Dear Beginning Band Students/Parents,
I am excited that your son or daughter has decided to join the Kate Collins Band this year. This letter will provide you with information you will need to know about your child's participation in this program.
As your student begins this program, there are two essential items needed by the second week of school. First, your student will need the instrument that was selected following the Instrument Selection Night. If you were not able to attend, this will be figured out at the beginning of the school year. I suggest if you have not obtained an instrument that you rent a good quality instrument from a reputable music dealer or from the middle school (typically larger instruments). If you are renting from the middle school please send in cash or a check made out to Kate Collins Middle School for $80.00 (given to Mr. Harner to record) and fill out the Instrument Rental Form. School owned instruments will not be given out until the Instrument Rental Form has been filled out, signed, returned and payment has been made.
Second, each student will need to purchase the band method book for the year (Sound Innovations - Book 1). You can purchase the method book from Shen-Valley Band Instrument Service out of Harrisonburg, VA or you can also find it available online on Amazon.com.
It is also strongly recommended that all instrument cases have a name tag attached to make identification possible. All instrument cases look the same. Luggage tags work great!
Required Materials:
Quality Instrument
Sound Innovations – Book 1
Pencils!
2” - 3 Ring Binder
1 (25) pack of clear plastic sheet protector
1 set of 5 binder dividers
Instrument Specific Items:
- Woodwind Instruments
Oboe/Bassoon – 2 soft to medium soft reeds + old pill bottle for water reservoir.
Clarinets/Saxes – Box of 10 Reeds *Rico Brand* - Level 2 strength
Cork Grease (Usually included with new rentals)
Instrument swab (Usually included with new rentals) - Brass Instruments
Trumpets/Baritones/Tubas – Small bottle of valve oil (Usually included with new rentals)
French Horns - Small bottle of rotary oil (Usually included with new rentals)
Trombones - Small bottle of slide oil (Usually included with new rentals)
Folding metal music stand to use at home.
Additionally, it is recommended that students purchase a metronome and tuner.
*There are many free metronome and tuner apps available that are fantastic.*
Replacement Materials and Supplies may be purchased at the following shop:
Shen-Valley Band Instrument
144 N Liberty St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
(540) 434-8546
It is easiest to call and place your order with them over the phone.
They also deliver for free every week to the school!
We are going to have a fantastic school year!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
[email protected]
kcmsbands.weebly.com
(540) 946-4635 x1409
Sincerely,
Berkeley Harner
Kate Collins Middle School - Band Director