Band Families:  Please read the following information!

I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Fuller Band!  My name is Ms. Kirkhum.  This is my second year as the Band Director at Fuller.  Some of you may be returning families of fourth and fifth grade band students and are already familiar with the Fuller Band program.  

This link includes important information concerning the objectives, curriculum, expectations and grading system of the Fuller Band program.  Also included is information about the equipment needs and financial obligations of each student. 

 

Practicing
It is expected that band II students practice for 120 minutes a week, while beginning band and band I students aim for 100.  Practice outside of class is imperative to the progress and growth of your child’s musical ability.  So far most students are being responsible about practicing and turning in their logs, and I believe it has been effective in helping students come to class prepared!

 

Objectives of the Fuller Band Program:              

  1. To foster a deep love of music in each child
  2. To provide each student with a worthy use of their time, a means of self-expression and a healthy social experience.
  3. To introduce or continue improving music reading ability
  4. To learn to listen to music with a critical ear
  5. To develop performance skills on the various wind and percussion instruments.
  6. To provide performance opportunities for all students

 

 

Curriculum of the Fuller Band Program:

We will use class time in several different ways, including working out of a method book, playing from handouts generated by the teacher to supplement the method books as well as printed and published band works to be performed at our concerts. 

 

Expectations of Fuller Band Members:

Each student should be in class every day.  Please bring all required materials to class everyday; without these you will be unable to participate in class.  We will have several concerts throughout the year.  The first of which will be in December.  Concert dates will be set as soon as possible.  A letter will go home to all parents informing you of these dates.  Participation in these concerts is mandatory for all band students. 

 

Parent-Teacher Communication:

I will send letters home to families concerning concerts and other class activities.  I am also very easy to reach by email and will most likely choose that method of contacting you in the event there is an issue of which you should be made aware.  If you have any questions throughout the year concerning your child’s progress please do not hesitate to contact me by calling the Fuller office, or through email- kkirkhum@wcpss.net
 I will return your call or email as soon as possible.

 

Grading System of the Fuller Band:

Grades for each quarter will be based on the following criteria:

  1. In class participation (must have instrument, book, music and pencil)
  2. Homework assignments (practice logs)
  3. Playing and Written Quizzes (These will be done in class and the material for each quiz will be announced at least four class days in advance)
  4. Concert Attendance

 

Equipment and Material Needs for Fuller Band students:

  1. Instrument
  2. Necessary supplies for each instrument.  For example: reeds, neck strap, cork grease, valve oil, slide oil, mouthpieces etc.  During the first day of class we will discuss what this means for each instrument.
  3. Method Book: Essential Elements 2000, beginning band and Band I students will need Book 1.  Band II students will need Essential Elements 2000 Book 2.
  4. Folder of other printed music (This folder will be given to students once printed music is passed out).
  5. Pencil!  Please bring this with you everyday, will be doing writing assignments in class as well as marking in our music.

 

Financial Obligations of Fuller Band members:

It is my personal philosophy that no child should be denied a musical experience due to financial restraints.  Therefore, I will do my best to keep financial needs to a minimum.  It is imperative; however, that each child have an instrument to use in class and at home everyday.  If you are unable to rent or purchase an instrument for your child please speak with me personally about finding an instrument for your child.  The school has instruments to loan out; however resources are limited, ask earlier rather than later about the use of these instruments.

 

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