Starting September 27

Dear 6^th grade parents / guardians,
It is an exciting time for our 6^th grade students as we start to prepare for Beginning Band. Beginning Band will now be offered for all district 6^th graders at one central location. Starting September 27^th, band will meet at Allen School from 7:45-8:30am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Students requiring transportation to Allen Elementary in the morning may ride buses already scheduled to transport high school students. All students will have district transportation back to their home schools following band class. If you have questions about the bus that your child should ride in the morning to Allen and/or the time of pick up, please contact Dan Vermulm or Nancy Angel at 757-3386.
Your students have been taught about instrument families and may already have an idea what instrument they would like to play. Please help by encouraging your son or daughter to participate in band. Did you know that participation in music is proven to:

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  Enhance higher brain function - Improve reading and math skills
  
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  Raise IQ scores - Increase test scores
  
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  Develop quick and decisive thinking - Increase self-esteem and self-discipline
  
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  Build Teamwork Skills - Teach the habit of excellence
  
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  Prepare children for the future
  

In order to participate in band your student will need the following items for class and home practice: A band instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, snare drum, or bell kit), “Standard of Excellence Book 1,” a wire music stand, accessories for your student’s instrument (size 2 ½ reeds for clarinet and saxophone players, valve oil for trumpet and baritone players and slide oil for trombone players.)

There are a number of ways to obtain an instrument for your student. Most parents rent an instrument through a local music store. The Music Shoppe and Hugo Helmer Music are two local stores in the area that are equipped to meet your student’s band needs.

I have a limited inventory of district owned instruments that I can make available to students on a need basis, but I recommend asking family or friends who may have played an instrument in the past. Many people who used to play an instrument are willing to lend or give it to a child wanting to start band. Second hand stores often have instruments for sale too, but make certain they have a return policy. If you buy a used instrument you will want to have your student bring it to school to have it examined by their music teacher before the sale is final.

In order to get an accurate student count of those who will participate in band this year I am requesting that you sign and return the attached form by September 16^th if your student intends to be in band this year.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Hodges

Burlington-Edison 6^th Grade Band Director

6^th Grade Band Registration Form

Please return to your school music teacher by September 16th

Student Name _________________________________________________

Home School: (circle one)
West View Allen Lucille Umbarger

Bay View Edison

Please Check One of the Following:

□Yes, my student will participate in band this year. Our family will supply his/her instrument and the required supplies.

□Yes, my student wishes to participate in band this year. I request assistance in finding an instrument for my student to use for the school year.

________________________________________________

Parent Name (please print)

Contact Phone Number _____________________________

_________________________________________________

Parent Signature