APCS BAND REMINDER

From:     Mr. Seaton    

To:    6th and 7th grade parents

Topic:    Beginning Band tryouts

Hello ya'll!

I hope your spring break was relaxing and enjoyable. I would like to take this time to tell you about the beginning band program. As you may already know, this year was the first year we had a beginning band program and it has been a success! Next year we are going to be expanding the program to encompass a full concert band setting. It should be a great deal of fun!

    Why should my child be in the band program? Being a part of any band program, whether it be at APCS or any other school district, greatly increases your child's ability to acquire a scholarship. Band scholarships are one of the more common and easier to get of the scholarships that are out there. Most of the students that earn a band scholarship are average players. This means that your child does not have to be a virtuoso in order to qualify for a scholarship. Another reason why it would be a good choice for your child to be part of a band program is because it provides a social group for students who share a common interest. That social group is not just limited to our school but can be found in other organizations such as Drum and Bugle Corps. (Drum and Bugle Corps is a competitive organization that ranges from ages 14-21.) Finally, while your child is part of the band program, he/she will not just be earning a grade but will be developing a skill that could last their life time!

    What will be expected of my child while in the band program? The beginning band program is set up to develop the basic fundamentals of your child's understanding of their instrument. To do this, your child must first understand the commitment level of undertaking the learning of an instrument. It is a great deal of fun to play an instrument, but it takes much work to be able to do so. This commitment will involve, along with their daily classes, one after school sectional rehearsal. This time is set up for your child to receive more individual practice and guidance with their instrument. Your child will participate in two concerts throughout the year and will be required to attend and perform in the Solo and Ensemble event that takes place in the spring. In addition, your child will need to provide $20.00 at the beginning of the school year. This payment covers the price of the beginning instrument red and blue book. Paying for the books at the beginning of the year will allow us to purchase the books in advance and allow your child to focus only on learning their instrument. Your child will be expected to follow the rules and procedures that are in the band book. This includes that he/she will be required to follow the dress code for any and all performances. BE SURE to have your child's uniform in place for their performances. Finally, your child must be able to maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the year in order to compete in interscholastic events.

    When are we going to be meeting? The 27^th, 28^th, and 29^th of April are the three nights that your child can sign up for band for the following school year. During each of these three nights, information will be provided about the band, scholarships, and other related activities. If your child is in Mrs. New's 6^th grade class, your time to come in will be on the 27^th. If your child is in Mrs. Eshenbaugh's 6^th grade class you may come in on the 28^th. Finally, if your child is in Mrs. Easly's 6^th grade class you may come in on the 29^th. If your student is an 7^th grader wanting to be in the band next year they may come either of the three nights. Be sure to have sign in with me so I have a record of them showing up. All three nights will be held in the main band room (Mrs. Pool's room). Each night will begin at 6:00 pm and will last approximately an hour and a half. If your child is in the 6^th grade and cannot attend on the prescribed nights, he/she will be allowed to attend any of the three nights available. Keep in mind that I will be accepting a certain number of instruments for each section of the band. If your child is interested in playing the piano or guitar, he/she must try out before being placed on the class roster for that section; however, I encourage your child to try out for a wind instrument if they cannot play the guitar or piano. This would make them much more marketable for a musical scholarship, the more instruments they can play the more marketable they are. The tryouts for the guitar and piano will take place on May 13^th after school until 6:30 pm. I will be on campus until that time.

 
 

Currently, this is the instrument set-up for next year:

 
 

Brass

7/10     Trumpet

    4/6    Trombones

    1/2    Tuba        

Woodwind

    2/4    Flutes

5/8    Clarinets

    4/6    Alto sax    

    1    Tenor

Percussion

    2/1    Snare

    1/1    Percussive keyboard

Auxiliary

    1/2    Guitars    (only on a tryout basis)

    1/2    Bass    (only on a tryout basis)

    1/2    Piano     (only on a tryout basis)

    If your child desires to be in a section that is currently filled, exceptions can be made. This roster is just a starting point. Students who have earned high ranks in "recorder karate" will be given primary choice opportunities. This is a reward for all their hard work in learning the recorder.

I am looking forward to meeting all of you and your children. It is going to be a great new year in music and possibly a new chapter in your child's life. Just a reminder, your child does not have to be in band; they can also try out for Choir or be in General Music. There are many opportunities for your child to attain a scholarship in choir as well. Again, I look forward to meeting everyone and see you soon.

 
 

Musically yours,

Seth R. Seaton

APCS K-8 General Music/ Beginning Band