• What to Expect with Beginning Band:

    In beginning band, all students will learn how to create music using their instrument, meet many friends, learn about musical concepts, how to read music, and listen to great musicians. 

    As we begin the process of choosing instruments, expect to talk with your student about how you will plan on obtaining an instrument (more information below). Once instruments are in students hands you will be hearing a lot of sound at home :) They may be buzzing, squeaking, crowing, as well as loud and soft volumes. It's amazing how fast those sounds and noises will develop into music! Learning to play an instrument takes a lot of time and exploration, but the experience and rewards are worth the effort.

    Choosing an Instrument:

    Each student will need an instrument, and I will help guide you every step of the way. This class is for band instruments, meaning Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion. Please wait to obtain an instrument until you receive further communication from me about student choice and instrument options. This week students will choose their instruments. 

    Obtaining an Instrument:

    Once instrument decisions are made and you have received an email from me regarding your students choice, there are several ways in which an instrument can be obtained. I would like to students to obtain instruments by Friday, September 9th at the latest. This way we can get started with our skill building as soon as possible. 

    1) Music Store Rental: My first suggestion for all families is to rent an instrument from a local music store. I will provide a list of local vendors when instrument choices have been made. Store rentals are generally of higher quality and can provide a better experience for the student. When you rent an instrument from a local music store, your monthly instrument rental fee can contribute to your student owning that instrument. This is especially helpful should your student continue playing into the amazing band program at Wilsonville High School.

    2) School Rental: Meridian Creek has instruments that students can rent. I will do my best to accommodate any student who is unable to rent from a local store. Meridian Creek, however, has a limited supply of instruments, and we may not be able to provide an instrument for every student should you decide to rent from the school. If a music store rental is not feasible and we have run out of school instruments, I will do everything I can to make sure your student can play that instrument. I strongly believe that band is for all and needs to be accessible for everyone!

    3) Own an Instrument: Often students have hand-me-down instruments from parents or older siblings. This is totally ok and encouraged! However, I suggest taking the instrument to a local music store to be checked for any potential wear-and-tear. Please do not purchase instruments from Amazon or other major purchasing vendor before speaking with me. Instruments on Amazon are typically very cheap, which is nice, but very poorly made and make it difficult for students to have a positive learning experience.

    Band Handbook:

    Tomorrow we will be going over the Band Handbook. Students will need to go over this handbook with their parents/guardians and complete the form at the end. Forms will be due by Friday, September 9th.

    Communication:

    I am very excited to begin kicking things off for another great school year! We are going to have a ton of fun making music, and I cannot wait for the students to share their learning with you. 

    At Meridian Creek, your student's learning and well-being is our highest priority. Communication is extremely crucial! If you, at any point, have questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me! My email is simona@wlwv.k12.or.us