Instrument Petting Zoo Student Information Sheet Please fill out the following information as completely as possible.

Student Name: _____________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name(s): _____________________________________________________ Instrument(s) of Interest: Band: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion Strings: Violin, Viola, Cell ___________________________

First Choice

___________________________

Second Choice

Chorus _____________

Parent Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Parent Email Address:___________________________________________________________________ Suggested Donation to support program is $150. Any questions or concerns that you may have:

If you would like to know instruments or band in

more about the individual general, visit

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www.bepartofthemusic.org.

What if I am not sure if I want my child to do music? Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Music is the same way. Your child should sign up for band even if you or they are unsure. If at some point you decide that music is not for you, drop the class- though I strongly encourage giving it a try for the full school year. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started.

What if I don’t know anything about music? That’s ok! I will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, I will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound and encouragement to practice and persevere.

How much out of school time is required? Music is no different than any other curricular area. We ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every week. Think of it as musical homework, but much more fun. Practice will also make the music class more fun as well! I ask for students to set a goal of 100 minutes per week.

What instrument should my child play? The answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most important that the play something that they enjoy. I encourage you to visit the website www.bepartofthemusic.org, watch the different instrument videos with your child, and discuss the different options. I will also help guide your child based on his/her musical interests, physical make-up, and instrument availability. Your child knows what she wants, you know your child, and I know music. Together we will find the instrument that he/she will not only enjoy but will give him/her the best chance of musical success.

What are the costs?

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The costs associated with music depend on which instrument your child chooses and if you already own an instrument. We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school may have certain instruments available for at school use. If not, you can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevent you from being able to do this, please contact me and allow me to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating. There is no fee for participating in the band or string classes, but families must provide their student with an instruments, music book, music accessories and a white polo shirt for performances. Private lessons are recommended but not required. If you wish to help support the program, Donations to the music program will help fund the program for all students and would be greatly appreciated.

What if I have other questions? Please know that I am here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program and schools in general, it is sometimes difficult to contact me by phone. The best way for you to reach me is electronically at [email protected]. This will allow me to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not. Please also check out my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Randalls-Music-Class263165997218178/ and school website page: https://sites.google.com/a/srvusd.net/music-class-with-mrs-randall/ If you would like to know more about the individual instruments or music in general, visit www.bepartofthemusic.org

FAQ’s about instruments Once you decide which instrument you want to play, you will need to rent or purchase the instrument for your child. It is very important to obtain a quality instrument in good working condition in order for your child to be successful and enjoy their band experience. Below are Frequently Asked Questions regarding purchasing a quality instrument and participation in the Sycamore Valley Band or Strings program.

Is it better to rent or purchase my child’s instrument? Many music stores will apply money you’ve paid in rental fees towards the purchase of an instrument. Renting an instrument first is a good way to provide your child with a quality instrument without spending lots of money to purchase an instrument your child may not play for more than one year.

How do I know if an instrument is a quality instrument? The following brands of instruments have consistently made quality instruments and are used in school programs throughout the country: Yamaha, Conn, Selmer, Buffet, LeBlanc, Vito, Gemeinhardt, Emerson, Pearl, Armstrong, Bach, Holton, King, Bundy, and Jupiter. For strings: Stentor, Windsor, Primavera, Mendini, Cecilio, Cremona, Franz Hoffman, Yamaha.

I found a great deal on E-bay, should I buy it?

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If the price of an instrument seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is not a good choice. Purchasing a used instrument from an unfamiliar source can be very risky and you may end up with an instrument that is not in working condition and will require costly repairs. Local instrumental music stores can be a great place to look for a used Instrument at a fair price. In my years of teaching, the biggest instrument problems have been with cheap violins purchased online for under $100.

What supplies do I need? Band students will need:  Essential Elements Book 1 for their specific instrument. Percussion students should purchase the Combined Percussion book. I am returning to this method after years of not using it because it comes with a great on line component.  Woodwind and Brass: Cleaning Kit, valve oil, cork grease, Size 2 reeds for clarinet/ alto sax  Percussion: Size 5A drumsticks, percussion kit which includes snare drum and xylophone. String Students will need:  Essential Elements Book 1: for their specific instrument  Quality shoulder rest required for violin/viola.  Rosin  Tuner or tuner app. Recommended Staff Wars Music Game App recommended to assist with note reading drill. Where can I rent an instrument and purchase supplies for my child? Danville Music House of Woodwinds 115 Town and Country Drive 2205 San Ramon Valley Blvd Danville, CA San Ramon, CA 925-743-0898 925-831-8341 http://www.houseofwoodwinds.com/ http://danvillemusic.com/ Ifshin Violins 6420 Fairmount Ave El Cerrito, CA 510-843-5466 http://www.ifshinviolins.com/

Ingram and Braums Musik Shoppe 3160 Santa Rita Rd Pleasanton, CA 925-462-3667 http://www.ibmusik.com/

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Countrywood Music Shop 2058B Treat Blvd Walnut Creek, DA 925-937-1375 http://www.countrywoodmusic.com/

When are classes held? Each band and string ensemble will meet one morning a week, BEFORE SCHOOL – 7:45 – 8:30AM and once on Friday morning during the school day for 30 minutes. Chorus meets AFTER school on Wednesdays from 2:00-2:45. How long is the program and are there performances? The Music program is a year-long commitment. Various performances will be held throughout the year. We always have a winter and spring performance. Advanced groups participate in a District festival at San Ramon High School. Will my child miss important core lessons during Friday Band or String class? Classroom teachers are not supposed to introduce new material in the classroom during band/string lessons. However, it is sometimes unavoidable to do so. Many teachers will make accommodations (such as setting them up with a peer “homework buddy”) for music students to help them out. Occasionally, a music class will be missed when conflicts (field trips, testing, etc) are unavoidable. What is the commitment? Students are expected to:  Stay in class until the end of the school year.  Attend classes regularly and arrive on time with instrument and music.  Practice regularly.  Maintain their instrument in good condition.  Participate in performances. Does my child need to have experience playing an instrument? No! We welcome all interested musicians regardless of previous experience. Come join the fun! How do we sign up? Sign up during online registration in August by choosing Band or Strings, list your instrument choice and order a music shirt if you wish. Sign ups continue through the second week of school.

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When do the classes begin? Chorus will begin on August 23. Band and String classes will begin the week of August 28th.