The 5th Graders have Band on Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On Fridays we alternate Band with the 6th Graders. 5th Grade Band Members have Band on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month.
5th BAND GRADES are determined using the following criteria:
POINT SYSTEM:
Each Band Class offers a possibility of earning 10 points:
Remembering instrument & music: 3 points
Musical effort: 4 points
Classroom behavior and attitude: 3 points
Each week offers a possibility of earning 5 points by turning in a parental signed practice record
(80-90 minutes a week is recommended). We will use the practice record that is stapled to the inside cover of their Band Book. They will turn in their books every Tuesday so I can see them. A sample practice record will look like this:
My child has practiced his/her instrument this week a reasonable amount of time.
Parental Signature
week of August 23 __________________________
week of August 30 __________________________
week of September 6 __________________________
Each quarter we will have a playing test. This will be worth 10 points

All 5th Grade Team must have their Band Book (Essential Elements 2000). They also need a "Slicker" folder to keep sheet music in. Just to throw in a tidbit of information: music stands make wonderful Christmas or Birthday gifts!
Instrumental Checklist:
percussion needs: --bells & stand --mallets for bells --drum pad & stand --drum sticks
flute needs: --cleaning rag or "banana" --cleaning rod
clarinet needs: --at least 3 good reeds: Mitchel Lurie #2 1/2 or Van Doren #2 1/2 --cleaning swab --cork grease --plastic reed holder
trumpet/baritone needs: --slide oil --valve oil --slides must slide --cleaning rod for valves --soft cotton cloth --a cleaning snake --mouthpiece brush
french horn needs: --rotary valve oil --cleaning snake --mouthpiece brush
saxophone needs: --at least 3 good reeds: Hemke #2 1/2, Rico Royal #2 1/2, LaVoz medium, or Van Doren #2 1/2 -- neck cleaner --cleaning swab or "banana" --cork grease --plastic reed holder --neck strap for instrument
trombone needs: --slide oil --cleaning brush/snake --mouthpiece brush --soft cotton cloth
Instrumental needs can be purchased through Midwest Music (Edgington’s) downtown (210 S. Sante Fe; 825-6296).
Be sure to take an active interest in your child’s love for music. When you are involved it gives validity to their musical hobby and boosts self-esteem. Together we can help them achieve success!!!
