What Parents Should Know
Parents often wonder what their children as band students should be
doing at home so here are a couple of things you should know.
Students are required to practice at least four days a week for at least
15 minutes a day as a major part of their grade. More is good but at
least that much. Expect to hear students who play wind instruments
(flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, etc.) warming up (starting their
practice) with long, steady, sustained notes, followed by practicing
exercises in their books, scales, and music handed out in class if
applicable. For percussionists expect to hear scales and book exercises
for keyboard percussion and rudiments and exercises for snare drum.
Expose your children to as much music as you can. Attend symphony
concerts. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville have great symphony
orchestras. Nashville even gives free tickets to students and parents
(contact me if you're interested). Keep your eyes open for college and
military band concerts (often advertised in the paper and online). Pick
up recordings out of the bargain bin at record stores of bands and
orchestras.
Perhaps one of the most important things you can do though is to
always encourage your child when you hear them practice. I always
remember my mother telling me how wonderful I sounded when I
played my trombone at home which of course made me want to
practice harder. Years later when I was playing in college and
professionally she told me that during those early years I sounded
more like something akin to a bull moose. I still am surprised when I
hear some of my students tell me that their parents make them go
outside to "practice that thing". I have seen kids give up because of
this very thing. Finally, attend their concerts, they will be proud you're
there. Remember, someday you might not have to pay for your kids
college because they practiced at home.
Students wear tan or brown khaki pants, band shirts (ordered through
Mr. Herring), and nice shoes for most performances.
To get involved in the band parent organization (North Middle School
Band Booster Association) go to the NMS Band Boosters page and fill
out and submit the form at the bottom.
Students are required to be at all scheduled performances of the group
they are a member of.
doing at home so here are a couple of things you should know.
Students are required to practice at least four days a week for at least
15 minutes a day as a major part of their grade. More is good but at
least that much. Expect to hear students who play wind instruments
(flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, etc.) warming up (starting their
practice) with long, steady, sustained notes, followed by practicing
exercises in their books, scales, and music handed out in class if
applicable. For percussionists expect to hear scales and book exercises
for keyboard percussion and rudiments and exercises for snare drum.
Expose your children to as much music as you can. Attend symphony
concerts. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville have great symphony
orchestras. Nashville even gives free tickets to students and parents
(contact me if you're interested). Keep your eyes open for college and
military band concerts (often advertised in the paper and online). Pick
up recordings out of the bargain bin at record stores of bands and
orchestras.
Perhaps one of the most important things you can do though is to
always encourage your child when you hear them practice. I always
remember my mother telling me how wonderful I sounded when I
played my trombone at home which of course made me want to
practice harder. Years later when I was playing in college and
professionally she told me that during those early years I sounded
more like something akin to a bull moose. I still am surprised when I
hear some of my students tell me that their parents make them go
outside to "practice that thing". I have seen kids give up because of
this very thing. Finally, attend their concerts, they will be proud you're
there. Remember, someday you might not have to pay for your kids
college because they practiced at home.
Students wear tan or brown khaki pants, band shirts (ordered through
Mr. Herring), and nice shoes for most performances.
To get involved in the band parent organization (North Middle School
Band Booster Association) go to the NMS Band Boosters page and fill
out and submit the form at the bottom.
Students are required to be at all scheduled performances of the group
they are a member of.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |