EMMA

CLASS PREREQUISITES: Students who have completed at lease one semester of Beginning Band at EMMA, or who have learned the basics of playing their band instrument through another source. Students who have experience in band class, but wish to try a new instrument must either enroll in Beginning Band for the new instrument, or seek out private instruction on the new instrument to bring their skills up to an Intermediate, or second-year playing level. Skills needed include: assembling their instrument, producing a good tone, reading and playing basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter and eighth notes and rests) and playing a one octave range on their instrument in the keys of Concert Bb and Concert Eb. Students must also be comfortable playing in the 2/4, ¾, and 4/4 time signatures. Playing by ear is a wonderful skill to have, but Intermediate Band students must be able to read music at an intermediate level. Prospective students who are new to EMMA Band need to meet with Mrs. Campbell for a skills assessment to determine proper class placement. Please email lifelongmusiclovers@gmail.comto set up a time for assessment.

TOTAL FEE: $140 ($130 + $10 materials fee) - includes at least four private or semi-private lessons during the semester.

TEXT/REQUIRED MATERIALS:

- Essential Elements Book 1 (for their chosen instrument),

- A portable music stand

- SmartMusic Subscription, $29.99 for the year. Each household must have access to the internet and a device with a screen at least as large as a tablet that has an internal microphone and speakers. An external microphone and headphones may be helpful for the students, but are not required. Please do not purchase SmartMusic until the beginning of the semester. If we get enough students in band to get the bulk rate, this will be cheaper, but only if we all wait to purchase.

- An instrument in good working order. Students may choose from the following instruments:

- Flute

- Clarinet or Bass Clarinet

- Alto, Tenor or Baritone Saxophone

- Trumpet

- Horn

- Trombone

- Baritone

- Tuba

- Percussion - Percussionists must be willing to play bells, snare, and auxiliary instruments, no one gets to stay on the same instrument all the time.

Please do not purchase an instrument from a big box store such as Sam’s. The instruments will be cheaper, but you will be setting your child up for failure as they don’t work well and when they break, no repair shop will touch them. It is best to visit a local music store such as Moore’s Music or Music and Arts, where you can choose to purchase outright or rent an instrument. If you have an old instrument from when you or a relative were in band in school, that is great! But please take it to a reputable music repair shop to be serviced well before class starts so that your child will be set up for success in band. If the instrument is not working properly, no amount of effort or practice will result in progress.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Intermediate Band students will continue the study of their individual instrument within the context of the full band class. Focus will be on proper embouchure, good tone quality, reading music and playing notes and rhythms in the clef and key of their chosen instrument. Each week, students will work in class on new skills, and will complete and turn in assignments from home using SmartMusic. Every student will be scheduled for at least four private or semi-private lessons during the semester either before or after class.

Contact mentor with placement questions