Important Advanced Band (7th and 8th) Information!

1. Advanced Band Rehearsal Schedule - The Advanced Band meets EVERY Monday and Wednesday before school when school is in session. If your child walks or is dropped off, please make an effort to have your child in the band room no later than 7:40AM so we can start on time. Our time together as a band is already limited and we need to use all of the time effectively.  If your child rides the bus, please have them hurry to the band room as soon as the bus arrives.
2. Pull-Out Lessons- Your child's pull-out lesson will begin on Monday, September 17th. They will be notified on Friday when they have their lesson. Please make sure that your child brings their band instrument, music and method book on the lesson day as well as the days they have band! The lesson will always be on the same letter day. For example, if your student says they have their lesson on A1, that translates to Block 1 on an A day. Please note that this day will be a different day of the week each time so please make sure your child remembers to bring his or her instrument.
   
3. DMS Instrumental Music Handbook - In class, each student was given a Instrumental Music Handbook that outlines all of the course expectations and grading policy. Each student was told to take this packet home and read it with each of you. I have attached the handbook to this e-mail. If it did not make it home, please take some time to read through it with your child so they understand what is expected of them. After reading through, please sign the back page and have your child bring it with them to band on Monday morning.
   
4. What To Bring to Band and Lesson: A list of what your child should bring to every band rehearsal and lesson is found in the Handbook, but I wanted to reiterate a couple of the important points. Being prepared for class will be part of your student's grade and not having the items below will lower your student's final grade. 
   
1. Instrument: By Monday, each student should have an instrument. I have attached the Music and Arts flier to this e-mail. This is the preferred company that we in Dedham would like everyone to use if your child needs to rent an instrument. If you already have been renting with a different company, you may stay with that company. If you have any questions about instruments, please let me know.
   
2. 1" Music Notebook and Dividers: By Monday, each student should have a 1" inch notebook with dividers. This notebook will contain many different assignments throughout the year and will be part of your student's grade. If your child needs a notebook and dividers from the school, please let me know and I will make sure they have one by Monday.
3. Essential Elements 2000 Method Book 1:   Each student needs to have this book for their instrument by the first group lesson. This book can be purchased at the Music and Arts store. If your child left theirs in the Band Room over the summer, please have them see me to get it back. There are also some extra books that are owned by the school. If you have a problem getting a book by next week, please let me know so I can make sure I have one.
   
4. Pencil: It is very important that each student comes to band and lesson with a pencil! We will be writing in our books and on our music and sometimes things need to be erased. 
5. Practice Logs: Starting next week, there will be weekly practice logs. Each band student is expected to practice 5 days a week for at least 30 minuets a day. Each day practiced will count for 1 point. These points will count towards your child's final grade in band. Each week, a parent or guardian must sign the practice log. If the practice log is not signed, the student will only get half credit.