5th-Grade Beginning Band
Hello!
Your student has chosen to be in our band program at High Plains School. Welcome to the BAND!! I am so excited to begin this musical journey with your student. Whether this is their very first experience with an instrument or they already have some background, this process will be full of growth, teamwork, and fun. Please speak with your kiddo about what they chose to play.
Here are a few important things to know as we get started:
In beginning band, all 5th-grade students will learn how to properly care for their instrument, how to assemble/disassemble their equipment, read music, and perform as part of an ensemble. Along the way, they will build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of accomplishment. The 5th-grade beginning band will meet every Wednesday after school in the HPS Band room starting on April 22nd. We were going to begin this week, but we had some scheduling issues, so if your calendar still shows us meeting this Wednesday, scratch that. When we do meet, that time is used to get them started with some fundamental skills and knowledge at no extra cost to you. We have middle school, high school, and college-level volunteers in addition to adult musicians. All of these people are a great resource and want to help your new musician learn the best techniques right off the bat. Here are those dates; please note we are skipping a week.
* NEXT STEPS *
If your family already owns the instrument they chose to play:
Wonderful! You will need to make sure it is in clean playing condition. This may require taking it "to the shop" and getting it in "P.C." (playing condition). This usually includes any repairs, replacement of parts, a cleaning, and a playing test to make sure it is ready for your budding musician. Your student also needs to have a Tradition of Excellence - Book 1 for their specific instrument. And should optionally have a cleaning kit and a folding music stand.
If your family does not have the instrument they chose to play:
No problem! There are a few ways to go about this. I always recommend that beginning band students rent first before making a major purchase. While I believe they will love it, sometimes minds change. Also, most companies provide a rent-to-own option. Back to rentals... We have the luxury of living near a great store called Boomer Music Company. They are celebrating their 50th year of business in Fort Collins and have everything you will need in a brick-and-mortar store. If you prefer to shop online, you can rent everything you need HERE. I have also arranged a rental night for tomorrow, (Monday, April 6th) from 4-6:00 pm, where you can stop by the HPS music room and get set up and ask more questions. This is optional, but I have found it has been a beneficial experience for all. HPS does rent out some instruments, but I have a limited inventory, so it is first-come, first-served. Once my inventory is fully rented out, I will direct you to Drew Holmes - the owner and operator of Boomer Music. He will have rental information, can take your payment information, answer questions, and will be able to secure all items for you. These will conveniently be delivered to HPS before our first rehearsal. Your student also needs to have a Tradition of Excellence - Book 1 for their specific instrument. And should optionally have a cleaning kit and a folding music stand.
* CALENDAR *
DATE [DAY OF WEEK] TIME - EVENT & PARTICIPANTS @ LOCATION
Our district will also offer SUMMER BAND. This is at a reasonable cost, located at MVHS, and will provide your student with additional help from private instructors and local band directors. Registration will open for this soon, and I will alert you when it is time to sign up.
Band will then be part of their school day beginning in August, so no more after-school rehearsals. Band is such a special experience, and I am truly looking forward to making music with your students. Thank you for your support in helping them succeed! Please, please, reach out with any questions.
Your student has chosen to be in our band program at High Plains School. Welcome to the BAND!! I am so excited to begin this musical journey with your student. Whether this is their very first experience with an instrument or they already have some background, this process will be full of growth, teamwork, and fun. Please speak with your kiddo about what they chose to play.
Here are a few important things to know as we get started:
- Perfection is not required, and I expect no student to walk in on day one and be able to play. I am here to teach them along the way.
- Students should bring their instruments and all necessary materials to our weekly optional rehearsals (dates listed below)
- At these rehearsals, your student needs to bring:
- Instrument
- Tradition of Excellence - Book 1 for their specific instrument
Students do NOT need to bring:
- Folding Stand
- Entire Cleaning Kit
- At these rehearsals, your student needs to bring:
- Regular practice at home will help them be successful and feel confident. I have also listed educational videos on this page (scroll down)
- Communication is key—please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. This is a learning process for everyone new to our program - you, too!
In beginning band, all 5th-grade students will learn how to properly care for their instrument, how to assemble/disassemble their equipment, read music, and perform as part of an ensemble. Along the way, they will build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of accomplishment. The 5th-grade beginning band will meet every Wednesday after school in the HPS Band room starting on April 22nd. We were going to begin this week, but we had some scheduling issues, so if your calendar still shows us meeting this Wednesday, scratch that. When we do meet, that time is used to get them started with some fundamental skills and knowledge at no extra cost to you. We have middle school, high school, and college-level volunteers in addition to adult musicians. All of these people are a great resource and want to help your new musician learn the best techniques right off the bat. Here are those dates; please note we are skipping a week.
* NEXT STEPS *
If your family already owns the instrument they chose to play:
Wonderful! You will need to make sure it is in clean playing condition. This may require taking it "to the shop" and getting it in "P.C." (playing condition). This usually includes any repairs, replacement of parts, a cleaning, and a playing test to make sure it is ready for your budding musician. Your student also needs to have a Tradition of Excellence - Book 1 for their specific instrument. And should optionally have a cleaning kit and a folding music stand.
If your family does not have the instrument they chose to play:
No problem! There are a few ways to go about this. I always recommend that beginning band students rent first before making a major purchase. While I believe they will love it, sometimes minds change. Also, most companies provide a rent-to-own option. Back to rentals... We have the luxury of living near a great store called Boomer Music Company. They are celebrating their 50th year of business in Fort Collins and have everything you will need in a brick-and-mortar store. If you prefer to shop online, you can rent everything you need HERE. I have also arranged a rental night for tomorrow, (Monday, April 6th) from 4-6:00 pm, where you can stop by the HPS music room and get set up and ask more questions. This is optional, but I have found it has been a beneficial experience for all. HPS does rent out some instruments, but I have a limited inventory, so it is first-come, first-served. Once my inventory is fully rented out, I will direct you to Drew Holmes - the owner and operator of Boomer Music. He will have rental information, can take your payment information, answer questions, and will be able to secure all items for you. These will conveniently be delivered to HPS before our first rehearsal. Your student also needs to have a Tradition of Excellence - Book 1 for their specific instrument. And should optionally have a cleaning kit and a folding music stand.
* CALENDAR *
DATE [DAY OF WEEK] TIME - EVENT & PARTICIPANTS @ LOCATION
- (TOMORROW!) April 6 [Monday] 4:00-6:00 pm - optional Rental Night with Boomer Music @ HPS
- April 22 [Wednesday] 3:45-5:00 pm - 5th-grade Beginning Band @ HPS
- April 29 [Wednesday] 3:45-5:00 pm - 5th-grade Beginning Band @ HPS
- May 6 [Wednesday] 3:45-5:00 pm - 5th-grade Beginning Band @ HPS
- May 13 [Wednesday] 3:45-5:00 pm - 5th-grade Beginning Band @ HPS
Our district will also offer SUMMER BAND. This is at a reasonable cost, located at MVHS, and will provide your student with additional help from private instructors and local band directors. Registration will open for this soon, and I will alert you when it is time to sign up.
- June 15-26 [Monday-Friday] 9 am -12 pm depending on class times - Summer Academy of Music @ MVHS
Band will then be part of their school day beginning in August, so no more after-school rehearsals. Band is such a special experience, and I am truly looking forward to making music with your students. Thank you for your support in helping them succeed! Please, please, reach out with any questions.
Would you like to be in band?
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Are you interested in learning an instrument? If so, there are some things you may want to learn about the process. Please watch this presentation to better understand what options you have and what you can do to achieve your goal. Please view until you see the gray "thank you" slide at the end. Reach out with any questions! 
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It all begins with your passion. What do you want to play...?
Below are the typical instruments that will be offered in the HPS 5th-grade beginning band ensemble:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone
- Trumpet
- French Horn
- Trombone
- Baritone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Percussion
Overview of Instruments
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Click here to check out another great resource from the Philharmonia Orchestra!!
And here for videos made by one of our local resources, Boomer Music!!
And here for videos made by one of our local resources, Boomer Music!!
Flute & Oboe
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Clarinet & Saxophone
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Trumpet & French Horn
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Trombone & Euphonium
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Tuba
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Percussion
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