Milford Band Boosters
Sixth Grade

2008-2009 Season

Monday, May 5, 2008 Beginning Band Packet

Dear 5th Grade Parents,

Beginning band instruction will be available to your child on a variety of musical instruments next school year! To ensure all beginning musicians get a proper start, the Milford School District will conduct a one week beginning band program held at Milford High School the week of July 28-August 1. Instruments offered include the flute, clarinet, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone and tuba.

The summer band course will be held during the afternoon and will be taught by the Milford instrumental staff. Participation in the summer program is required for all students planning to participate in 6th grade band. After completing the summer program, sixth grade band members meet for rehearsals before school three times per week. Due to the transportation cuts, families are responsible for providing transportation to band class throughout the school year.

The Milford Band program has established itself as one of the finest instrumental music programs in the tri-state area. The concert bands, marching band, and jazz ensemble have received numerous awards and honors. The Milford Junior High Concert Band (2005, 2002) and the Milford High School Symphonic Band (1996) have performed at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Conference. The Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Junior High Concert Band consistently received top ratings at the annual OMEA concert band festivals. The jazz ensemble attends and receives awards at a variety of festivals. The marching band has appeared at the King Orange Parade in Miami, Magic Music Days at Disney World in Orlando and the Bands of America Grand National Championships at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. In addition to large group honors, students are encouraged to attend the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival at both the Junior High and High School levels, as well as audition for various honor bands.

After reviewing the information contained in this packet, the attached instrument preference questionnaire should be returned to school with your child. The forms will be collected by the band directors when they visit 5th grade classes the week of May 26th to conduct personal interviews and assist the students in making a wise instrument choice. Parental involvement is essential if your child is to successfully take advantage of this important educational opportunity. A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:30 PM in the high school band room. Both educational and business aspects of the program will be discussed in detail, and information regarding the instrument rental process will also be covered. It is essential that an adult be present at this meeting.

Please take a moment to review the material enclosed and offer your child the opportunity to participate in something new and exciting - MUSIC. By completing and returning the questionnaire, you are giving your child something that he/she will have for the rest of their life.

Sincerely,

Paul Schrameck
Jodi Towner
Brian Brown

Milford Beginning Band - General Information

Who is eligible?
Any student who will have completed 5th grade, returned an information form, and had a personal interview with a member of the Milford Instrumental staff.

Location
Beginning Band classes will be offered in the Milford High School band room the week of July 28-August 1. Once school begins, classes will be held before school at each elementary three times per week.

Schedule
Each instrument group will meet for one hour per day the week of July 28-August 1. Please see attached schedule for exact times.

Transportation
Transportation to and from the high school will be the responsibility of the parent. It is suggested that carpools be organized. Address lists will be available the first day of instruction to assist in the formation of carpools. Any severe problems that may keep a child from participating should be directed immediately to one of the instructors. Parents are urged to be prompt in picking up their children following the rehearsals, as instructors are unable to provide supervision for students due to their responsibilities with the next rehearsal group.

Fees
There is no charge for instruction. Lesson books for all instruments are $8.00. This includes shipping and handling charges. Please make checks payable to the Milford Band Boosters and send that with your child on the first day of class. Reeds and other upkeep merchandise will be offered at a discounted rate.

Instrument Rental
Instrument rental will be discussed at the June 3rd meeting. If you already own an instrument, you should bring it to the meeting on June 3rd for an instructor to check. Some larger, more expensive instruments (french horn, baritone, and tuba) may be available through the school.

Private Instruction
Private lessons are always encouraged for all band members. Private lessons are available during the summer months. For the students’ convenience, many of our private instructors teach at Milford High School.

Milford Summer Beginning Band Schedule
Week of July 28-August 13

Classes will meet daily at their appropriate times. Students will be separated by instrument upon arrival the first day and have class in different rooms.

1:00-2:00 PM
            Flutes
            Trumpets
            French Horns

2:15-3:15 PM
            Clarinets
            Trombones
            Baritones
            Tubas

• Please submit a check or money order for $8.00 on the first day of band class (July 28) to one of the directors. This is to cover the cost of the beginning band book. Please make checks payable to the Milford Band Boosters. No cash, please.
• This is the only notice you will receive about the times and dates of the summer band session. Please save this paper to help remind you of these dates.

Milford Beginning Band Recommended Instruments

Flute
Silver-plated body and head joint only (not nickel-plated). Deford or Yamaha

Clarinet
Yamaha or Buffet with Clark Fobes Debut mouthpiece

Trumpet
Yamaha, King or Blessing with Bach 7c mouthpiece

Trombone
Yamaha or King with Bach 6 1/2AL mouthpiece

Important note:
Many discount chain stores and internet sites carry very inexpensive musical instruments, which are manufactured under numerous different brand names. Please be forewarned- they are of inferior quality compared to the instruments listed above or ones you will find at a reputable music store. Many instruments do not work properly when they are brand new, and most local repair shops will not fix the instruments. If you have a question about a specific brand name, please ask one of the band directors.

French Horn, Baritone or Tuba
Talk with an instructor regarding use of school-owned instruments. Students will be required to purchase their own mouthpiece.