BAND
Pictures from MICCA 2008 
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and
cannot remain silent”
~ Victor
Hugo
+ Spring Band Concert
5/20, 7pm
Rehearsals
after school until 3:45
Gr. 5: Monday, 5/17
Gr. 6: Tuesday, 5/18
Gr. 7/8: Wednesday, 5/19
+ Future NBHS band
members:
All 8th graders
are invited to play in the NBHS graduation band. Rehearsals will be on
Wednesday June 9th and 16th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Graduation will be on
Thursday June 17. Any students planning on attending NBHS in the fall are
more than welcome to join us for our July 5th Cape Verdean
Day Parade. Information about rehearsals for that event and also for band
camp in August will be given out at the graduation rehearsals. An
informational session will be held for Parents immediately following the
graduation rehearsal on June 9th.
+ Information on ACE
summer program is HERE
This program is a great experience, lots of fun,
and the best way to continue improving your skills over the summer.
Yamaha
Spring Rebates – up to $150 off a new instrument…a great way to step up to
an intermediate horn!
Enter
to win a trumpet!
+ Upcoming Dates:
5/17 Grade 5 band until 3:45
5/18 Grade 6 band until 3:45
5/19 Grade 7 & 8 band until 3:45
5/20 Spring Concert, 7pm
6/4 FMS concert at
AES, 1:30 - 2:30pm
6/18 Graduation, 5:30 – 7pm (all 5th,
6th and 7th grade band members perform)
+ 2009 MICCA Festival:
The FMS 7th and 8th
grade band received a MERIT award
+ (Still) Seeking
Donations
See the article here. Spread the word so we
can spread the joy of music.
Tell neighbors, grandparents, aunts, uncles,
cousins, friends, everybody!
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Assignments:
Grade 5: #’s
69,71,73,75, 77
Watch
these videos!
Grade 6: #143,
#147, “Linus and Lucy”
Grade 7: Believer,
scales, Bella,
Grade 8: Believer,
scales, Bella,
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How to practice at
home:
+ play your instrument every day. It’s how often you
play, not how long that will make you better.
+ Set a routine - play at the same time
in the same place every day. Example: 7-7:30 in your room
+ finish your other homework
+ shut off the TV, radio, and all other
distractions
+ sit or stand with good posture – a
music stand helps
+ practice with a metronome to help you
keep the beat (but still tap your toe!)
+ play through all parts of your
assignment, not just the easy ones
+ figure out your favorite song by ear
+ practice writing notes correctly –
figure out a song by ear then write it out using musical notation.
The goal
is to make yourself better. Playing an instrument is a skill like hitting,
catching, kicking, dancing, etc. It takes work and repetition to get the skills
and keep them sharp. Play on!
10 ways to motivate practicing:
Playing a musical instrument is
about enjoying the expressiveness found in the music and
the expression you add to it. Be
patient and understand that it takes time to blossom.
1. Musicians should play music that
they want to play. Go to your local music store and purchase band books
or song collections that have
play along CD’s. Make sure you can read and play the notes.
2. Make a trip to your local music
store and look through books for ideas or to purchase.
Make sure you can read and play
the notes.
3. Form a band and play solos,
duets, trios, and rounds together. You lesson book is
packed with these; even the
sight-reading section can be played as duets.
4. Purchase a duet book and play
with a friend or relative.
5. Keep a practice log (inside
front cover of lesson book) and set a weekly goal (1 hour/week)
6. Listen to music you are not
familiar with and see if it sparks an interest in your musical self.
7. Attend concerts including bands,
jazz bands, symphony orchestras, etc. Listening to the
play Beethoven’s 5th Symphony is
the musical equivalent of a 45 minute touchdown.
8. Set a goal for your playing.
Participate in a solo festival or contest. Audition for a select band in your
school or in your area.
Like ACE, SYMS, NBYSO, Jr.
Districts
9. The more practicing you do, the
more fun it is to play. Remember that the hardest part is the first 4 months of
playing.
10. Play an instrument
in good condition that has a good mouthpiece. You’ll be surprised how much
better
you can sound just by switching
to a good-quality instrument and a
high-quality mouthpiece.
Reed players: Make sure your reed
is in good condition and that it is the proper strength
for your playing.
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ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT…
SWAB your instrument after every time you play
it
REEDS last about a month if you take care of them
properly.
-
keep them in their reed case
-
cover your mouthpiece with the cap when not playing
-
be extra careful when putting on and removing your ligature
-
if your reed is chipped or warped it is time for a new one!
-
Buy a few reeds of your current strength and a few of the next
strength up – you’re moving up quickly, be prepared…
BRASS instruments
-
make sure you push your valves only STRAIGHT DOWN using your
finger tips
o
this will prevent “sticky” bent valves
-
oil your valves often using valve oil
o
remove the valve completely from the casing
o
use oil liberally (do this over paper towels – valve oil stains)
o
replace the valve gently and twist slowly until it clicks into
place
-
use only a soft polishing cloth, never use abrasive cleaners
-
be careful not to push your mouthpiece in too hard or tap/drop it.
A stuck mouthpiece is trouble…
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From the 2007 Art & Music Fest:
*Visit the NBHS Band website!
**The Symphony Music Shop for all your instrument and accessory needs.
FMS Music Home