Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary
Dear Parents:
I am very pleased that you and your child are interested in becoming part of the instrumental music program here at Halls’ Cross Roads Elementary School. I believe that the involvement in instrumental music can be a very special experience in a child’s life. Music is a great source of both enjoyment and personal enrichment. Many adults, years later, remember their experience in school music programs very fondly. I hope that this year your child may begin storing a few memories of his/her own.
The information that follows has been provided for you so that we can start off smoothly. There are a few items that your child will need to ensure a successful start in the program. First, of course is the instrument.
Selecting an instrument
Once you and your child have decided on an instrument, visit the stores that are listed on the attached page. Choose the store that best fits your needs, and proceed in getting the instrument. Many times the stores offer a rent-to-own option when purchasing an instrument. This process allows parents to acquire an instrument without spending hundreds of dollars at once. Any of the suggested brands that the store offers should be of good quality. Sometimes a family already has an instrument for their child to use. If this is the case, feel free to have your child bring it in and have me look it over to ensure that it is in good playing condition.
Additional needs
A music stand is very important for holding the music in proper position while playing. This stand is mainly for your child’s home practicing. Music that is laid on a bed or table will encourage poor playing habits that will effect the progress of your child. Stands will be provided for in school use so your child will not have to bring his/hers to school.
The method book is the next important item. This will be the book that I use to teach your child how to read music, count rhythms, etc. The book that I believe will best benefit your child is entitled Standard of Excellence book one. If your child has chosen to play percussion you will also need to purchase Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. If your child is going to pursue a stringed instrument, such as violin, viola, or cello, you will need to purchase the book entitled Essential Elements book one only. Please be sure to purchase the book when picking up your child’s instrument.
Lessons will be twice a week (barring any schedule conflicts with my other school or with events at Bakerfield Elementary). Your child will receive two, 25 - 30 minute lessons a week. The students will come out of class for lessons, but every attempt has been made to ensure that they do not miss the same subject area more than once every few weeks. Students will be held responsible for the work that they miss in class during lessons. If you have any concerns about your child’s academic performance in school, and how lessons are affecting that, please let me know. It is my experience that music does not interfere with, but rather assists children in achieving academic success.
The students will also be expected to practice assignments when given. The county recommends that each student practice a minimum of 20 minutes a day, five days a week. This practice schedule will allow them to improve as players, while giving them two days off – for schedule conflicts or general relaxation. Each student will also receive a practice chart so they can record how long they practice, and so that you have some feedback on their improvement.
Students will receive a checklist, once we get into their books. These checklists are compiled of songs in their books. Once each student has completed a checklist, they will receive the stripe for it and move to the next one. When the students have completed each checklist, they will be able to move on to more difficult studies.
Please take this packet with you when visiting the local instrument retailers. If there is something on the Items to Examine list that you don’t understand, they will help to clarify what is needed. Also be aware that I will continue pulling students for lessons prior to the deadline to continue working through preliminary lessons.
Sincerely,
Mark P. Warfield
Instrumental Music