|Instrumental Music|

I hope you will consider playing an instrument this year at Thurgood Marshall. Any 4th or 5th grade student can be a part of the program. IF YOUR CHILD ALREADY PLAYS AN INSTRUMENT and has been studying privately for one or more years, we have opportunities for them to play, especially string players. Thurgood Marshall will offer instruction on the following instruments: flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, and cello.

*METHOD BOOKS FOR INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC. Scroll down the page for information about what book your child needs.

*SUPPLIES FOR INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC. Scroll down the page for what supplies are needed for each instrument.

*EXPECTATIONS FOR PRACTICING  are also covered below.

FAQ SECTION FOR PARENTS

How do I get an instrument for my budding new musician?

Families typically rent or buy instruments from the local music stores in the area such as

Kennelley Keys Music, Capitol Music Center, Metropolitan Music, Hammond Ashley Violins (all string instruments as well), Mills Music, A Sharp Muisic Co. (instrument books and supplies). They can help you pick out the right instrument and size your child accordingly. Many offer rental plans for the school year with several different options. The very few district instruments we do have to loan have been reserved for students enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. If you cannot afford to provide an instrument for your student please contact Mr. Pendergrass at kependergrass@seattleschools.org

My daughter has a flute her aunt gave her to play. Can she use this instrument?

Yes, but have it checked out before your daughter plays it. Many well meaning family members or friends donate instruments that have been sitting unused for a while and tend not to work. Flutes, clarinets and saxophones have pads that can dry out and crack, making it hard or impossible to play notes.  Violins and cellos may need new strings if sitting for a while and bridges may need an adjustment. Bows may need to be re-haired. Also- violins and cellos need to be sized to your child properly (see above “considerations for violin, cello and guitar”). Trombones need to have a slide that moves easily and is not bent. Trumpets and baritones may need to have valves and slides oiled so they will move easily and not get stuck. Bottom line: get the instrument checked out by a professional even if it looks o.k. No beginner should have to start on an instrument that does not work.

Do I need to get a method book for my son/daughter or will the school provide a book?

Each 1st year student needs to purchase a method book for their instrument. Flutes, clarinets, trumpets, alto saxophones, trombones and percussion need to get Book 1 for their instrument titled “Standard of Excellence- Comprehensive Band Method Book 1″ by Bruce Pearson. Second year students will start with this book as they finish up their achievement lines.

Beginning string students need to get Book 1 for their instrument titled “Essential Elements 2000″ for Strings by Hal Leonard Music.

You can purchase these books from these local vendors:

Kennelley Keys Music, Capitol Music Center, Metropolitan Music

Or Contact Mr. Pendergrass if you can’t find your book at a local store.

How about additional supplies for instrumental music?

In addition to your music book, each instrument requires some basic supplies. When you purchase or rent an instrument, the music store may have a pack of supplies they will sell you as a bundled kit. Here are the must have supplies for each instrument:

FLUTE: cleaning rod and cloth; folding music stand.

CLARINET: reeds size 2; a box of 15-20 should last a school year- keep 2 or 3 only in your case; cleaning swab (usually a small piece of chamois or other cloth attached to string with a weight in the end); folding music stand.

ALTO SAXOPHONE; reeds size 2; a box of 15-20 should last a school year- keep 2 or 3 only in your case; cleaning swab (usually a small piece of chamois or other cloth attached to string with a weight in the end); , comfortable neck strap; folding music stand.

TRUMPET: good valve oil. That’s it. You don’t need slide oil or slide grease or a long wire brush; mouth piece brush is optional (just make sure you brush your teeth or rinse out your mouth before playing so you don’t get food and junk in your horn); folding music stand.

TROMBONE: slide oil, slide mix or slide cream. Not all three. That is all. No brushes. *I know the tricks to get your slide moving well; folding music stand.

PERCUSSION: a pair of wooden drumsticks size 5B or equivalent; no plastic drumsticks or goofy ones that light up; slightly larger, like for marching band will last longer. A practice pad- they come in all sizes. Get the nicest one you can afford. You don’t need a snare drum or a bell kit. Folding music stand.

STRINGS-

Rosin for your bow. Make sure you get rosin for your instrument: violin rosin is not the same as cello rosin. If you are a violin or viola player, you may need a shoulder rest. Mr. Yarr will advise you. Cellos need an end pin stopper. There are different kinds. Get the nicest one you can afford. Folding music stand.

I don’t see an instrument my child wants to play on your list? Can she still play this instrument as a 4th grader?

The flute, clarinet, trumpet, alto sax, trombone, violin, viola and cello are offered because they are the best choice for beginners at this grade and stage of musical development. Highly motivated flute or clarinet players may switch to the oboe or bassoon in middle school. This is also true for alto sax players who may switch to tenor or baritone sax. Highly motivated trumpet players with a great sense of pitch may switch to French Horn as well as string players making a switch to double bass. But until students have at least two years of experience on one of the instruments above, and the strength and stature to play the more challenging instruments, beginners should choose one of these  instruments. Exceptions will be considered for students who are taking private lessons on an instrument not listed above after consultation with the parents and private teacher.

Why isn’t piano or guitar on the list?

Instrumental music instruction is for band and orchestra instruments that are typical of ensembles in middle school and beyond. While the piano and guitar is used in these ensembles, we are not set-up for group piano and guitar lessons at this time. Students who have played piano or guitar for more than 2 years have an opportunity to participate during the year in special programs or may be asked to play a piece with the band or orchestra with the director’s permission.

What about the drums and percussion?

There will be a limited number of beginning drum students this year.  Students wishing to learn drums will be considered percussion students and will learn the fundamental rudiments on snare drum, auxiliary percussion and mallet percussion. Extra practice in these three areas will be required. Students who want to play percussion as their first choice need to purchase a pair of drum sticks and a practice pad. A concert snare drum owned by the school will be used during lessons and concerts as well as a set of bells that can be checked out for practice at home Instruction on the drumset or drumkit will not be offered.

Can my child start 2 new instruments?

If a child plays the piano or violin with a private teacher outside of school, they are more than welcome to begin a new instrument if they feel they can keep up with their private teacher’s workload and practice on a new instrument. But a child can only choose one new instrument when they sign-up for instrumental music at Thurgood Marshall.

My child will be in 5th grade this fall and wants to switch instruments- do you advise this?

No. Students should try to stick with one instrument for at least 2 years so they can get a solid foundation before making a decision to switch to another instrument. Exceptions to this would include some physical change or limitation that makes it difficult for the child to succeed at their first choice. If a child feels the need to switch for other reasons after consulting with their parents and Mr. Pendergrass, they will most likely start over as a beginner with a new book.

What if my child has played a band or orchestra instrument for 1 or more years before entering the 4th grade? Will they have to start as a beginner?

Students who have played an instrument for more than one year with a private teacher or another school will be evaluated by Mr. Pendergrass or Mr. Yarr and placed in the appropriate group. String players who started the violin before grade 4 are encouraged to see Mr. Yarr to be evaluated and placed in an ensemble.

I understand that students are pulled out of class for instrumental lessons…we are worried about time out of class for our daughter. Can you allay our fears?

Students will be pulled out of class onece a week on Tuesday or Thursday. While students are responsible to make-up any classroom work they miss during a lesson, the classroom teachers are in support of the instrumental music program. During testing, special projects, or “must do” assignments, students report to Mr. Pendergrass or Mr. Yarr that they need to skip their lesson for that day. If they are at school during an instrumental lesson day, the students need to come to their lesson even if they forget their instrument.

How long are lessons?

This is yet to be determined, but will most likely be 30 or 40 minute lessons. The schedule is not solidified until the fall when students are divided into groups by instrument, level and ensemble.

What if my student forgets to bring an instrument to school on a lesson day?

Since we have so little time each week for lessons, it’s important students remember to bring their instruments to school. If a student forgets their instrument, they still must attend their lesson and tell Mr. Pendergrass or Mr. Yarr they forget their instrument. A note will go home reminding the student to bring their instrument to school next time and the work they missed at their lesson. Repeated absences may result in the student having to make up time at lunch or recess as well as a phone call home to parents.

Should my child only practice if they don’t have homework in other classes?

No. They should practice everyday. One 30-40 minute lesson once a week with Mr. Pendergrass or Mr. Yarr is not enough time for your child to progress on an instrument at this stage. The skill required to play an instrument builds over time. Regular, consistent practice is needed on the instrument. Practice at home is the homework for instrumental music. Here are two equations: EQUATION #1: zero practice at home=zero progress=unhappy student who falls behind their band/orchestra mates=grumpy teacher=grumpy parent who has to return an instrument they rented for 6 months that was never played at home. EQUATION #2: ten-fifteen minutes of daily practice at home=consistent progress=happy student who is confident at their lesson and  performances=happy and proud teacher=happier and prouder parents and family. More about the joys and mysteries of practice will be explained to your student throughout the year.

INSTRUMENT SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS

The following are guidelines for choosing an instrument as outlined in the teacher’s edition of the “Standard of Excellence- Comprehensive Band Method” by Bruce Pearson. While it is not mandatory that a student wishing to play a specific instrument possess each characteristic listed, the chances of student success on a particular instrument will be greatly increased when these guidelines are observed.

FLUTE

1. Arms long enough to hold the flute to the mouth and still cover keys correctly.

2. Closed teeth meet evenly.

3. A clear tone is easily produced on the head joint.

4. Eye-hand coordination is good.

5. Reading skills are above average.

6. Work habits are strong and achievement is high.

CLARINET AND SAXOPHONE

1. Hands are large enough to reach all keys (and fingertips are large enough to cover the tone holes on the clarinet).

2. Thumbs are not double-jointed.

3. Student’s orthodontist approves of him or her playing clarinet or saxophone.

4. Eye-hand coordination is good.

5. Reading skills are above average.

TRUMPET

1. Front teeth are straight and even. Closed teeth meet evenly.

2. Student is able to sing a common folk song.

3. Level of confidence is high.

4. Work habits are strong and achievement is high.

5. Parental support is strong.

TROMBONE

1. Stature is adequate to handle the size of the instrument.

2. Arms are long enough to reach lower positions on trombone.

3. Student is able to sing a common folk song.

4. Trombone only: Sense of pitch is exceptional.

STRINGED INSTRUMENTS

Unlike the wind and percussion instruments, the string instruments come in various sizes to accommodate each player. Violins, cellos, and guitars come in 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 sizes. It is important that these instruments be fitted to each player by a professional at the music store or a private teacher.

Violin/Viola Considerations

1. Student is able to sing a common folk song.

2. Sense of pitch is exceptional.

3. Level of confidence is high.

4. Adequate strength and endurance to hold and press down strings.

5. Work habits are strong and achievement is high.

6. Parental support is strong.

Cello Considerations

1. Student is able to sing a common folk song.

2. Sense of pitch is exceptional.

3. Level of confidence is high.

4. Adequate strength and power to hold and press down strings and support instrument.

5. Work habits are strong and achievement is high.

6. Parental support is strong.