Upper El Music
Week of January 16, 2012
Although we had a snow day this week I wanted to let parents know about a different format we are trying in band. In the hopes of bringing more individualized instruction to our musicians, we are splitting the group into instrument class. So, all of the woodwinds (which includes clarinets, flutes, oboes, saxophones) and percussion will play in one group. The other group will be the brass (including trumpets, cornets, trombones, French horns, and baritones). Because of similarities on the instrument techniques we will be able to give more attention to playing styles. Toward the end of the year we will put it all together and hear what happens!
Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. Thank you for supporting our new band program!
- Mike
Week of November 14, 2011
The sweet sound of success! This week the students tackled and, in my opinion, actually nailed the first three practice "songs" in their books. Now granted, these "songs" were just two notes repeated with breaks in between... but to those of you who have played an instrument know how difficult it is to do at first. Bravo to your mini-musicians!
Over the Holiday, I asked the students to please practice their instruments and watch the DVD included with their books. There are yet a few more books to get to the kids and I will bring them to their classroom early next week. Please contact me if you have any questions about the books, by the way.
With a bit of luck, we may be blasting the west wing with festive holiday carols in the coming weeks!
Week of October 31, 2011
The West Wing of the Childrens' House will be a bit louder from now on. Each Friday afternoon the students will be rehearsing with brass and woodwinds in the music room. Needless to say, especially to those parents who have heard their child play an instrument, when we get going all at once, it can get loud. Just so you know, playing loud is actually part of learning an instrument. My apologies ahead of time. I will, however, encourage the students to control the volume at home.
I was almost shocked at how well the students played on Friday. I was expecting most to not even make a sound, let alone an actual "note". Much to my surprise, most of the students were able to play several notes and control the volume fairly well. This week, we are going to learn how to tune and care for the instruments.
Some have asked about the method books we will be using in class. We are using "Tradition of Excellence" [Pearson, Nowlin: Kjos Music Co.] that were recommended highly. For those parents who have already purchased their books, thank you. For those that have not, no worries. I will purchase and deliver the books to the students at the next class. The books cost about $10 if you could kindly reimburse the school. These books include a DVD which has LOTS of great information about the specific instrument and techniques on how to play. Please encourage your child to watch this DVD.
I am excited to make more noise in the West Wing soon. Thanks for your support and patience!
Week of October 10, 2011
Let the music begin! Last week was the unofficial kick-off of the new band program at the Montessori. Two great guys, both fantastic musicians, showed and played all of the band instruments for the students. Dave, a veteran saxophone virtuoso and Bob, the principle trumpeter of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra were kind enough to introduce our students to the brass and woodwinds of the modern elementary band. I was as excited to hear the axes as much as the kids!
You have probably already heard your child talk about what they may want to play. I encourage all parents to talk to the kids about it, too. Although they won't be stuck with a particular instrument, they are still difficult to play and it will take much support from the parents if the students are to excel in their particular instrument.
I am so excited, as I have said, to get this band rolling. Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Week of September 26, 2011
Last week and this week was an introduction to a new music program this year. The students and I discussed the possibility of having an actual band instead of general music this year. Having great response from the Montessori and the students, we are moving forward!
We specifically discussed the type of instrument your little musician might like to play... you may have already heard their choices! We watched a few video clips of band instruments being played so that they would have a better idea of how each sounded. Next week [October 7th] we are having a presentation by Marshall Music to get the students acquainted with the instruments and hear them in person.
In addition to the band introduction, we talked about the science of soundwaves and how we can actually "see" them. We also went over some basic notation concepts such as staff, clef, time signature, notes, and measures.
Mike
);)