Month: November 2012
Happy news for me
Ms. Donahue has extended her maternity leave, so it looks like I am going to be teaching here at the middle school until the end of the year. YAY!
Supplies
Supplies:
You can order reeds, valve oil, cleaning kits, etc at http://www.musicarts.com or any music store.
An example of a local music store
National Music
394 Main Street Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 933-6300
Woburn Center
What parents can do to help
How Parents Can Help
1. Help your child establish and maintain a regular practice schedule. As much as possible, have your child practice when you are home. Sign the practice chart, verifying the amount of home practice accomplished for each lesson.
2. Help your child remember to bring his/her instrument and lesson books to school on lesson and rehearsal days.
3. Keep necessary supplies on hand, for instance, reeds, oil, etc. (Cleaning supplies, instrument accessories, music books, and computer software make excellent birthday gifts. Band directors and the area music dealers can give you ideas of additional items your child may want or need for his/her instrument.)
4. Show an interest in your child’s study of an instrument. Reinforce practice sessions by listening and making positive comments. Reinforce the understanding that success in all endeavors takes time and effort. Consider using rewards when practice goals have been met, but don’t use practice as a form of punishment. Avoid making fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing, and don’t insist your child play for others when he or she doesn’t want to.
5. Keep instruments in good working condition. Have them checked over at least once a year by a repair person.
Marshall Simonds Band 