Learn More about the Lead Mine Beginning Band
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What is Beginning Band?Beginning Band is a class designed especially for 3rd-5th graders at Lead Mine who have never played a band instrument before. In Beginning Band, students choose a band instrument and start learning to play from scratch. Ms. Thompson guides beginner students toward developing good practice habits, a basic understanding of their instruments, ability to read and compose music, and a solid musical foundation upon which to build their future musical endeavors. |
Instruments available to beginners
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion (snare drum and bell set)
How will my child choose an instrument?
Before band begins, Ms. Thompson will hold an Instrument Show and Tell Session for all students who are interested in joining band. During Show and Tell, Ms. Thompson will play each instrument for the students and briefly discuss each instrument's characteristics and challenges. Then, students will be able to try each band instrument. By the end of Show and Tell, each student should have an idea of which instrument he or she wants to play in band. Parents have until the first day of band rehearsal to obtain an instrument for their child.
A Dozen Things You'll Learn in Beginning Band
- How to assemble, hold, and produce a tone on your instrument of choice
- How to clean and care for your instrument
- How to figure out and play simple tunes by ear
- How to read music in your instrument's clef
- How to count rhythms including whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes
- How to compose your own music
- How to play at least one major scale on your instrument
- How to play with a pretty sound and blend with the musicians around you
- How to to practice like a professional
- How to play music with melodies, countermelodies, and basslines (and not get lost)
- How to communicate like a musician
- How to build strength and precision in your lungs, lips, and fingers
When does Beginning Band rehearse?
The Beginning Band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year from 3:05-4pm in the music room.
How do I join Beginning Band?
To join Beginning Band, simply fill out our online registration form and pay your band tuition either online or by mail.
Return to the About Band page
Learn about Continuing Band.