Band News

Band News:

What a great beginning to the school year! Each band class at the middle school has truly done an excellent job getting started. The students are working hard to learn new notes, rhythms, and techniques. Mr. Wilson and I are constantly talking about the exciting things we see happening along with the achievements we see the students make as they progress into the next level of the band program.

In this letter you will see information about the following:

• SmartMusic
• Grading
• Name Tags
• Take Instruments Home

SMARTMUSIC

Let’s be honest, students don’t always like to practice. As a band director, I hear two common concerns from parents and students:

1. Practicing is boring. The music doesn’t sound right by myself. I play better with the whole band.
2. I think I made a mistake, but I’m not sure what it was or how to fix it.

SmartMusic is a computer software program that addresses these two major problems by giving immediate feedback for notes and rhythms while the student plays with recordings of the entire band. Students see their music on the screen. When they play a note correctly, the note turns green. When they make a mistake, a red note appears showing what the mistake was. Students can control the tempo, they can choose their best sample to submit, and they can even save recordings of their playing as a record of their progress.

Parents and students also share concerns with playing quizzes:

1. I only get one shot at the test in class. I need more time. (We do allow students to retest as time allows).
2. I was nervous playing in front of everyone. I played better at home.
3. I get bored while I wait for everyone else to take their playing tests. I wish this could move faster.

Most classes have been shown a demonstration of SmartMusic in class. Some classes will see a demonstration next week. You can see more about how it works by watching a short video here:

http://www.smartmusic.com/Students/Default.aspx

Every student will use SmartMusic this year in band. East Middle School has two SmartMusic practice rooms set up and ready to go. Students will create a free account using their school email address. (If students haven’t learned how to use their school email yet, I can help them use it).

To give accurate and meaningful grades in band, students will have playing quizzes. Using SmartMusic gives students the opportunity to play the quiz as many times as they need before submitting. This way they can send me only their best playing sample.

Since time and space is limited in the practice rooms at school, many families will choose to purchase a SmartMusic subscription for home. The subscription is $30.60 per school year. I will send more information about purchasing a subscription shortly. NOTE: Families with more than one band student only need to purchase one subscription. Each child will create their own account with their own school email.

SmartMusic will provide an awesome opportunity for your child to get the help they need to improve their playing quickly. Band students will love the help and feedback SmartMusic provides.

In summary:

• SmartMusic is fun and easy to use! The band students are excited when they see it.
• Everyone will take their playing tests through SmartMusic. This lets us have less wasted time in class and lets students learn at their own pace.
• The program is free to use at school, but space and time is limited with 230 middle school band students.
• The program is most effective when used at home. It gives the student as much time as needed to complete an assignment and submit their best work.
• You will receive information for ordering very soon.

GRADING

I have posted detailed information about grading in band to the band website. Go to www.raypecband.org/middleschool to see more information. The information includes descriptions of things you can look for in your child’s playing to help them improve.

NAME TAGS

Please update the name tag on your child’s instrument. When an instrument is left on a bus, for example, it is delivered to the school marked on the tag. Most name tags still say Eagle Glen or Bridle Ridge. Each instrument should have a tag with the school, student’s name, and a contact phone number displayed.

INSTRUMENTS SHOULD GO HOME

Please remind your child that the band room lockers are not a hotel for their instrument. All students must take their instruments home each day. Students are expected to play their instrument every day, especially days they do not have band. This is the best way for students to improve consistently.

THE END

I am thrilled with the progress of the band program and I am so excited for you to hear us. Our first concert is in December. You can see our full schedule at www.raypecband.org/calendar. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at djarrett@raypec.k12.mo.us.

Respectfully,

Dillon Jarrett

Band Director                                                   

Ray-Pec East Middle School