It is the goal of the MDCS band program to allow students to have a positive experience learning to play their chosen instrument. Learning an instrument can have many personal rewards for a child long into adulthood. Important thinking skills are developed, as well as learning to work together as a team with fellow band students.

Learning to play an instrument is a commitment of time and effort. In many cases, learning an instrument is like running. It can be trying and awkward at first, but with practice it will get easier!

Practice Requirements

All students must have their book and instrument in class. Sax/clarinet players must have a good reed. Percussion students must have book, sticks and instrument, unless they are told otherwise. Students that are unprepared or do not have practice logs will be assigned lunch detention (per middle school policy). Fifth grade band students will be dealt with according to class rules.

Please help your student to remember to bring their instrument. Excessively forgetting an instrument could result in removal from band. There are no instruments here for them to use, and they cannot learn an instrument if they do not have it with them.

Students are required to keep and turn in a practice log weekly. This log must be signed by a parent or guardian. The MINIMUM practice time is 25 minutes per week. Students always have something assigned for practice at home.

Instrument Maintenence/Requirements

Saxophone and clarinet players are required to have AT LEAST 3 new, unbroken reeds on hand in case one breaks. Reeds wear out and must be replaced. I remind students almost daily of this. Please be sure your student has extra reeds available. They can be purchased at Strains of Music in Waynesville, or the Guitar Stop in Sylva.

Reeds may also be purchased online from several different websites. My own personal preference is Woodwind and Brasswind. www.WWBW.com or www.westmusic.com. Ordering a box of reeds at a time from one of these sites is often more cost effective than buying them a few at a time locally.

Students should purchase Rico Royal or Vandoren reeds (Preferred brands. Rico reeds will work if that is all the local shops have). Reed strength of at least 2.5 but no harder than 3. Clarinet reeds must be purchased for the clarinet, saxophone reeds for the saxophone!

Brass players need to have valve oil and slide grease in their case.

Local stores and websites

Strains of Music, Waynesville - 456-3331

Guitar Stop, Sylva - 631-0838

www.WWBW.com

www.westmusic.com