Beginning of the Year Information

This letter will be given to students at an informational meeting during the next week.

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the instrumental music program!  Your child is embarking on a unique and rewarding experience. Lesson days are:

Lawrence Brook-Monday             1^st lesson on 9/24

Bowne Munro-Tuesday                1^st lesson on 9/25

Warnsdorfer-Wednesday            1^st lesson on 9/19

Chittick-Thursday or Friday (some students are on Thursday, others on Friday.  I will let them know their lesson day in advance.)                                     1^st lessons on 9/20 or 9/21

Lesson Schedule

Every week your child will receive one instrumental lesson on a designated day of the week. The lesson occurs during the regular class day, so the students will be pulled out of their regular classes. The lessons will happen on a rotating basis, meaning the students will meet at different times each week so they will not continually miss the same class. Students are responsible for making up any classroom work that is missed.  Each student will receive a lesson schedule, and there will also be schedules posted in their classroom and in the area where their lesson takes place.   Schedules are also included on my webpage.  When conflicts arise, such as having a test during the band lesson, I will re-schedule the lesson time for that day.  Students should always bring their instruments on lesson days, even if there is a delayed opening, an assembly scheduled during there lesson time, etc.   I will always make adjustments to the schedule so that everyone receives a lesson each week.

All instruments, even rented ones, are considered to be your personal property.   Should loss or damage occur on school, any insurance claim would need to go through your insurance carrier.

If you already have an instrument DO NOT PLAY IT until I can teach you how to play correctly.  Playing before the first lesson creates much frustration, improper playing habits and may also damage the instrument.

If you own your instrument please make sure it is in working order, especially if it hasn’t been used in awhile.  Take to a music store to be checked out, or call me and I’ll make arrangements to look at it before the first lesson.

If you do not yet have an instrument you need to arrange to get one ASAP. Please call me if you need guidance on how to acquire an instrument. It is important that your child has an instrument by their first lesson so they can progress along with their classmates.

If you did not order through the Music Shop you will need to buy the method book “Accent of Achievement, Book 1” at a music store, or check my webpage for other methods of buying the book.    Also, label the instrument case with your child’s name and school. Percussionists need to have the “Combined Percussion” version of the book.

If your child will be playing the saxophone or clarinet they will need 4 reeds.  Instruments from The Music Shop (as with most rentals) come with only one, which may break during the first few days of playing.  It is best to buy a box of ten reeds at a music store (reeds are cheaper by the box) so you have a good supply.  Ask for #2 strength. Guitar Center does not carry reeds. Try Highway Music in East Brunswick or Sam Ash or Lou Rose in Edison. Their addresses and phone numbers are listed on my webpage.  Rico or Rico Royal are good brands for beginners. If you would rather have the reeds delivered to school, you can ask me for an accessory order from The Music Shop, even if you did not rent through them.  Check my webpage for online ordering information.  Purchasing a plastic reed-guard for a few dollars would also be a good idea, since they protect the reeds well, are easier to use than other holders and prevent breakage.

If your child will be playing the flute and did not order a “Care Kit” they will need to provide a handkerchief or bandana for cleaning the inside of their instrument.

If your child will be playing percussion and did not order through The Music Shop you will need to have a xylophone in addition to a snare pad. Most music stores will need to order the bells.   It must be chromatic, 1 ½ octaves. 

If your child will be playing percussion or baritone , the cases are heavy.  You may want to consider purchasing a luggage cart with some bungee cords so your child can roll the instrument instead of carrying it.  Kmart had some last year for less than $20.

My webpage includes much information and hopefully answers to some of your questions.   You can reach it by finding my name in the staff section of your school’s webpage.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.   I am really looking forward to teaching your children! 

Sincerely,

Jane Vanzini                                                                              

Instrumental Music Teacher

jvanzini@ebnet.org

voice mail: 732-613-6900 x 4834

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Please detach the bottom portion and have your child bring it to their first lesson.

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I have read the information regarding the band program.

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Parent Signature                                                        Student Name

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