McCleary Beginner Band

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I wanted to give you information on the band program at McCleary. We will meet Tuesday-Thursday from 2:00 until 2:30. Instruments may be purchased/rented at several area music stores. Some of these stores are:

                 Rosevear’s Music Center (Aberdeen): 1-800-500-3011
                             Music 6000 (Olympia): 1-800-487-0305
                             Yenney Music (Olympia): 1-800-274-1404
                             Westside Music (Olympia): 360-705-3598
                             The Great Music company (Centralia): 1-800-745-6086
                             Ted Brown Music (Tacoma): 1-800-562-8938

Another option is Ebay, however, be careful. Many of the “new” instruments for sale are off-brand and do not last very long. If you are considering purchasing a used instrument or an instrument from Ebay, you might consider letting me check it out to make sure it works properly, is an OK deal, etc...

We do have some instruments available for rental from the school district. Please understand that these instruments are used; many of them have been donated to the district. The rental fee is $40 a year – this helps cover maintenance/repair costs on the instruments. If the rental fee is a financial problem, please contact Mrs. Holt.

Typical instruments for band are the flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet/cornet, trombone and percussion. We will not be starting students on percussion; instead all students will begin on a wind instrument. This is to help students have a strong beginning in reading music. In January, we will have tryouts for percussion. Please note that there is a limit on how many students will be allowed to play percussion (drums). Percussion students will be expected to learn all instruments in the percussion family as they are introduced in the program. Examples of percussion instruments are: snare drum, bass drum, bells, cymbals, wood block, etc...

Students will also need the Essential Elements 2000, (book 1), band book for their instrument. Purchase price for this book ranges from $6.95 to $14.95 depending on instrument and whether it has CD only or CD and DVD.

The McCleary School Open House/BBQ is Thursday, September 14th. I will be in my room from 6:00 until 7:00 pm for any of you with questions/concerns/etc. This is a great opportunity to find out more about our program.

Encourage students to practice their instruments regularly. This is the only way that your child will truly learn his/her instrument. Each week I will give them practice assignments - this is the equivalent of homework - if everyone comes to class well prepared then we will be able to get more out of our class time. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. I am at the school on Monday through Thursday. I look forward to working with all of you and thank you for your support.

Antha Holt

McCleary School District

Phone: 360.495.3204