For Parents
NEW! Steps to sign up for Marching Band 2008
Ensembles & Courses offered by the Cedar Cliff Band Program
Practice Expectations
Private Lessons / Sectionals
Grading
Instrument Repairs
Concerts
Steps to sign up for Marching Band 2008
- Complete the Student Interest Form
- Complete the Medical Form
and place in brown box in band room
- Complete the Website Form
and place in brown box in band room
Ensembles &: Courses offered by the Cedar Cliff Band Program
Curricular
- Ninth Grade Band (meets 135 days)
- Concert Band (meets 246 days)
- Wind Ensemble*
- Comprehensive Musicianship
- Intro to Music
Extra-curricular
- Marching Band
- Blue Jazz Ensemble*
- Jazz Lab
- Indoor Color Guard
- Percussion Ensemble
* Auditions required
Practice Expectations
Your son or daughter is expected to practice a minimum of 30-45 minutes a day, five days a week.
Students in audition ensembles are expected to practice every day. You play a big role in
supporting them on this commitment to their music. Some important tips to guiding your son or
daughter in getting the most out of their practice time.
- Set up a regular practice spot for them in the house
- Schedule a regular practice time that occurs every day
- Encourage them to use the following tools / approaches:
- Use a metronome
- Practice small pieces at a time
- Practice things slow enough to play them as close to perfect as possible
- Chart progress by keeping a journal of some kind
- Take breaks - "cramming" simply does not work with practicing music
- Even a little bit of time each day is better than none at all
- Always play at least one thing in your practice session that you really enjoy!
Private Lessons / Sectionals
It is strongly encouraged that you consider arranging for your son or daughter to take private lessons on
his or her instrument and take advantage of the great private instructors we have in our area.
There is no substitute for private instruction with a specialist on your son or daughter's
instrument. Ben Goldsborough maintains a list of private instructors in the area and will recommend one for you
upon your request.
OPTION 1: Students taking private lessons are required to submit a yearly sectional
exemption form signed by a parent. Students receive credit for submitting lesson logs signed by
their instructors on a monthly basis.
OPTION 2: Students not taking private lessons are required to attend
regularly scheduled
sectionals during the school day. Sectionals are mandatory unless the student is taking a
test or doing poorly (C or below) in class.
Grading
- Ensemble participation
- Preparedness (instrument, reeds, pencil, music)
- Rehearsal etiquette
- Lesson Logs / Sectionals
- Tests
- "Spot checks" - informal evaluations occurring during the ensemble period
- Playing tests - once a marking period evaluation of assigned material
- Extra Credit
- Students participating in extra-curricular ensembles
- Students helping out with special concert or booster related events
Instrument Repairs
The Horn Hospital visits us every Wednesday morning to pickup and drop off instruments for repair
needs. If your son or daughter's instrument needs a repair or annual tune-up, please follow the
following procedure:
- Call the Horn Hospital at 957-2775, provide them with the following information
- Your name & phone number
- Your son / daughter's name
- Instrument
- Problem with the instrument
- Have them arrange to bring a loaner instrument
- Fill out a horn hospital form (available tonight) and attach it to your son / daughter's
instrument case.
- Have your son or daughter drop the instrument off by my office door by Wednesday morning.
They should keep their mouthpiece, neck strap, and accessories to use with the loaner horn.
Note: Horn Hospital and Menchey Music (888-636-2439) both visit on a weekly basis and can also
deliver reeds, mouthpieces and other accessories to me for your son or daughter.
Concerts
*** Attendance strictly mandatory ***
Cedar Cliff will hold no more concerts for the 2007-08 school year. Please check back in the fall!
