September 1, 2017
Dear Grade 4 Parents,
As we begin a new school year, I would like to take this opportunity to invite your daughter to participate in the St. Catherine’s Band Program! My name is Ben Court, I am the Band Director at St. Catherine’s School, and I am excited to meet the girls and help them to love playing an instrument while gaining the numerous skills that develop through playing in an ensemble.
In Grade 4, band instruction is provided in small group lessons, as well as in full ensemble rehearsals. This format is designed to help students understand the basic technique of their chosen instrument and enjoy speedy progress throughout their first year! Small group lessons are scheduled during Grade 4’s recess times. Each participating student will miss one recess period per week to attend her band lesson. The full ensemble meets during the Friday afternoon Activities period alongside the Ecology, Outreach, and Inclusion clubs, giving the girls an engaging and enjoyable end to the school week!
The following instruments will be offered in the Grade 4 class: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet (or Cornet), Trombone (or Baritone), and Percussion. These are the most accessible instruments for young students, but if your daughter already studies another wind or brass instrument and would like to participate in the band, we would love to have her join us! We also have a fantastic private lesson program at St. Catherine’s that is available to all students. Individual instruction can greatly enhance any student’s learning experience, so I highly recommend this option if your daughter enjoys her chosen instrument.
I suggest renting an instrument at first rather than purchasing one, particularly if your daughter is unsure as to what she might enjoy most. Renting allows for some flexibility in switching instruments if after a few weeks she finds that she would be happier with a different choice. Music & Arts (Locations on Broad St, Midlothian Turnpike, and Quioccasin Road) have a well-established rental program and carry both the book (Sound Innovations for Band, Book 1) and cleaning supplies that your daughter would need to participate in the class.
I will be giving an introductory presentation on Friday, September 8, then will be running introductory classes during recess periods of the following week: Tuesday - Flute; Wednesday; Clarinet & Saxophone; Thursday - Brass instruments; Friday - Percussion. Interested students should have an instrument that is ready to play no later than Friday, September 22.
I hope that your daughter is interested in this exciting opportunity! If she is, please reply to this message with her name and the name of the instrument that she would like to play. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at bcourt@st.catherines.org
Many thanks,
Ben Court
Music Teacher and Band Director, St. Catherine’s School
Grade 4: Beginning Band
What You Will Need:
Your chosen instrument
Cleaning supplies for your instrument
A music stand
Sound Innovations for Band, Book 1 (for your chosen instrument)
A metronome (these can also be downloaded from the app store on most mobile devices)
For saxophone and clarinet players: A box of Rico #2 reeds
For Percussionists
Full Percussion Learning Kits are heavy and cumbersome, so I recommend renting a Bell Kit and buying a Practice Pad. We have a number of snare drums in the band room that your daughter can play at full volume to her heart’s content, but a Practice Pad will enable her to practice successfully at home without waking every person in the neighborhood!
