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Band Information

REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR CLASS
 
 4th and 5th  Grade

  • Essential Elements for Band Book 1

  • EXCEPTION- Percussionists will NOT need EE Book 1.  They will be using their own method books, and will need to purchase the following:

    • A Fresh Approach To Mallet Percussion

    • Alfred Snare Drum Method Vol. 1

  • Fully functioning instrument and materials (see list below)

  • Instrument care kit for your specific instrument

  • Music folder and pencil

  • Music stand for home practice

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SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT REQUIRMENTS

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Flute

Instruments- Yamaha (preferred), among other acceptable brands- Armstrong, Gemeinhardt

Accessories- Cleaning rod, a small cotton cloth (old tee shirt) approx. 6” X 10”, a soft polishing cloth, name tag for the case.

 

Clarinet

Instruments- Yamaha, Vito

Accessories- a box of reeds (number 2 or 2.5 strength, La Voz, Mitchell Lurie, or Vandoren brands), a cleaning Swab, cork grease, name tag for the case

 

Oboe

Instruments- Fox, Yamaha, Selmer

Accessories- at least 2 medium-easy strength reeds (handmade are best!).  Try www.hboboereeds.com for handmade reeds or Marlin Lesher Reeds for store bought reeds. 

Reed case that holds 3 reeds, a silk cleaning swab, cork grease, name tag for case.

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Alto Saxophone (Tenor and Bari Sax)

Instruments- Yamaha, Jupiter, Selmer

Accessories- a box of reeds (number 2 -2.5 strength LaVoz, Vandoren, or Mitchell Lurie brand. Reed case that holds four reeds, a cleaning swab, cork grease, neck strap, name tag for the case

 

Trumpet

Instruments- Yamaha, Selmer, Bach, Schilke

Accessories- valve oil, mouthpiece (Bach 3C), mouthpiece brush, tuning slide grease, a soft cloth, name tag for case

 

French Horn (Horn in F, not Bb)

Instruments- Yamaha, Selmer, Bach

Accessories- valve oil, mouthpiece, mouthpiece brush, tuning slide grease, a soft cloth, name tag for case

 

Trombone

Instruments- Bach, Conn, King

Accessories- slide cream, small spray bottle, mouthpiece brush, tuning slide                      Grease, a soft cloth, name tag for the case

 

Baritone/Tuba * I will contact you regarding instrument rental if your child is going to play this instrument

Instruments- Bach, Yamaha

Accessories- valve oil, mouthpiece,  mouthpiece brush, tuning slide grease, a soft cloth, name tag for case

 

PercussionInstruments--

A Ludwig or Pearl brand percussion kit which includes a set of bells, stand, and 8” drum practice pad.  (You can generally purchase a Pearl PK800 kit for approx $180 from Amazon.com, for example.  Cheaper than renting over a length of time.) The kit will be used for home practice.  Students will need the following for every class:

- one practice pad

- one pair of Vic Firth General SD1 drum sticks

- one pair of Vic Firth M132 (green rubber) mallets (for bells)

- one stick/mallet bag (you can choose your own from the store)

- one three ring binder (one inch is fine)- nametag for the case and your name on your stick/mallet bag

 

*Special note for percussionists- ALL percussion students are required to study bells as well as the snare drum, bass drum, and auxiliarypercussion equipment (cymbals, woodblock, triangle, etc.).

Beginners: The first part of the year will be spent on learning to read music and on bell technique.  

 

 

 

LOCAL STORES TO RENT/PURCHASE INSTRUMENTS

 

Music & Arts Center- Arundal Mills 7550 Teague Rd. Suite 115, Phone # 410-799-0200.

Other Music and Arts locations:

Laurel- (Cherry Tree Plaza) 240-568-0600 or Ellicott City (Chatham Station on Rt 40 )  410-461-1844 www.musicandarts.com

 

Mike’s Music (Montgomery Road, Ellicott City) 410-465-0700

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Washington Music Center (Wheaton) 301-946-8808 www.chucklevins.com

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Baltimore Brass Company (Catonsville) 410-744-1723 (they also sell/rent woodwind instruments) www.baltimorebrass.com

 

 
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN DECIDING WHERE TO RENT AN INSTRUMENT:

 

 

What percentage of your rental fee is applied towards the purchase of the instrument?  This is also known as a "Rent To Own" policy.

 

 

If there is a trial or start up package payment, what is the regular monthly cost after this period of time?

 

 

Will you have to pay extra for regular maintenance and repairs?

 

 

Are instruments insured against theft or loss? 

 

 

Will you have to pay a fee if/when your child wishes to upgrade or get a larger sized instrument? 

(String instruments vary in size and as your child grows they will need a larger instrument.  And this is very important for students who plan on continuing on their instrument.  For this reason, I recommend that string students rent instruments instead of purchasing them.)

 

 

Great News!!  Ducketts Lane will also have a selection of instruments available for loan during the school year.  There are no rental fees associated with the instrument, however all damages and repairs would be covered by the family using the instrument.  If you are interested in using one of these instruments, please contact Mrs. Townsend.  Note that there is a limited amount of each instrument and students may need to be flexible in their instrument choice if going through DLES.  

 

Fun Fact:  Mrs. Townsend DIDN'T get to play her first choice instrument in elementary school (saxophone)...but she ended up loving the her second choice more than she ever thought she would (yeah oboe)! Be open to new experiences, it can change your life!

 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

 

1.       When you get your child’s instrument, please make sure that they do not open it or try to play it!  This will prevent damage to the instrument.

2.      Lessons will start the week of September 18th for 5th graders and September 25th for 4th graders.   Students should have their instruments by this date.   All students will receive two 30 minute sectionals each week, as well as an additional full band rehearsals during recess as we approach the concert.

3.      When you get the instrument, please label your child’s instrument case with the following information:  (Most stores have name tags available for you.)

Child’s name.  (Their first initial and full last name are acceptable.)
Home phone number (or the school number)
Address (optional)
Ducketts Lane Elementary School & Homeroom teacher

There will be many instruments of the same type and make in the instrument room at any given time so it is important that this information is on EVERY instrument.  Many students tie a colorful ribbon or key chain to their case to help them identify theirs quickly.

4.      Students do receive an Instrumental Report Card.  Once they join, they are expected to participate throughout the year.  If discontinuation or an instrument change is necessary, a parent must have a conference with Mrs. Townsend by October 30th, 2016 (the end of the 1st quarter). 

 

5.  Private lessons are encouraged, but not required for participation in orchestra at DLES.  If your student is interested in taking lessons outside of school, please click the link below for a list of local teachers.


If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me @ 410-313-5050 or email at ashleigh_townsend@hcpss.org

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