Expectations of Instrumental Music Students

1. Attendance at lessons and band rehearsals with instrument and music.  If you are absent from band but are in school that day, you must bring a note from a parent for the absence to be excused. 
2. Clarinet players are expected to have 2-3 good reeds at all times.  Please make sure that they are #2 1/2 reeds.  Students may purchase reeds at any music store in Des Moines or Ankeny Music Center. 
3. Instruments are to be kept in good working condition.
4. Practice is required.  We recommend a minimum of 20 minutes per day, with 1 day off a week.  This will ensure success!

Parents

1. Encourage your son/daughter to set up regular periods of practice.
2. Show interest in his/her progress.  Listen to your child practice, give positive comments.
3. Encourage attendance at lessons and rehearsals.  Check with your child to make sure he/she is attending lessons and band, and sign his/her practice record. 

Patience, Perseverence and Practice

Patience: Each student must be tolerant of the speed with which he/she progresses.  Not all students progress at the same speed.

Perseverence: If the students stumbles on something, it it important to try again.

Practice: Regular practice is essential for satisfactory results.

Concerts

Students are expected to attend all concerts, unless they are ill.  We feel that our concerts are a culmination of our work and therefore very important for all student to attend.  Students are expected to help cleanup chairs and stands after each performance.  Please be considerate and helpful! (Also, a good way to earn band bucks!)

Schedules/Lessons

Lessons:

Band lessons will begin soon after the instrument display meeting.  Each student will receive one 30-minute lesson, once a 6 day cycle.  These lessons will be held in groups of 2-4.  They will be on a rotating basis, throughout the school day, so that students will not miss the same class each time they come for a lesson.  Students are expected to check the lesson schedule and come to their lesson at the appropriate time. 

Early Band:

The large group band will begin rehearsals in October.  Large group band meets 2 times during the 6 day cycle at 7: 15 a.m.  Students should plan to arrive at school between 7:00-7:10 a.m., there are no adults in the builiding prior to that time.  Students are expected to be in attendance for early band rehearsal, unless they are absent from school that day.  If there is another reason for them to miss band, please send a note.

Band Days:

Northeast- A & D (Early band & lessons)

Ashland Ridge-  C & F (Early band & lessons)

Southeast- B & E (Early band & lessons)

Practice Tips

1. It is required to write down your practice time and have a parent sign the practice record.  (Also, another way to earn band bucks)
2. Have a goal of 2 hours of practice each week.  (20 minutes per day, with 1 day off!!)
3. Make it a routine, same time same place everyday.  Then it becomes a habit!
4. If you miss a day, practice extra the next day.
5. Practice every song in your assignment.
6. Play frequent concerts for family members.
7. Practice with your friends
8. Have rewards from parents when practice goals have been met.

What not to do (parents):

1. Don't use practice as punishment.
2. Don't insist your child play for others when he or she doesn't want to.
3. Don't ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less than perfect playing.
4. Don't start your child on an instrument that is in poor working condition.
5. Don't expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.

What to do when your child wants to quit band?

There are times when other options seem like a higher priority than taking the instrument out of the case and investing that needed 20 minutes of personal practice.  Every young musician deals with this same frustrations and anxiety, so do not let it be a sign of discouragement.  It is part of the total learning process.  Some persuasive and encouraging words from you, the parent, would be most helpful at this point.  We count on your help in this area. 

Call your band director for advice.  We have dealt with this issue countless times.  For some students, the correct advice is to keep playing in band.  Most students go through a period that first year, when it starts to get hard and they want to give up.  Usually we can get them through that time, they begin to enjoy it again and no longer want to quit.  Usually the best advice is to complete the year.  We think that it is important for students to learn that they should complete what they start.  This attitude will help them in other areas of their lives. 

For some students, the correct advice is to drop band.  If this is the case, after taking to your band director, please follow these guidelines.

1. Drop band at the end of a grading period, we have 3 trimesters.
2. A written note from a parent is required before a student will be removed from the band roster.