Practicing

We highly recommend that students practice about 15-20 minutes a day. Doing a small amount on a regular basis is more effective than a once-a-week 2 hour practice session!

If possible, it is ideal for students to have a quiet place to practice. Students will sound "interesting" at first. Be encouraging! Learning a new skill (especially one like playing an instrument) is not a fast or easy process. We all crawled before we walked. Be patient!

Storage

At home, please ensure that instruments are stored in a warm room. Instruments (especially woodwind instruments like the flute, clarinet, and saxophone) are sensitive to temperature and should not be left outside or in the car in the winter.

At school, each instrument has a designated place in the band room to store their instrument during the day. Students can drop their instruments off as they arrive and pick them up as they leave.

Can my child be in band and choir?

Yes. Band and choir meet at different times during the school day.

Can I buy an instrument instead of renting?

Yes. However, we do suggest renting initially to see how your child will do.

Can my child do sports and band?

Yes. Band is a class that happens during the school day - like art or science. The only after school commitments are evening concerts throughout the year. Students are able to participate in sports and band with little to no conflict.

Does learning an instrument really enhance my child's learning?

Yes. Studies have shown that those students studying an instrument consistently scored higher on achievement tests and other forms of evaluation than those students who were not involved in band.

• 3-ring binder (1 inch recommended)

• Pencil

• Computer (provided by school)

• Instrument

• Instrument care supplies

• Your music

Band book

The 5th grade band currently uses Tradition of Excellence - Book 1. This is something that be aquired through your preferred means.

While students are receiving quality instruction during class, it is always beneficial for them to have some 1-on-1 attention as well, especially as they are starting. Typically, private teachers will have a weekly lesson with your student.

If this is something you are interested in for your student and you would like help finding an instructor, please reach out to either of the band directors via the methods outlined on this page.

The Norton Music Boosters will pay $7 of the cost for each lesson that your student takes. If this is something you would like to take advantage of, reach out.

If your child's instrument is in need of repair, we are able to send it with a representative from Music and Arts to be repaired. If you are choose to use this option, the instrument needs to be left at the school with the directors and you will receive an invoice from Music and Arts for the repair. The do make sure that you are aware of the cost before they start any repairs. The instrument will then be returned to the school and given to your student.

If you are in need of an instrument and looking at either renting or buying an instrument, we partner with Music and Arts to provide this service.

There are a several ways that they can be contacted:

• call (330) 928-7656

• online at https://www.musicarts.com/rentals

• during the instrument fitting meeting on September 10th.

It should be noted that although the program has a relationship with Music and Arts, you are more than welcome to obtain an instrument through other avenues or other companies.