Week 4 of Band Lessons!

Happy 4th week of band lessons! This week was an exciting one for a lot of the band kids. Many of the students were able to try move up to the next rank in "The Principal's Own Band." Everyone in the two bands has moved to the rank of "Private" at their second lesson because they can assemble/disassemble their instruments, sit and play with good posture and hand position and make a good sound. In order to move up in rank to "Private First Class," they must play line 1.17 for me by themselves. I recorded each student who could play it proficiently and I sent that recording to their parents through email so that you can keep track of their achievement. The flutes have not gotten that far in the book yet (this is typical, the flute is slower to start), but they will be there next week or the week after! If you did not receive an email with a recording, I may have asked your child to work on the song over this week again as it may not have been ready. No worries, everyone has their own way of progressing. If you didn't get a recording emailed to you and your child says that they did make one, let me know.

The SGSers had their first full band rehearsal this week! I was going to start full band next week, but I was asked to judge trumpet auditions for the IMEA festival try-outs in Orland Park on Tuesday afternoon and evening, so I will be gone next Tuesday afternoon. EVERYONE AT SGS WILL HAVE A LESSON NEXT TUESDAY MORNING, so please remind your child to bring their instrument. Even though I will be leaving early for the day, I will be there all morning and I rearranged the schedule so that everyone will have a lesson in the morning. The students can check the schedule outside in the 5th grade mobile hallway on Tuesday morning to see what time they will have to see me.

RGS: Your first full band is next Wednesday, October 12!! The most important thing to remember is that CLARINETS! You will have to start bringing your instruments and music on Wednesdays AND Thursdays. I picked clarinets as the people who would have to bring their instruments two times a week because they are small.

Please encourage your child to play for you! They are so proud of themselves and it 's a great way to validate their practicing. When you ask your child about their lessons, what they are learning and if they can demonstrate for you, you are showing them that you think band is important and that you are proud of their accomplishments. This will go a long way in boosting their confidence! Thanks for all of your support! As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns about anything! Have a great week!

Amanda Storer, Band Director

Richmond Grade School and Spring Grove School

(815) 678-6726

www.mrsstorersbands.weebly.com