Baldwin-Whitehall Elementary Band Program

Download the April 2009 4th Grade Band Newsletter (PDF)

Downlaod the April 2009 5th Grade Band Newsletter (PDF)

Elementary children may choose to play a band instrument beginning in the 4th grade.  We offer lessons on the following instruments:

• Oboe
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Alto Saxophone
• French Horn
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Baritone Horn
• Tuba
• Snare Drum

Children are given the opportunity to try the instruments at the beginning of the school year.  These “tryouts” are designed to help them find the instrument that is best suited to them.

Starting at the end of September, we  meet with each player once a week for small group lessons on like instruments.  We make every effort to achieve the maximum use of pull-out times.  Due to the large numbers of students enrolled in our program, some students will have lessons during times other than pull-out.  When this is necessary, we will consulted with the classroom teacher to choose the best time possible.  We will stay in contact with the teacher to monitor the student’s progress.

For your part, we would like to share some suggestions that you can use to help make this musical experience as successful as possible.

• Small amounts of concentrated practice are better than longer, unfocused periods (once the student has a good start, we recommend 20 to 30 minutes daily).

• Provide a quiet place for practice.

• Choose a time for practice that will be the same every day.  This will make it less easy to forget.

• Provide a music stand to help ensure a good posture.  Wire stands can be purchased  inexpensively.
• Listen to your child “perform” his/her lesson once a week.  You will be amazed at the progress.

To keep you informed of your child’s progress, the students will be given a progress sheet.  They will be given a weekly grade, and a comprehensive evaluation at the end of each month.  Parents will be asked to sign the practice sheet after the monthly evaluation.  We will issue progress reports at the end of each semester.

Our grading scale is as follows:

• VG – Very Good
• G – Good
• S – Satisfactory
• NI – Needs Improvement

The elementary band program boasts two bands.  The Highlander Concert Band, our first year group.  The Highlander Wind Ensemble is  for players who are in their second year on their band instrument.  One morning each month, we combine the children from both the Paynter and Whitehall schools for a large group band rehearsal.   A spring concert is performed on the Baldwin High School stage in mid May.

Thank You for your support of our program,

Mrs. Vavrek / Mr. Clancy