Sunday, January 8, 2012

4th GRADE BAND STARTS THIS WEEK.

Early morning band rehearsals start on January 10th, and we meet every Tuesday morning that there is school, from 8:00am to 9:00am.  Students are expected to be to school (especially if you are bringing them) by 7:50am.
Students need to bring:
Instrument (percussionists need sticks and mallets)
Book, Folder/music (they have been getting them in lessons)
A pencil


If you have turned in a bus form, thank you so much!
If you have not, I can't guarantee a bus pickup on Tuesday morning...sorry!

If you have other questions - let me know ASAP!

Can't wait to get started...!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Practicing (originally posted on the AES Band front page)

Every teacher in our district strives for excellence and takes as many opportunities as possible to make themselves better teachers.  I am constantly looking for resources, and happened across a few things I wanted to share with you!
 
1.  Check out this article on Practicing (a constant source of contention between, me, your child, and you!)
 
2.  Since different students require different types and lengths of practice periods, the objective that every student should have is : "I will master the assigned task whether it takes 20 minutes or 2 hours."  The accomplishment of a task is far more important than the time that it consumes.
 
3.  Also consider these points, paraphrased from Tom Davis, a teacher, professional, and clinician from Canandaigua, NY:
        Respect the silence in the room. It is the canvas that we put our good sound on. 
        Our sound is an extension of our personality – treat it with respect.
        Always think creatively – look for ways to communicate with each other.
        Take the time to listen to professionals do what you are trying to do
        Listen everyday to something that inspires you.
        Have fun with the music – not in spite of
        Make progress in EVERY REHEARSAL!Make progress in EVERY REHEARSAL!
        If an individual cannot play something they have the responsibility to get help and/or practice the part!
        If an individual cannot play something you have the responsibility help them.
 
4.  I want you all to know that the QUALITY of practice is more important than the QUANTITY.  We ask that students practice 20 minutes a day.  However, some students need more, some may need less.  If a piece of music cannot be played, it must be practiced until mastery is acheived.
 
5.  Often, the difference between a "Good" Grade and a "Very Good" or "Outstanding" grade is a matter of having the practice chart completed and signed every week.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

OMG! - It's February Already?

So, it's February - let's do a run down of what HAS happened, IS happening now, WILL be happening on the months to come.

4th Grade Band started in January - the 11th to be exact. Every 4th grade band student who started in September is expected to attend Tuesday morning rehearsals.

5th Grade Band Olympics just finished up - congrats to all the finalists, and everyone who worked hard!

We have a student teacher, Miss DeBoard, from Roberts Wesleyan College, currently working with us.

Please check out the AES Bands page (http://sites.google.com/site/aesbands) for some new resources and updates which should be posted this week.

The remainder of the year:
March 24 - All District Concert at HS, 7pm (4th and 5th).
May 18 - grades 3/4 Chorus/Band Concert - 7pm.
May 25 - Grade 5 Chorus/Band Concert, 7pm
June 14 - Flag Day Assembly (Select 5th/4th band members).
TBA - Volunteer Reception. (Select 5th/4th band members).

Friday, December 10, 2010

1st Concert -= DONE! Now what?

4th Grade Students should be bringing home information on Beginning Band rehearsals, which start January 11th.  the pink sheet needs to be teturned, even if you plan on bringing your child to school yourself.

5th Grade students are right back to the grind, working on new music for the next part of the year.

Questions - you know where to find me.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Homecoming, and other thoughts!

So, tonight is the Homecoming game for the varsity football team.  They have put in many hours of practice for the "big game" and I am sure that they all want to do their best.  It is an important night for them.  I will be there with the High School Pep Band, so if you are there, please say hi!

But I was thinking that our concerts, and the Homecoming game, aren't that different in the way that they give our students and children a chance to shine at something that they can't do sitting in a classroom.  Show YOU the product of their hard work.  And it doesn't matter if they win or lose, or squeak and squonk, right?  What matters is that they are proud of the work they have put in, and that you are proud of them!  So whether it's at the game tonight, or at one of the district's concerts, give your child or student a round of applause, a cheer, or a honk on the air horn....wait...please don't bring air horns to the concert!

Today marks the end of the first week of 4th grade lessons, and for me, it is always interesting to see how the students I know now change as the year progresses.  I hope that the weekend brings you all good health, and stay tuned!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

First Lesson Night Reflections

Invariably, there is stuff from First Lesson Night that I forget to share with you, and some questions that parents ask me, that I wish I could answer so everyone can hear the repsonse.  So here goes!

Q:  When do lessons start? 
A:  Monday, September 20th.  That doesn't mean everyone's lesson is on Monday.  They are scheduled throughout the week, and different times.  Your child's lesson will always be on the same day, but at different times each week.

Q: When will we know when our child's lesson is?  How will we know?
A:  Students and Teachers will have this information by Friday September 17th.

Q: How are grades determined?
A:  I don't do grades for the first quarter - I don't think that it is fair to judge 4 or 5 weeks of lessons wjen someone is just starting an instrument.  Grades will start the 2nd quarter, and are based on Home Practice and Performance in Lessons.

Q:  What was the name of the Software you talked about?
A.  SmartMusic, which is on the CD or DVD that came with the lesson book.  It can also be downloaded from http://www.smartmusic.com/ or installed from the disc in the "Starter Pack" you may have ordered!

Q:  How can I get a hold of you if I have a question?
A:  The easiest way is email (wburlison@albionk12.org), but I can also be reached at 585-589-8989, extensions 8368.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

IN the Beginning...

...they come with nothing....
...but they left armed with instruments of mass destruction....

TONIGHT IS FIRST LESSON NIGHT!!!

6:30 Sax, Clarinet, Trombones, Percussion
7:30 Smart Music Demo
7:45 Flute, Trumpets, Tubas