CANFIELD AVENUE SCHOOL BAND 

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Students who are in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade are able to begin playing a musical instrument.  Students will have fun and enjoy learning a new instrument.  I encourage you to have them perform in front of you on a weekly basis and put on mini recitals at home.

I am very glad your child has decided to pursue an interest in instrumental music.  Your child has a choice between many different types of instruments to play including:

1. Flute
2. Clarinet
3. Saxophone
4. Trumpet
5. Trombone
6. Percussion

Playing a band instrument can be very rewarding but it is also a great challenge.  During these first few weeks you can be a big help by spending some time working with your child to enable them to get off to a good start.  

Your child should have the Essential Elements lesson book with their instrument.

This is a very clear book with photographs and written descriptions about how to assemble the instrument properly, how to hold it correctly and produce tones.  I have taken the time to review the material with them but I encourage you to take a few minutes to review this material as well.  You might even enjoy trying it out yourself.  The first tones your child produces may not be particularly beautiful, but in time this will definitely improve.

Remember, every PRO started as a BEGINNER.

Encourage your child to practice every day for about 10 to 20 minutes.  That is less time than a T.V. sitcom.  There is a home practice record chart in the back of the book where they can record their practice time.  Please monitor their practice time because I will definitely be checking.

If you have an questions or problems, please don't hesitate to E-mail or call me to discuss how we can improve your childs outcome.