Lesher Middle School, an IB World School

2016-2017 School Year

Si prefieren la información sobre la orquesta o la banda

en español, se pueden comunicar con la

escuela- 970-472-3853

Mrs. Loni E. Obluda Instrumental Music Director lobluda@psdschools.org — 970-472-3882

May 22, 2017

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the Lesher Middle School Instrumental Music Program! Whether you’re starting another year at Lesher, or you’re “brand new” to the school, we want to express how excited we are to be working with you this year! Being in a performing ensemble is a great way to meet new people, learn about art and expression through music, and to grow in maturity by practicing responsibility, cooperation, and creativity. In order to participate in band or orchestra, you will need some basic materials.

First, if you’re planning on playing the clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, violin or viola, it is highly recommended that you come prepared with your own instrument. Local and regional music stores provide great instruments to rent. For further information, we would like to advise you to visit our instrumental music website: www.lesherinstrumentalmusic.weebly.com — Under announcements, we have a section entitled, “INFORMATION FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR!” Here, you will find material lists for each instrument. You will also need to purchase some other supplemental materials for the school year.

All band students will be using a book that is part of a line entitled, Traditions of Excellence. There are different levels of this book: 6th and 7th Grade Band students will need Book I. 7th Grade Students, we will finish playing through Book I, and then you need to be prepared to purchase Book II to use during the Spring semester. Finally, if you are an 8th grade band student, please make sure you come to school in the Fall with a copy of of Book II of Traditions of Excellence because we will be using this book over the course of the year. Orchestra students will continue using books from the Essential Elements line of Orchestral Method Books.

If you will be enrolled in the 6th grade Orchestra, you will need the Essential Elements Bk I. If you’re enrolled in the 7th

grade orchestra, you will need to purchase Essential Elements Bk II. For 8th grade orchestra students, you will need the following: the Essential Elements Bk II. 8th Grade Orchestra students will need to purchase: Essential Techniques for strings- the newer edition (this is Bk III of the Essential Elements series). Please be sure that you buy the correct book for the specific instrument that you have chosen.

Finally, EVERY student will need to bring a 1” BLACK three ring binder to file away concert music, worksheets, and other handouts. -Please make sure your binder has pockets lining the inside covers to store schedules and handouts! Every student will also need SEVEN three ring binder dividers, ONE PACK of sheet protectors, and blank notebook paper to put in the back of their binders.

Every year provides us with the opportunity to do great things in our department, and this year with your help, we hope to continue a trend of excellence that has been set forth by students before you. Lesher is known in our community for having a very strong instrumental music program. Our goal is that through our hard work, commitment, and unconditional dedication, together we can uphold this reputation while maintaining a positive light and high standard for our entire school.

As always, it is our firm belief that communication is the key to a solid and successful music program. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or concerns. We can’t wait to either meet you or see you all again!

Sincerely,

Lesher Middle School- Instrumental Music

Brands and models listed are selected for their quality, features, and value. All models have been tested and approved by local professional musicians. Rental prices vary by retailer and range from $25-40

per month.

Instrument Brand and Model Recommended Model: Yamaha YTR-2330Comparable Model: Bach TR-200 Other acceptable brands: Holton, King, or Getzen

If the local store you visit doesn’t have these EXACT models for rent, please ask them for instruments that are comparable to each!

Accessories to purchase at time of rental • Blue Juice Valve Oil • Selmer Slide Grease • Mouthpiece Brush • Valve Brush • Cleaning Snake • Tradition of Excellence Book -please refer to the letter to check which level of book you’ll need. • Folding Music Stand (the wire variety are the most cost effective, but they are also VERY flimsy)

Important Information to Know Prior to Renting 1. What percent of your monthly payment (equity) can go towards a step-up instrument?2. Can equity be transferred to another instrument should your child change instruments or be transferred to another family member?3. How are instrument repairs handled?4. Are loaner instruments available for students to use while their instrument is being repaired

Required Materials for ALL Instruments: • A good chair to sit in while practicing (kitchen chair, wooden chair, etc.) and a quiet place to practice.

String Bass players please use a 24” stool; Percussionists will NOT need chairs. • One package of Mechanical Disposable Pencils (Paper Mate, Bic, Pilot) • Pencil Bag/ Pouch • Wind Players: A portable mirror to store in your case (to check embouchure); EVERYONE: A mirror at

home to use to watch yourself as you practice. • Again: EVERY student will need to bring a 1” BLACK three ring binder to file away concert music,

worksheets, and other handouts. -Please make sure your binder has pockets lining the inside covers to store your practice cards! Every student will also need SEVEN three ring binder dividers, ONE PACK of sheet protectors, and blank notebook paper to put in the back of their binders.

Strongly Encouraged Materials for ALL instruments: Do You Have a Smartphone? -“There’s an App for that”… TONAL ENERGY is a GREAT App that has an OUTSTANDING tuner and metronome combination. If you do your research, some of the Apps that exist on the market for iPhones and Droid Phones are just as good as tuner/metronomes that you can purchase separately. However if you’re wanting to purchase a separate device, here’s what we suggest:

• Tuner/Metronome combination. Recommended Model: Korg TM-50 Digital Tuner Metronome. • A Tuner is required for String Players. If you already have a metronome and need a separate tuner,

our recommendation is the Korg CA-1.

Material List for Trumpet

I see that there are many instrument brand recommendations. Do I need to know these if I’m renting an instrument? The good news is, between our main music stores, they will already carry these brands as part of their rental programs. Knowing these brands is ideal for future use in purchasing an instrument.

What about buying a used instrument? If you wish to purchase a used instrument you SHOULD get it checked out by a professional BEFORE making the purchase. Be wary of “throw-away” instruments. Generally, these instruments are being sold at a very cheap price, however the moment something goes wrong, they’ll need more work and money put into them than the instrument is worth. When in doubt, stick with the reputable brands and take the instrument to one of the above locations to have it inspected before purchasing.

What options are there for families that cannot afford an instrument? There are several organizations and options available to help families that are struggling financially. Students that qualify for the district free/reduced program should call or email the school to request financial support in renting an instrument. Please contact us if you would like to look into these options.–We’ll Find a Way to Make it Work!

How do I sign up for Summer Music? It is NOT too late! If you have not already signed up for summer music, please do so as soon as possible. The program runs Monday-Friday from July 18- August 5, for one hour per day. If you are interested, please email Mrs. Obluda to let them know that you will be registering late for classes.

You will be able to find registration forms on the Lesher Instrumental Music website: www.lesherinstrumentalmusic.com

When should we get our instruments? If you will be participating in the summer music program, you should plan on renting an instrument one week prior to the summer music program. If you are checking an instrument out from Lesher, Mrs. Obluda and Mrs. Muñoz will contact you to make arrangements for you to check out an instrument for summer music.Even though you are VERY excited to play your new instrument, you should wait until the summer music program starts so that you don’t develop incorrect habits. If you are NOT participating in the summer music program, you should plan on getting your instrument during the first week of school.

Music and Arts Located in Denver (online retailer)

Contact: James Barela, 303-912-2605 stores.musicarts.com/englewood

Boomer Music Company 3761 S. Mason Street

970-223-2424 www.boomermusiccompany.com

Lesher Middle School- Instrumental Music

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat instruments can be checked out from the school? Instruments typically checked out through the school include string bass, cello, tuba, baritone, and horn. There are also a limited number of other instruments available from the school. Call or email to inquire about loaning an instrument from the school.

Will I have to carry my large instrument back and forth from school everyday? Fortunately, No! Students playing the larger instruments such as string bass, cello, tuba and baritone will have an instrument at home and one available to use at the school for rehearsing. However, Tuba/Baritone students will need to carry a mouthpiece back and forth between home and school for rehearsals.

If my instrument is not available from the school, where do I get an instrument? There are several options for getting an instrument. Here are a few suggestions for instrument rental or purchase: