ABOUT THE 5TH GRADE BRONCO BAND
The 5th Grade Bronco Band is all about trying something new! No previous musical experience is required to be member of our 5th grade bronco band. We want to make band a positive and fun experience for EVERY student. Please do not hesitate to contact either director if you ever have any questions or concerns!
Time
11:10 – 11:55
Location
South Band Room
Instruments Offered
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophones, Trumpet, Trombone
Musical Skills Taught
- Music notation literacy
- Aural skills (Ear training)
- Characteristic tone qualities
- Appreciation for a variety of styles of music
Other Skills Taught
- Self-discipline
- Fine motor skills and coordination
- Abstract/Critical thinking
- Increased self confidence
- Learn to fight stress through playing music
REQUIRED SUPPLIES FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS
Working Instrument
Essential Elements – Book 1 (instrument specific)
3 ring Binder (1 inch or larger) – Keeps book protected, holds handouts, sheet music and pencil.
Pencil & Highlighter (any color)
Instrument Specific Accessories (see below)
Positive attitude!
REQUIRED SUPPLIES – INSTRUMENT SPECIFIC
FLUTE
- Cleaning rod (plastic or metal)
- 5”x5” square of soft fabric – to swab out the flute
(old t shirts work great as long as they are clean!)
CLARINET
- 3 Reeds – Size 2.5
- Brands: Juno, Mitchell Lurie, D’Ddario, Vandoren
- Cleaning swab – Specific for clarinet
- Cork grease
ALTO SAXOPHONE
- 3 Reeds – Size 2.5
- Brands: Juno, Mitchell Lurie, D’Ddario, Vandoren
- Neckstrap – (any brand)
- Cleaning swab – specific for alto
- Cork grease
TRUMPET
- Valve oil
- Slide grease
TROMBONE
- Slide grease
- Slide cream
- Small water spray bottle – Bottles found in the travel aisle work great!
CONCERT DATES
INFORMANCE CONCERT (We will bring our daily classroom to you!)
Thursday, November 14th
7:00pm – SOUTH Gym
SPRING CONCERT
Tuesday, May 12th
6:00pm – High School Center Stage Auditorium
OBTAINING AN INSTRUMENT
If you already own an instrument that your child is planning on using for band, please have them bring the instrument into band class. A band director will play test it and make sure the instrument is in good playing condition.
If you do not own an instrument and are currently looking, you may choose to rent or purchase an instrument from anywhere of your choosing.
All students will need instruments by September 9th/10th
We strongly encourage you to reference the brand recommendations listed below.
INSTRUMENT BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
Flute– Preferably open holed with an off set G
Yamaha, Armstrong, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Powell, Emerson, Pearl
Clarinet – Preferably made of wood instead of plastic or resin.
Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer, Jupiter, Vito
Alto Saxophone – Must have a neck strap!
Yamaha, Cannonball, Jupiter, Selmer, Conn (Conn – Selmer), Buescher
Trumpet (or Cornet) – Must have working 3rd valve slide with ring
Bach, Yamaha, King, Getzen, Conn (Conn-Selmer)
Trombone
Yamaha, Bach, Jupiter, King, Getzen, Conn, Selmer
To learn more about what makes a quality instrument please reference the next tab!
“Nothing discourages a child from playing music more quickly than an instrument that doesn’t perform well – and a bad instrument is a very bad reason for any child to lose interest in music.”
WHAT MAKES A QUALITY INSTRUMENT?
QUALITY MATTERS
Quality when choosing an instrument does not mean it has to be expensive or brand new. Quality refers to the following criteria:
- PLAYABILITY: Your child needs an instrument that plays as easily as possible – and plays in tune. Every instrument is difficult to play the first time, however, a quality instrument helps the student play well. Sadly, there are MANY instruments on the market today that are so poorly designed and constructed that they hinder progress.
- DURABILITY: Students will be traveling with their instrument to and from school and their instruments need to be built well enough to last throughout the years.
- REPAIRABILITY: All instruments need repair at one point or another. What makes for a happy musical experience is an instrument that can be repaired locally using commonly available repair techniques and replacement parts. Unfortunately, many stores are selling instruments that once broken cannot be repaired because they are made of poor quality parts
- WARRANTY-ABILITY: Whenever possible, consider only brands that offer a warranty. Factory warranties vary in duration; get all the details before you buy especially if you buy from an online source!
Be cautious when purchasing instruments online. If purchasing an instrument online make sure it is a quality brand, in excellent playing condition and will allow returns/exchanges.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of the band directors! (directors@coopersvillebands.org)
“Nothing discourages a child from playing music more quickly than an instrument that doesn’t perform well – and a bad instrument is a very bad reason for any child to lose interest in music.”