Fifth Grade Band Program Information Page

Instructors: David Bentley, Parker Bixby, Carol Krell, Linda Bailey

Beginning Band Information 08-09

5th Grade Instrumental Music Program September 2009 letter REVISED 09-03-09 click here

The fifth grade band program is available to any interested fifth grader in the Mercer Island School District. This program is an exceptional opportunity for students offering specific instruction on their chosen instrument, as well as universal musical concepts and skills. The program stresses the collaborative cooperation and teamwork necessary for group success. This program is also the gateway to the exceptional band programs at IMS and MIHS. Most importantly however, it’s fun! The instructional program is provided free of charge by the district. Rental/purchase of instruments is the responsibility of the family. The program is taught before school, from 8:15-9:00am. All necessary transportation is provided by the MISD transportation dept.

Fifth grade band students will be using Essential Elements 2000, Book 1 this year as their music curriculum. Fifth grade orchestra students will use Learn To Play A Stringed Instrument by Ralph Matesky (Alfred Co.) as their music curriculum.

Fifth Grade Instrumental Music Program Frequently Asked Questions available here

* Date contingent upon possible footbal schedule change of game to Thurs. Oct. 29, TBD by Oct 16

FAQ's

How do I know what instrument my child should play?

Students who tried out instruments in May were sent home with a form indicating their preferences, as well as the instructor’s recommendation. It is strongly recommended that students stick with the instructor recommendation whenever possible. If you are unsure of the choices and recommendations from last year, contact Mr. Bentley, or Mr. Bixby via E-mail for confirmation.

It was recommended that I play one instrument, but I really want to play a different one. What should I do?

It is really important that students get to play an instrument that they like, and are excited about. It’s important to the staff to make this happen, whenever possible. However, there are limitations to making this happen in every case. We take great care in trying to match each student with an instrument that will lead to their success. It can be tough sailing if you are playing an instrument that just isn’t made for you. It’s for this reason that we encourage students to strongly consider the recommendations of the staff in making their instrument choice. The bottom line is this… Band is fun! All of the instruments are great and have their own challenges and exciting features. The most important thing is to be involved. It’s pretty rare that we can’t find an instrument to suit each student!

If we missed the tryout, is it too late to get my child involved?

Nope! We would be happy to arrange an appointment for your son/daughter to try some instruments for their participation in band. Contact Mr. Bentley for band instruments or Mrs. White-Miltun for string instruments to arrange a tryout.

How do I know if my daughter/son’s name was drawn for the percussion section?

Mr. Bixby will contact the students whose names were drawn over the summer. Students not contacted should proceed with their second choice instrument. If they want to be placed on the waiting list, they should contact Mr. Bixby.

So, now we’re ready to go but we need an instrument. Where should we go to get one?

Lucky you, you don’t even have to leave the Island! The Mercer Island Fine Arts Committee is sponsoring a Music Instrument Night (commonly called "Music Swap") at IMS on September 8th. At this event, multiple music dealers will set up shop with all the instruments, music books and accessories necessary to get started.

Are all instrument brands the same?

A critical component to your child's success as a musician is the quality of his/her instrument.  Unfortunately, all brands are not created equal.  Below is a list of instrument brands we have found to be of consistently high quality.  We encourage you not to compromise your child's opportunity for success with a lesser quality instrument.  We have experienced many instances of a student trying to play an instrument of poor quality or in a state of ill-repair that will not play, and the student thinks that there is something wrong with them!  The investment in a quality instrument kept in a good state of repair will ensure that this does not happen!  The list below is not an all-inclusive list.  If you have questions about brands not listed below and would like our feedback, we are happy to help.

Flute: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Emerson, Armstrong, Olds, Jupiter
Clarinet Recommendations
Trumpet Recommendations
Saxes: Yamaha, Selmer, Yanigasawa, Conn, Vito, Keilwerth, Jupiter, Olds, P. Mauriat
Horn: Yamaha, Holton, Conn,
Trombone Recommendations
Baritone: Yamaha, King, Besson,  Bach, Holton, King, Bundy, Conn, Jupiter, Olds, Blessing, Getzen
String Instrument Recommendations

I’m fired up. When do we start?

The first experience for students will be the two evening lessons, September 9 and 14. Trumpets, Trombones, Baritones, Violins and Violas meet at 7pm on both nights; Flutes, Clarinets, Cellos, and String Basses meet at 8:15 on both nights. Both evening band classes will take place in the High School Music Department, the evening Orchestra classes will be at IMS. Regular morning classes begin the week of September 21st.

I know that each student has band two days per week, but how do I know which days?

Each student has one class with a specialist on their instrument, and one full band class. Days of the lessons will be provided in September.

When will my child have band or orchestra class?

Staffing for the 5th grade band and orchestra program is tentative until the fall, based on student enrollment.  Unlike other classes, we do not know for sure when classes will be offered until enrollment is known after the evening lessons.  Tentatively, the 5th grade instrumental music schedule is:

Band
Monday Clarinet at IMS, and Percussion at MIHS
Tuesday  Clarinet at IMS, Trumpet at MIHS
Wednesday  Trombone and Flute at IMS, Trumpet at MIHS
Thursday  Full Band (half of the band) at IMS
Friday  Full Band (the other half of the band) at IMS

Orchestra           
Tuesday   Cello, String Bass
Wednesday  Violin, Viola
Friday  Full Orchestra
                       

How does my son or daughter get to the middle school or high school for their 5th grade band or orchestra classes?

Parents have two options for getting their student to class.  MISD runs regular middle school, and limited HS bus runs.  5th grade band and orchestra students ride these busses to IMS and MIHS for their band and orchestra classes.  Parents may also drop their children off at the schools.  At IMS, the drop-off point is the back parking lot off of 84th ave SE.  At MIHS, the drop-off point is the bus lane off of 92nd ave SE.

After band or orchestra class, how does my child get to their elementary school for their regular school day?

MISD runs special busses to transport students from music classes to their elementary school.  After music classes, we walk the students to the bus pick up areas at each school, and they are whisked off to their school day!

When do the 5th grade band and orchestra classes meet?

All regular band and orchestra classes meet from 8:15-9:00.  The only exceptions to this are concerts and the first two evening lessons in the fall.

IMS Band Program

5th Grade Band
6th Grade Band
7th Grade Band
8th Grade Band
8th Grade Jazz Band

Orchestra Program