Welcome 5th Graders!Band Instrument Try-Out Night!

Order of Events1. Information about band and instrument rental

2. Students try up to 3 instruments and should mark their preference on their ticket

3. Students and parents meet Mr. Donahue or Mr. Kennedy to register for band and discuss instrument choices

4. Parents will meet with Music & Arts for Instrument Rental Information

5. Parents will go to “accessories” table to purchase any additional supplies

6. Students and Parents will return the week of September 10th, for Instrument Pick-Up and First Lessons

Why Band?There are many “fringe benefits” to learning a musical instrument:● discipline● math and reading skills● creativity● left brain/right brain● hand-eye coordination● higher test scores● self esteem● pride● responsibility● college applications

Why Band? continued

Our goal is to teach your student:

● How to read music● How to Play their instrument● To think and act like a Musician

We believe this is one of the most meaningful and exciting skills our students can learn, and with that foundation, all the other benefits will follow.

5th Grade Band DirectorsMark Donahue and Aaron Kennedy

Fulton and Carriel Band Directors

Katie HeiserFormer Band Director at Mascoutah Middle School and private flute teacher

Caren VittetoeFormer Air Force Clarinetist and Band Director, Masters Degree in Clarinet Performance

Colin GalvinMasters Degree in Trumpet Performance from U of I, and former band director at Okawville Jr/Sr. High

Dr. Melissa Gustafson-HindsOTHS Director of Bands

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Brian O’DonnellOTHS Assistant Percussion Director and Jr. High Percussion Director, Masters Degree in Percussion Studies from SIUE

Dawn StrikerFormer Air Force Oboist and Oboe Instructor at McKendree and SLU

Kim MillerCurrent Clarinet Player with the Air Force Band of Mid-America

Lisa CripeJr. High Program Aide, freelance musician and private piano and horn teacher

Instruments● Woodwinds

FluteOboe*ClarinetAlto Saxophone

● BrassTrumpetFrench Horn*TromboneBaritone

● Percussion (auditions held in November/December)

*requires private lessons

Instruments continuedOur Goals for a Balanced Band:

16 Flutes4 Oboes24 Clarinets16 Alto Saxophones24 Trumpets12 French Horns24 Trombones and Baritones

120 Total Musicians

So far...0/16 Flutes0/4 Oboes0/24 Clarinets0/16 Alto Saxophones0/24 Trumpets0/12 French Horns0/12 Baritones0/12 Trombones

0/120 Total Musicians

What instrument is best?● Every Child can be successful at an instrument

● Certain instruments have special challenges and limitations○ Oboe○ Horn○ Percussion

● There are at least two instruments your child could be successful with

● Our goal is to find an instrument that your child will be most successful with and will stick with!

Instrument Rental Info● We recommend renting

○ Repairs are covered○ Guaranteed quality

● Why Music & Arts?○ Best Value○ Best Price○ Best Repairs○ Best Customer Service

(I get no compensation from them, this is my honest opinion)

Additional Supplies● In addition to the instrument, students will need:

○ Essential Elements Band Book○ Music Stand for home practice○ Instrument specific supplies

■ Reeds for oboe, clarinet, saxophone■ valve or slide oil for brass■ etc.

5th Grade Band Schedule

● Each student will receive 3 days of instruction per week

● Days vary based on instrument

● Band Takes place at Carriel Jr. High School from 7:15-7:45am

● Students should be dropped off no earlier than 6:45am and no later than 7:10am at the Carriel Circle

● After band, students will board busses to their home schools

Schedule ContinuedMondayBand Room-TrumpetsChoir-SaxophonesSunshine Room B-Clarinets

TuesdayLarge Practice Room-HornsBand Room-Baritone and Trombone7th Grade Study Hall-Flutes and Oboes

WednesdayBand Room-TrumpetsChoir Room-Saxophones7th Grade Study Hall-Flutes and OboesSunshine Room B-Clarinets

ThursdayBand Room-Baritone and TromboneLarge Practice Room-Horns

FridayBand Room-TrumpetSunshine Room A-Baritone and TromboneChoir Room-Saxophones7th Grade Study Hall-Flutes and OboesSunshine Room B-Clarinets

Schedule by InstrumentFlute and OboeTuesdays/Wednesdays/Fridays

Trumpet/Clarinet/SaxophoneMonday/Wednesday/Friday

Horn/Trombone/BaritoneTuesday/Thursday/Friday

Performances?

First performance is at the “Christmas in O’Fallon” concert on Wednesday, December 5th at the OTHS Panther Dome

Second Performance is on Thursday, March 7th at the O’Fallon Fine Arts Showcase at Fulton Jr. High

Final performance is a full concert performed by the 5th grade band in May, date TBD.

Fee: $90/year

The fees for this program offset 2 main expenses:

1. Instructors for smaller class sizes-Only one is provided by the School District.

2. Transportation expenses to bus students.

Fee: $90/year● All fees must be paid by Friday, September 15th

● Fees may be paid○ tonight○ next week at the instrument pickup night

(students will not be able to participate on Friday, September 15th unless fees are paid)

Checks should be made out to: “Carriel Jr. High School” Memo: Band- [Last Name]

Instrument Pick-Up NightsMonday, September 10th (6-8pm @ Carriel Band Room)

● Flutes

Tuesday, September 11th (6-8pm @ Carriel Band Room)● Trumpet● Oboe

Wednesday, September 12th (6-8pm @ Carriel Band Room)● French Horn● Saxophone

Thursday, September 13th● Clarinet● Trombone● Baritone

Instrument Pick-Up Nights cont’d

Students and parents will pick up their instruments and receive instructions on:● how to assemble it● how to care for it● how to play their first notes!

First Day of Band

Friday, September 14th

www.of90bands.com

Best resource for:

● Up-to-Date Calendar● Weekly Newsletters● Weather Cancellations● Practice Tips● Private Lesson Info● Online Resources● Local Music Store Info● This Presentation

Communication

We communicate through a weekly newsletter● (please make sure we have accurate email information on the

registration form)

We are professional music educators and will communicate as such● Don’t be surprised if you get a phone call!

Email is always best● mdonahue@of90.net

Frequently Asked Questions● What if I want to buy an instrument, not rent one?

● Great Aunt Sally has an old saxophone that she willed to my grandmother in the 1930s, can my child play that?

● 7:15am is EARLY!??!?!?!?!

● My child eats breakfast at their school, can they still do that on the days they have band?

● Do they have to bring their instruments back and forth?

● Do they have to practice?

Frequently Asked Questions● Any Others?

to the 5th grade students...● Have the right attitude!

○ Be Positive!○ Have Fun!

● Be Open Minded!

● Decide what’s best for YOU!

● Write your preferences AFTER you’ve tried the instruments!

● Be Patient

Map

You are Here

Mr. Donahue

Music & Arts