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We are very fortunate to have a strong and successful music program in the Cape Elizabeth Schools. Our band program begins in the fifth grade and students may select one of the following instruments for class lessons: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and percussion (bells and drum pad). Fifth grade band members have sectionals twice a week and full band once a week as part of their regular academic schedule.
Students who plan to participate in band in fifth grade need to sign up for band and a specific instrument in the spring of their fourth grade year. If you would like to register your child for fifth grade band after this time, please email Mrs. Ramsey & Ms. Shabo to find out what instrument sections still have availability. |
5th Grade Instrument Extravaganza
Mini Lesson Day Saturday, October 3 8:00am-3:00pm *All 5th grade instruments need to be acquired by 9/15, so Mrs. Ramsey & Ms. Shabo can playtest and mark them in advance of the 10/3 Extravaganza. Can't remember which instrument is which?
Buying a new or used instrument?
Buyer Beware! Not all instruments are created equal! |
Why should my child join band?
As a band member, your child will have the opportunity to develop skills that can bring joy for a lifetime. Learning to play a musical instrument is a rewarding experience for anyone at any age, but music is especially helpful to the development of most children. Studies have shown that students who learn to play a musical instrument have greater self-discipline and collaborative skills. Additionally, statistics indicate that a child’s continual participation in music will greatly assist in earning higher grades and scoring better on standardized tests. At CEMS, about 80% of fifth graders participate in band each year.
However, if band doesn't sound like it will be a good fit for your child, students who do not participate in band will still experience general music at the middle school level.
However, if band doesn't sound like it will be a good fit for your child, students who do not participate in band will still experience general music at the middle school level.
Which band instrument will my child have success with?
Choosing an instrument is a decision that should not be taken lightly as it can mean the difference between an extremely positive or a completely frustrating experience for your child. In order to help you and your child make an informed decision, interested fourth grade students will be offered instrument suitability evaluations in the spring. Once the evaluations are complete, I will send home the results. This information will give you a starting point for discussion with your child about choosing the most successful instrument for them. The goal of these evaluations is to increase the likelihood that your child will have a positive and rewarding band experience.
A child's personality and learning style should also be taken into consideration when selecting an instrument. In addition to the results of the suitability evaluations, click here for a guide that is designed to help you decide which instrument will be the best fit for your child.
A child's personality and learning style should also be taken into consideration when selecting an instrument. In addition to the results of the suitability evaluations, click here for a guide that is designed to help you decide which instrument will be the best fit for your child.
How do I get an instrument?
There are a variety of ways to obtain a musical instrument for band: borrow an available instrument from family or friends; scour craigslist or Uncle Henry’s for used instruments; or purchase an instrument from one of the many reputable music stores in Southern Maine. However, the most common way that parents acquire an instrument is through the rent-to-own programs which are offered by several music companies in Maine. Costs vary from company to company, so I encourage you to call these companies for details. Although purchasing an instrument on the Internet is an option, please be very careful. If the price is too good to be true, beware! (Please beware of instruments sold at the large “box” stores. These are generally not quality musical instruments. Should one of these instruments need repair later on, the local music stores will not repair them for you.)
*Although students will be signing up for band in the spring, you do not need to acquire the instrument until mid September.
*Although students will be signing up for band in the spring, you do not need to acquire the instrument until mid September.
5th Grade Instrument ExTRAVAGANZA
At the 5th Grade Instrument Extravaganza, band students (accompanied by one parent) will pick up their instrument/supplies and have a one-on-one mini lesson. Students will learn how to put together their instrument, how to hold it, how to play their first note, and how to put it back in the case. Each student will have a scheduled mini lesson time. Mini lessons will take about 20-30 minutes depending on the instrument. Mini lessons will be taught by local middle school and high band directors. Mini lessons are an important part of our 5th grade band kick off. We have found these one-on-one mini lessons to be vital to students’ success. This is always a fun, exciting, and beneficial event for students and families.
Does my child need anything other than an instrument for band class?
YES!!! ALL band students will need:
1. A lesson book (Standard of Excellence, Book 1)
The Standard of Excellence book can be purchased at any reputable music store for around $7.00.
2. SmartMusic Subscription
The cost of your child's martMusic subscription is covered by the school, so you WILL NOT need to purchase a subscription. However, you will need non-bluetooth headphones to use SmartMusic.
Other accessories such as reeds, oils, and music stands can be purchased at local music stores.
1. A lesson book (Standard of Excellence, Book 1)
The Standard of Excellence book can be purchased at any reputable music store for around $7.00.
2. SmartMusic Subscription
The cost of your child's martMusic subscription is covered by the school, so you WILL NOT need to purchase a subscription. However, you will need non-bluetooth headphones to use SmartMusic.
Other accessories such as reeds, oils, and music stands can be purchased at local music stores.
