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Mr. Mendoza / Band |
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Do I need to purchase an instrument for this class? Buying you own instrument is optional. Steinmetz Academic Centre will supply students with an instrument at the beginning of the year, but remember that we do have limited supply of certain instruments and some chosen instruments may not be available at all times. Many students feel a personal connection with their instrument and will want to find and purchase one for themselves. Always check with the teacher as to where to purchase and what brands are of the best quality. Be careful not to purchase instruments from large chain stores because they are usually of a very poor quality. Where do I get supplies for Band Class? Most required supplies such as woodwind reeds, books and drumsticks are located in Student Services on the 1st floor. Other optional supplies are available at most reputable music stores in the area. Do I need any prior experience to participate in band? No, most of our students have no musical experience before High School. You will learn all of the basics in the Beginning Band class. Where can I get private lessons for my instrument? Many local music stores have teachers who can help young musicians, check with the band director or the "links" section of this website for recommended stores and studios in the area. I have also been contacted by several private teachers who would be willing to give lessons at the school but must be paid for by the student. I will post more info on this as I can. Until then.....just ask me! How much time do I need to practice? You will need to set aside at least 1 hour per day to really do well at your instrument. The key to learning any instrument is repitition. By going over and over a section or scale you will slowly get better, faster and cleaner. This is a suggested practice routine: 1. Find a place where you won't be disturbed and you won't disturb anyone else for at least an hour. 2. Put together instrument and get all materials ( music, pencils, etc.)at hand. 3. Warm-up yourself and the instrument by playing the scales and a fun, easy selection in your workbook. To play in-tune effectively, an instrument needs to be "warmed-up" lierally by playing into it for a few minutes or so. This will also prepare your embouchure, lungs and other muscles for the actual rehearsing. 10 min. 4. Practice sight-reading an excersise or two from your workbook. Do not try to rehearse it, just read through without getting hung up on the mistakes. After a while, this will become much easier and you will begin to make fewer and fewer mistakes. This will also help make class rehearsals more efficient. 10 min. 5. Work on the pieces, class assignments or playing tests/quizzes we are doing in class. This should be the bulk of the time. 30 min. 6. Improvise on the instrument to wind down. Play anything, have fun with it! 10 min. 7. Clean you instrument and swab out any water inside. (brasses blow through the instrument while holding the water key open.). Finally carefully put away the instrument in it's case. Usually they are held at the end of the semesters. We will do a winter concert in Deccember and a spring concert in late April early May. There may be other opportunities for performance during the year. These will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. These performances are also weighted into your grade and are MANDATORY, you must be there....no excuses! What do I need to wear for the concert? Beginning Band: A white button down dress shirt with black pants (no jeans!!) Women can also wear a black skirt that must be below the knee. Intermediate/Advanced Band. All black dress shirt and pants ( No jeans!!) Women can wear a skirt that is below the knee.
What is expected of me in the rehearsal room?
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