Hello from the Band Room! It’s BAND TIME!!! Each year the new 5th Grade class get’s to select instruments to play in the NDA Band. The students and I have met as a class to see and hear a demonstration of the different band instrument choices available to them at NDA. Next your child had a one-on-one meeting time with me to select an instrument. In our time together your student was able to experiment with the different instruments of their choosing. My goal is always to help them choose an instrument that they will have fun practicing and performing with as well as an instrument that fits their physical requirements (ie: lip shape, teeth, jaw position and physical size) so that they will find success with their hard work practicing. Your student also got an idea of the physical ‘feeling’ of each instrument on the lips and in their hands, the effort required to produce sound and the size and weight of the instrument/case that they will be bringing to and from school. We have also had a discussion about the type of music that the instrument typically plays in the ensemble setting (melody line vs. harmony vs. bass line etc…). As of now I have met with all of the 5th Graders and it is time to move on to the next step.
With this email I am sharing a packet of information about the Band program in the attached PDF file. The PDF contains information on the Band Program, expectations for your student, information on where to find instruments/ supplies, sample monthly payment options to purchase on time, and the dates of our future performances. Please take a copy of the PDF packet and a copy of the for your child’s selected instrument to a music store and find your instrument and/or supplies.
Once you have gathered what you need please have your student tell me in class and I will schedule our first lesson. Your student and I will have one-on-one lessons for about 4-6 weeks. During this time we will work on assembling the instrument properly, producing sound, performing with good posture, reading and playing notes, disassembling the instrument, cleaning procedures and maintenance. After everyone has a good start on their instrument (that means: has practiced a lot and knows the needed notes and rhythms) we begin to meet with all of the 5th Graders together as a whole Band where we will play together from our textbook and start to prepare the music we need for our Christmas Concert on December 15th.
It is exciting to have the ability to play an instrument, be a member of a band and have the skills to contribute our individual sound to a group that makes GREAT music together. Please encourage your student to practice daily with hopes of becoming a super-player and an excellent member of the NDA BANDS!!!
If you have any questions or concerns about the Band or the selection process please don’t hesitate to communicate with me.
With sincere hopes for a wonderful new band,
Adam Bestler Director of Bands Notre Dame Academy 952-358-3500 or [email protected]
Please print and take a copy of the information sheet with you to the music store.
Also print a copy of the photo of the accessories for your instrument (below). Please purchase exactly what is in the photo (you will need nothing more).