Letter to Parents of Beginning Band StudentsDear Parents of Beginning Music Students
It is with great excitement that I welcome your family to our instrumental music program! Learning to play a musical instrument and acquiring the unique habits of mind that come with it is one of the most incredible opportunities that our school can offer your child. The instrument that will be placed in your children’s hands has the power to transform their lives in ways that no other endeavor can. In addition to musical accomplishments, this year your child will learn to:
Treat music as a long-term commitment right from the start. Students who identify that they will play their instrument for longer than one year outperform students who only commit to one year of playing by up to 400% — practicing the same amount of time if not less! The ideas and mindsets students bring to their musical instrument study have a direct effect on their success, and it’s the parents’ role to set the tone on the first day by not giving their child an “easy out” to quit. Make the decision to invest in your child’s music education for at least a few years of their schooling and you will see incredible results this year. Treasure the escape from “high-stakes” studies. It seems that everywhere we turn academic expectations run higher and panic begins to set in: about acing the exam, not marring the transcript, or keeping up with “high-achieving” peers. Playing a musical instrument helps parents pull their children off this fast track, if even for a moment, and not worry that other children will wind up “ahead”. Instrumental music gives children the room to find their genuine passions, the freedom to discover true independence, and the space to fail and bounce back. They will become better people because this year through their musical studies. Embrace the “offline” time. Your child’s ability to become a deep and complex person relies so much upon their ability to build their attention span. In our lightning-fast digital world, children do not have enough opportunity to build understanding and intelligence through mindful solitary activities. Musical instrument instruction facilitates this offline, “slow world” learning and brings children together in a unique, “unplugged” ensemble when they have band/orchestra/chorus class. Understand that your child’s instrumental music experience is just as (if not more) crucial to their growth as human beings than any other subject. Music is much more than a “special” or a “frill” subject — it is a core subject, and it should be approached that way by all of us. When taught with healthy rigor, it is often the most enjoyable subject during the school day, and the home practice should be treated as an essential part of the homework routine. When taught well and minimally supported at home, the craft of learning a musical instrument develops fortitude, willpower, and metacognitive skills that parents stay up at night hoping their children have when they grow up. Don’t let your child quit too soon. All children are capable of enjoying a successful K-12 music experience with a little support. By not letting your child quit, you are sending a clear message to everyone in our school system that you believe playing a musical instrument cultivates crucial “non-cognitive” skills that matter so much in the grown-up world. Spend 5-10 minutes a night helping your child create a practice routine and they will be far less likely to become frustrated and quit too early in their studies. At the beginning of every school year I am not only passionate about growing a new generation of musician, music lover, and future patron of the arts — I am determined to arm our children with the tools to become great thinkers, citizens, and lifelong lovers of learning. I will take care of the musical instruction on my end, but the actions of parents assisting their children’s practice at home, accompanied with a long-term commitment to their children staying in our school music program, will ensure that they receive the best education our schools have to offer. Please join me in what I know will be a transformative experience for your child this year. Sincerely, Your Music Teacher, Nicholas D. Germer |
3 Things a Student Needs for Musicianship: Instrument, Time to Practice, and Desire to Learn
Instrument
If you have your own, then great! Bring that. Borrow from a relative, or friend. Rent from Howard Instrument (208-624-4726), Chesbro Music (208-932-1231), or Piano Gallery (208-524-4420). They have rent-to-own options. Rent-to-own allows students to switch instruments while keeping equity paid in. RMS has a limited number of school instruments to rent for an affordable price. Because of the low supply and high demand, these school instrument rentals are reserved for those with highest need. The school does not have saxophones or percussion bell kits to rent. Beware of catalog or internet companies, and purchases from major discount chains. Very often these instruments are less expensive, but are of inferior quality and difficult for beginning players. In addition, instruments from these sources often come with poor warranties and instrument repair shops sometimes refuse to work on them. There will not be a band instrument rental night this year. Instead, students/families will be given flyers from vendors with rental information, websites, contact information. Students need to have an instrument in hand by Sep 5 (Tue) to be able to participate in class activities. Beginning brass instruments are trumpet, cornet (very similar to trumpet) , trombone , or baritone. Beginning woodwind instruments are flute , clarinet , and beginning in the second trimester, the alto saxophone. Beginning percussionists are expected to learn to play all of the following: bells, practice pad and the bass drum. Some things to know about percussion:
Time to Practice I recommend at least 10 minutes of practice per day. A better rule is 30 minutes/day. Practice time will be more effective spread out over many days than cramming it into one day. As the parent, you can assist your child in finding time to practice music. We all get busy with school, work, church, but one thing remains constant: we prioritize the important things and make time for them. Students who practice will generally improve faster than students who do not. Sometimes you have to be the parent to help kids practice. And it may be hard. I believe there are more distractions for kids today than ever. Desire to Learn It’s clear that we cannot force our kids to want to learn. We can give them incentive to aspire to become better. Honestly, this is where your best parenting skills may come into play. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my student need prior music experience to join band?
Will asthma impede my child from wind instruments?
Can a student switch instruments at any time?
What about concert attire? Books and music?
When are your concerts and other events?
- No, all music reading and playing will be taught in class and practiced at home.
Will asthma impede my child from wind instruments?
- Many students who have asthma have made it work fine. Keep in mind that the instruments that use the most air are tuba and flute.
Can a student switch instruments at any time?
- As your teacher, I do not recommend switching instruments until he/she has spent 3 trimesters on it. Basically, make a commitment to one instrument, stick with it, and then decide.
- Switching instruments too soon can lead to indecision and doubt in abilities and preferences, whereas sticking to an instrument—even if it’s hard—can lead to confidence and success stories.
- Finally, it is not my decision as your teacher. I will not recommend things that will complicate the learning of a student. If you feel that you need to switch and the timing is appropriate, then talk with Mr. Germer about switching and he will be reasonable.
What about concert attire? Books and music?
- Boys should wear black pants, black shoes, black socks, with a white button shirt and any color of tie. Girls can wear a black dress, black skirt, or black slacks with a white top. Color accessories are fine. School dress code applies.
- Sheet music is provided.
- Book provided.
When are your concerts and other events?
- Check out our RMS MUSIC Events at http://rigbymiddleschoolband.weebly.com/events.html