Prairieview Elementary Beginning Band
Sam Tedeschi, Director • [email protected] • 630.783.5064
Beginning Band Overview
This info will help you and your child get started in Beginning Band
FOR INSTRUMENT RENTAL INFO/LINKS, SCROLL DOWN
Sam Tedeschi, Director • [email protected] • 630.783.5064
Beginning Band Overview
This info will help you and your child get started in Beginning Band
FOR INSTRUMENT RENTAL INFO/LINKS, SCROLL DOWN
START HERE: Beginning Band Handbook • rev. 8.30.23
Most, if not all info can be found in this handbook. And in much more detail.
TIMELINE
Your children have been given a demonstration of all ten Beginning Band instruments. They have also given us an idea of which instruments they would like to try out. Our goal is to line up their interests with the instrument that they can best get an easy sound. Here are video demonstration links for each instrument:
Woodwinds: Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Alto Saxophone
Brass: Trumpet | French Horn | Trombone | Euphonium (Baritone) | Tuba
Percussion: Snare Drum | Mallets
Next, students will try the instruments. We will be setting up times after school via Signup Genius, and supplementing these with in-school times. Signup links will be emailed soon.
Once we decide on which instrument is right for your child, you will need to obtain an instrument. ALL instrument rental info starts in the handbook page 3,
INSTRUMENT HIGHLIGHTS
• We ALWAYS recommend renting a quality instrument to start.
• If you have an instrument, we would like to physically see to to determine its condition.
NOTE: Just because you have an instrument doesn't mean it's the right instrument for your child!
• Getting an instrument online, at a toy store, or a place that specializes in rock band instruments is NOT recommended.
Most, if not all info can be found in this handbook. And in much more detail.
TIMELINE
Your children have been given a demonstration of all ten Beginning Band instruments. They have also given us an idea of which instruments they would like to try out. Our goal is to line up their interests with the instrument that they can best get an easy sound. Here are video demonstration links for each instrument:
Woodwinds: Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Alto Saxophone
Brass: Trumpet | French Horn | Trombone | Euphonium (Baritone) | Tuba
Percussion: Snare Drum | Mallets
Next, students will try the instruments. We will be setting up times after school via Signup Genius, and supplementing these with in-school times. Signup links will be emailed soon.
Once we decide on which instrument is right for your child, you will need to obtain an instrument. ALL instrument rental info starts in the handbook page 3,
INSTRUMENT HIGHLIGHTS
• We ALWAYS recommend renting a quality instrument to start.
• If you have an instrument, we would like to physically see to to determine its condition.
NOTE: Just because you have an instrument doesn't mean it's the right instrument for your child!
• Getting an instrument online, at a toy store, or a place that specializes in rock band instruments is NOT recommended.
RENTING AN INSTRUMENT
QUINLAN and FABISH MUSIC, Burr Ridge
We have worked with them for well over 30 years. They offer high quality, affordable, student-line instruments.
Their rent to own program is perfect for our students. They are local and their rep visits our school at least once per week. The Q & F Rental fliers are here: English | Spanish | Polish
HOW DO I RENT THROUGH QUINLAN and FABISH?
1) START A RENTAL ONLINE by CLICKING HERE.
NEED HELP? THIS VIDEO will walk you through the process.
2) START A RENTAL OVER THE PHONE BY CALLING: 630.654.4111.
Tell them you're with Prairieview Elementary in DG, Brian Ohlsen, director.
3) START A RENTAL IN PERSON by visiting the store at: 6827 High Grove Blvd, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. East on Plainfield Rd, about 1 mile past Rt. 83 on the right. STORE INFO AND HOURS. Again, tell them you're with Prairieview Elementary in DG, Brian Ohlsen, director.
The rental program is valuable because you are not forced to invest in an instrument until you know what your child’s commitment level will be. A representative from Quinlan and Fabish will explain the rental program to you at your scheduled band conference.
STARTUP, LESSONS, and REHEARSALS
We are looking to start lessons by the first week of October. A few beginner "Master Classes" on instrument assembly will happen the week before we start daytime lessons.
Students will receive ONE 30-MINUTE lesson per week with a small group of like instruments. This is where we learn the fundamentals of music and techniques on the specific instruments.
Lessons rotate through the day on a rotating schedule. This schedule allows students to come during the day and only miss a particular part of class once every five to seven weeks. I have created a video to walk you through how this and the band buddy slips work. It can be found HERE.
Sometime mid-year we will start before school morning rehearsals with mixed instruments. This is where we learn how to play as an ensemble and start learning music for upcoming performances. The band will be split into smaller groups to accommodate the number of students in the group. *NOTE: before school rehearsals will be dependent on the outcome of our referendum vote in November.
ALL INFO REGARDING LESSONS, REHEARSALS, AND GROUPINGS WILL BE SENT OUT PRIOR TO STARTUP OF EACH.
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
Students with larger instruments drop them off in the instrument room cubby, (next to the bandroom), in the morning when they arrive. Small instruments such as flutes, clarinets, and oboes can be stored in their locker or in the classroom.
SUPPLIES and TECHNOLOGY
At each lesson, Beginning Band students should have their instrument, sticks/mallets, and lesson book/music folder, pencil. Don’t forget your mouthpiece, reeds, etc…
Beginning Band students will eventually bring their Chromebooks to their band lessons. We will let them know when this is to happen.
We will be using the following technology to share playing assignments and create small group recordings: Classroom, Seesaw, and Smartmusic
EXTRA HELP or CHECK IN
Since we do not see the students every day, there may be times where your child needs some extra support. Mr. Tedeschi and I would encourage your child to contact us through email to set up a time to meet. This could be either in person or via Google Meet. We are here to help and want to make sure your child has the support they need to succeed.
PERFORMANCES
We are putting performances on the schedule, though for obvious reasons, these are subject to change. At this time, we are planning on live performances in front of a limited, masked audience. Total audience capacity/numbers will be determined by our administration.
Beginners typically have TWO performances. The first is a demo concert in late January/early February and the big debut concert is in mid-May.
COSTS
There are NO band fees for Beginning Band. There will be costs involved in obtaining an instrument and supplies.
Cost should NOT be a factor in determining if your child participates in band or not. We can help out!
Please let me know if you need assistance with an instrument.
Prairieview Beginning Band - Mr. Ohlsen
The Beginning Band consists primarily of 4th grade students in their first year of instruction. Recruitment orientation begins in the spring of the 3rd grade and continues in the fall. Beginning Band parent orientation is in early September. Instrument tryouts happen during the music classes, the instrument "petting zoo" times, and through one on one conferences.
Beginning Band lessons start in early October on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each student receives one 30 minute small group lesson per week and come out of class using a rotating schedule. Once the students have a basic grasp of their instruments, they start rehearsing together as a group. Full group rehearsals are before school from 7:10-7:50 am on Mondays and Fridays. Typically, the band is large and will be split into two groups, one for each day. Beginning Band students perform one concert, their debut performance in May.
If a student in 5th grade who did not join band in 4th grade desires to be in band, that student must start with the Beginning Band students and will be placed in the Beginning Band for the school year. Private lessons are highly encouraged to help move these students ahead, as they will make a grade jump into the jr. high.
A student moving into the district with experience in band will perform an audition in order to determine proper placement in the band program.
EVALUATION
Each student is evaluated from their very first lesson. Though no letter grades are issued for Beginning Band, every group lesson will be assessed and documented. Starting second trimester, progress reports will be sent home. For the third trimester, a progress report along with a recommendation for the following year will be sent. Attendance at early morning rehearsals, group lessons and our performance is expected. Non-attendance makes it difficult for a child to progress at a steady rate.
WORKBOOKS/SUPPLEMENTAL MUSIC
Provided by the district.
SUPPLIES
If you rent an instrument, all supplies will come with it. If not, your child will need:
Brass Supplies
Valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush, name tag on instrument case, wire music stand
Extended Supply (HIGHLY recommended for Trombone and French horn): Chromatic Tuner
Try one of these: Korg CA-1 or the Snark SN-2
Woodwind Supplies
Wire music stand and:
Oboe: Jones Medium Soft Reeds (2), silk swab, name tag on instrument case.
Clarinet: Juno #2 1/2 (1 box of 10), swab, cork grease, name tag on instrument case.
Alto Sax: Juno #2 1/2 (1 box of 10)
Percussion Supplies
Snare sticks-Vic Firth 5BN (5B is the size and N is for nylon tip), Step-up Bell Mallets (not the cheapie wood ones), Stick Bag-labeled with name, wire music stand
RECOMMENDED INSTRUMENT BRANDS
Brass Instruments
Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Conn-Selmer
Horn: Conn 8D or Holton H279 Farkas
Trombone: Jupiter, Bach or Yamaha Student Line
Baritone: Jupiter, Bach or Yamaha Student Line
Woodwind Instruments
Flute: Yamaha, or Gemeinhardt beginner model
Oboe: Selmer
Clarinet: Yamaha YCL-450, Buffet Student Model (B12)
Alto Sax~Yamaha YAS-200AD
Please contact Mr. Ohlsen or Mr. Tedeschi for information about instrument upgrades!
The Beginning Band consists primarily of 4th grade students in their first year of instruction. Recruitment orientation begins in the spring of the 3rd grade and continues in the fall. Beginning Band parent orientation is in early September. Instrument tryouts happen during the music classes, the instrument "petting zoo" times, and through one on one conferences.
Beginning Band lessons start in early October on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each student receives one 30 minute small group lesson per week and come out of class using a rotating schedule. Once the students have a basic grasp of their instruments, they start rehearsing together as a group. Full group rehearsals are before school from 7:10-7:50 am on Mondays and Fridays. Typically, the band is large and will be split into two groups, one for each day. Beginning Band students perform one concert, their debut performance in May.
If a student in 5th grade who did not join band in 4th grade desires to be in band, that student must start with the Beginning Band students and will be placed in the Beginning Band for the school year. Private lessons are highly encouraged to help move these students ahead, as they will make a grade jump into the jr. high.
A student moving into the district with experience in band will perform an audition in order to determine proper placement in the band program.
EVALUATION
Each student is evaluated from their very first lesson. Though no letter grades are issued for Beginning Band, every group lesson will be assessed and documented. Starting second trimester, progress reports will be sent home. For the third trimester, a progress report along with a recommendation for the following year will be sent. Attendance at early morning rehearsals, group lessons and our performance is expected. Non-attendance makes it difficult for a child to progress at a steady rate.
WORKBOOKS/SUPPLEMENTAL MUSIC
Provided by the district.
SUPPLIES
If you rent an instrument, all supplies will come with it. If not, your child will need:
Brass Supplies
Valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush, name tag on instrument case, wire music stand
Extended Supply (HIGHLY recommended for Trombone and French horn): Chromatic Tuner
Try one of these: Korg CA-1 or the Snark SN-2
Woodwind Supplies
Wire music stand and:
Oboe: Jones Medium Soft Reeds (2), silk swab, name tag on instrument case.
Clarinet: Juno #2 1/2 (1 box of 10), swab, cork grease, name tag on instrument case.
Alto Sax: Juno #2 1/2 (1 box of 10)
Percussion Supplies
Snare sticks-Vic Firth 5BN (5B is the size and N is for nylon tip), Step-up Bell Mallets (not the cheapie wood ones), Stick Bag-labeled with name, wire music stand
RECOMMENDED INSTRUMENT BRANDS
Brass Instruments
Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Conn-Selmer
Horn: Conn 8D or Holton H279 Farkas
Trombone: Jupiter, Bach or Yamaha Student Line
Baritone: Jupiter, Bach or Yamaha Student Line
Woodwind Instruments
Flute: Yamaha, or Gemeinhardt beginner model
Oboe: Selmer
Clarinet: Yamaha YCL-450, Buffet Student Model (B12)
Alto Sax~Yamaha YAS-200AD
Please contact Mr. Ohlsen or Mr. Tedeschi for information about instrument upgrades!
