Berryhill Marching Band Blue and Gold Brigade

Announcements

OBA 10-11-2008

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August 18th

Band Booster Meeting Minutes 
Berryhill Marching Band Blue and Gold Brigade

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Research has shown that education in the arts (music, art, drama) can greatly benefit a child’s overall academic education (see http://www.americansforthearts.org).   For ten years, band has been a part of the sixth grade curriculum.  During that time many students have discovered a passion for instrumental music that they never knew they had.  Having every student in band takes away negative connotations about band and allows each student to evaluate for themselves what their involvement will be in instrumental music.      

 

Beginning band students are divided into like instrument classes. Mrs. Hilborn teaches flutes and clarinets, Mr. Pitts teaches trumpets and percussion, Mr. Morrison teaches clarinets, trombones and percussion. Flutes, clarinets, trumpets and trombones will use the Essential Elements 2000 book for beginning band.   All classes are taught in the Fine Arts Building, just east of the High School Gymnasium.  Students attend band four days per week.  

 

Your child’s progress in band will greatly improve with practice at home.  A minimum of twenty minutes per day is recommended for beginning students.  Although practicing at the same time everyday is good, students can be flexible about when they practice.    What is important is that students practice outside of class at least five days per week.  Practicing should be done in an area that is free from distractions (radio, tv, family traffic). 

 

Learning how to practice is an important part of playing an instrument.  Parents can evaluate practice sessions by considering the following: 

 
**Do you hear the same daily warm up each day? It is important to play the same daily warm up and drill before beginning the assigned material.
**Do you hear music that they can already play, or do you hear attempts at new material?
**Is the tone quality becoming more characteristic of the instrument, or is the tone harsh, unmusical, and unpleasant?
**Does the familiar tune or exercise move along steadily with some sort of fluent rhythm, or is it halting and jerky with no steady rhythm?

                **Ask your child what their assignment is for the day. **

 

 

Instrumental music will be an exciting challenge for your child.  Facial muscles, breathing, fine motor coordination and eye hand coordination is used in new and different ways when learning to play in instrument.  Even if you know nothing about music you can encourage your child by listening to him or her practice and offering constructive comments.  Every time a child plays for a friend or relative it helps them to become more comfortable with performing.

  

You can encourage your child by providing opportunities to hear their instrument being played by accomplished musicians.  The High School Band is a great place to start.  Many churches have small orchestras during worship.  There are many performances in the Tulsa community (check out the Spot in Friday’s Tulsa World).  You can check out CD’s from the library, purchase recordings, or download music from a website. 

 

We are anticipating a great year in beginning band.  If you have any questions or concerns about your child and band, please contact your child’s teacher.  We will be happy to talk with you.

 

Mrs. Hilborn can be reached at 445-6041 or chilborn@berryhill.k12.ok.us.

Mr. Morrison can be reached at 445-6016 or jmorrison@berryhill.k12.ok.us

Mr. Pitts can be reached at 445-6016 or wpitts@berryhill.k12.ok.us