-3811

Robert Arthurs W. C. Conservatory

Patricia Hurley W. C. Conservatory

Trombone

Christopher Bill 607-216-8745

Robert Stattel 914-968-8407

Frederick Snyder W. C. Conservatory

Warren Arbiter 914-268-9092

Richard Williams 914-833-2782

Percussion

Greg DiMiceli 914-937-5427

Jason Devlin 914-262-9940

Danielle Farny 914-414-0952

Brian Doherty 914-466-9871

Joe Choroszewski 917-494-1970

Matthew Bauer 315-368-7022

Various Instruments, Ensembles and

Musical Study

Westchester Conservatory 914-761-3900

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