Band Families:  Please read the following information!

 

 

I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Fuller Band!  My name is Mrs. Oatsvall.  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. 

 

I will keep you informed of your child’s progress throughout the year by use of frequent progress reports, which will be sent home with students on Thursday afternoons.  Each time a progress note is given out it is expected to be signed by a parent or guardian and turned back in the following Monday.  If you have any questions throughout the year concerning your child’s progress please don’t hesitate to contact me by calling the Fuller office, or through email. I will return your call or email as soon as possible.

 

Please encourage your students to practice at home.  It is expected that students practice between 15 and 30 minutes each day.  This year we will not be using practice records on a weekly basis.  Instead, we will have more frequent playing quizzes during class time to allow each student to show their improvement.  Practice outside of class is imperative to the progress and growth of your child’s musical ability.

 

I hope that you are as excited as I am about the upcoming year!

 

 

Objectives of the Fuller Band Program:              

 

q       To foster a deep love of music in each child

q       To provide each student with a worthy use of their time, a means of self-expression and a healthy social experience.

q       To introduce or continue improving music reading ability

q       To listen and compare different kinds of music

q       To develop performance skills on the various wind and percussion instruments.

q       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.  In class we will also learn to play by ear through call and response.  We will also listen to recordings of classical music by professional bands.  Clearly we have an abundant amount of fun ways in which to study music this year!

 

 

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:

 

Throughout the year I will be communicating with all parents in a variety of ways.  I will send a progress note home with each student on most Thursday afternoons.  These will give the parent an idea of how the student performed in class during the week.  I will also send letters home to families concerning concerts and other class activities.

Grading System of the Fuller Band:

 

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

§       In class participation (must have instrument, book, music and pencil)

§       Written homework assignments (theory and music history)

§       Playing Quizzes (These will be done individually in class and the material for each quiz will be announced at least four class days in advance)

§       Successfully turning in Progress Notes with parent or guardian signature.

§       Concert Attendance

 

 

Equipment and Material Needs for Fuller Band students:

 

o      Instrument

o      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.

o      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.

o      Folder of other printed music (This folder will be given to students during the first week of class.  It will have each students name on it and will contain all supplemental handouts and music that we will use along with the method book)

o      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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