2012-2013 Welcome to Instrumental Lessons
Instrument Lesson Guide, Mount Ephraim Public Schools - Mary Bray
NOW IN PROGRESS!! COME PREPARED ON LESSON DAY WITH INSTRUMENT, BOOK, ACCESSORIES!!!
Welcome to the Mary Bray Instrumental Program. This guide is provided to explain all policies concerning instrumental lessons. Parents and students are required to review the guide together and sign the permission slip attached and pledge. Please return all paperwork no later than September 28th in order to be assigned a lesson spot.
Rentals
Students have been given an assembly on September 19th, 2012 on the instruments available to sign-up for lessons. They have been given rental agreement forms if requested. Please consider the many benefits to studying a musical instrument. Our vendor Ed Coles has merged with Menchey Music. All instrumental rentals are arranged through our vendor who provides excellent service and repair. Rentals may be arranged with MENCHEY MUSIC at www.menchey.com or you can also call your order in to 1 888 MENCHEY. Ed Coles of Coles Music will primarily do repairs and delivery/pick-ups. He is located at
Coles Music Services
New Location! 943 Kings Highway, Suite 503, West Deptford, NJ 08066
Phone - 856-848-2122 Fax - 856-848-8769
customerservice@colesmusicservice.com
If you need a rental form, I can give one to your student. Mr. Menchey was present during Mary Bray Back-to-School Night Sept 19, 2012. It is highly suggested that you purchase insurance on any rented instrument. It is inexpensive to do this through the rental company.
Scheduling
R. W. Kershaw School: See Mrs. Manion's website.
Mary Bray School: Lessons periods will be rotated TBA. Any work missed must be made up. Teachers are given the schedules.
Did you know? Research shows that band students on a ‘pull-out’ basis are not affected academically. Furthermore, musical training has been shown to raise individual test scores. Students who study an instrument consistently perform higher on SAT’s.
Eligibility
Mary Bray School Permission slip and agreement must be signed. Rental instrument should be arranged.
Behavior expectations
Students and parents are required to read and sign the instrumental music pledge to uphold behavior and effort expectations. The student is expected to abide by the student guidelines. No GUM!!!
Performance Expectations
Weekly assignments are given, and students should get in the habit of daily practice. A 10 minute practice at the 4th grade level is suggested. Students at this grade level need to develop their embouchures (the way they set their mouths and lips on the mouthpiece and the technique used). Shorter and more frequent practice sessions with concentration are more productive than one really long practice the day before the lesson. Repetition of finger movements and embouchure development are critical to advancing. Always start with a warm-up of long tones and a scale or review of notes known.
Grading
O=Outstanding: shows evidence of regular home practice, arrives to lesson promptly, attends lessons when scheduled, comes prepared with all equipment, book, reeds if applicable and accessories, exhibits considerable effort.
S=Satisfactory: shows evidence of occasional home practice, arrives to most lessons promptly, attends lessons when scheduled, comes prepared with all equipment, book, reeds if applicable and accessories, exhibits adequate effort to remain in the program.
N=Needs Improvement: shows evidence of little or no home practice, arrives late to lessons, does not attend scheduled lessons on regular basis, does not come prepared with all equipment, book, reeds if applicable and accessories, exhibits inconsistent or minimal effort. Student may be dropped from lesson roster for these reasons.
These grades do not affect Honor Roll standing.
Supplies
Students are responsible for ordering necessary lesson books "Standard of Exellence" from our representative from Menchey Music at 1888 Menchey or www.menchey.com or Ed Coles Music at 856 628-0104. He will visit regularly to drop off supplies that have been ordered. Rico reeds strength 2 will be needed for beginners of clarinet and saxophone, strength 2 ½ for more advanced players. I suggest ordering a box of reeds for clarinets or saxophone if your student is studying that instrument so that you will always be prepared. Clarinets and Saxophones also need cork grease. No supplies will be available for purchase from Mrs. Egan. Supplies can be purchased in general at any music store also. Brass players should order valve oil (or slide oil for trombones) if needed.
Instrument Storage: MB students can drop off their instruments on Lesson Days in the music/art room #101 as soon as you enter MB. You are responsible for the where-abouts of your instrument. Make sure you have an identification tag on your instrument.
Parents can have great influence in what is included in their student’s education. Much research exists on music education that documents the many advantages of music study. Please see my teacher web page on the school website with research on advocacy links posted and links to other reputable sites that offer tools for advocacy.
Email
The most efficient way to get in touch with me is through email began@mtephraimschools.org
Permission Slip – Sign and Return to Mrs. Egan
2012-2013 Instrumental lessons
I give permission for my child to participate in the Mary Bray School Instrumental lessons program for the 2012-2013 year. I have read the guidelines for participation and grading and pledge to support my child’s musical efforts and behavioral goals. I will also assist my child in being prepared on lesson days, reminding him/her to bring instrument, book and any other necessary item.
Student Name _________________________________ Homeroom ____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________________________________________ Date _______________________
Parent/Guardian Name Printed Neatly
__________________________________ Email _________________________________
Phone number(s) INSTRUMENT
______________________________________ _______________________________________
_______________________________________
Student Pledge
I have read the instrumental guidelines along with my parents/guardians. I recognize my responsibilities to come prepared to lessons on-time and do my best to get in the habit of daily practice. I will make a serious effort to excel in all my classes. I will keep up with my studies in all areas and obtain homework/lesson information and assignments from a classmate if needed. I will ask a trusted classmate to assist. I will take good care of my instrument and accessories and return borrowed items to the school (if applicable). I will not let others play with my instrument like a toy. I will respect my teachers and fellow classmates in my school. I will refrain from any distracting behaviors during lessons. I will comply with any attire requests for performance opportunities.
Student Name Printed by Student (Use full proper name)
_________________________________________________ Homeroom ___________________
Signature of Parent
________________________________________________Date _________________________