GET INVOLVED!

The best way to show support for your young musicians is by volunteering your time. We need volunteers for the following events during the fall semester:

8/14/24 - INSTRUMENT TESTING NIGHT 5:30-8:30pm:
We are in need of some 7th and 8th grade parents to help with the following:​

• Run the photo booth!
• Direct foot traffic to prevent chaos.
• Ask-A-Band-Parent Booth - Answer common questions about band to put new band parents at ease!

If you cannot stay for the entire event, your assistance for some of the event is greatly appreciated!

8/28/24 - 6th GRADE START UP CLINIC
We are in need of parent help with the following:

• Water bottle donations for students and clinicians
• Snack donations for students and clinicians
• Set Up
• Tear Down/Clean up!

9/6/24 - 8th GRADE NIGHT @ JCHS
We are in need of parent help at our annual 8th Grade Night with the Gladiator Marching Band! Please help support our students through providing supervision. Thank you!

Parent Involvement in At-Home Practice

Parents can be a major influence in helping their child learn to practice. Playing an instrument develops more than music skills: It teaches children how to plan time and set goals. By showing your child how to get organized for practice sessions, you will be helping him/her develop skills that will carry over into other academic subjects.
 
The Right Supplies

• Have a backup supply of reeds, oil, cleaning supplies, music, and a folding stand. A metronome/tuner is also useful (strongly recommended). Of course, the instrument should be in good playing condition.
• Students need a sturdy chair and a music stand to encourage correct posture and instrument position. Sitting on the edge of a bed or in a soft chair and placing music beside him/her or on the floor is discouraged because it creates bad habits of posture and instrument position. Students should practice how they perform.

 
Organizing the Equipment

• Put a nametag on everything that must be taken to school. Designate a place to put the instrument/music/stand and encourage your child to put it in the same place every day. This will help to keep your child from leaving things at home that need for class especially when they are in a hurry in the mornings.

 
Environment

• Set aside a place to practice. Make sure the lighting is good and the student is not disturbed by other family activities, or the family is not unduly disturbed.
• A regular time for practice is a must. 
• Sit in on practice sessions so you can learn what your child is learning.  Ask him/her to perform “Living Room Concerts” for you on a weekly basis to demonstrate what has been achieved during the practice sessions.
• Encourage your child to practice. Don’t use practice as a punishment. Remember your child still needs encouragement to brush their teeth, make the bed, clean their room, etc., and will need to be reminded to practice as a part of their school homework.
• Try to be patient with your child and offer encouragement when the going gets tough. Praise them when they get something correct. You know it will pass; help them through the rough spots. Tell them when you recognize something they are performing.  Ask them about what music styles they are performing or what skills they are learning.
• Create a musical atmosphere in the home by listening to recordings, watch concerts on PBS, or attend a performance together.
• No beginner plays his/her instrument beautifully.  Be patient.  Expect gradual improvement.  Help your child learn to pace their practice sessions.  Every day for shorter sessions is better than once a week for several hours.
• Set small goals that can be achieved giving students a sense of accomplishment.
• Encourage them to practice until their goal is reached.  Often times students practice watching a clock but never achieve their goals during the practice session.

 
Excerpted from “Help Your Child Learn to Practice”, The Instrumentalist, Barbara Prentice, Boles JHS, Arlington, TX.

Other Suggestions to Support Your Child's Music Education:

Parental/guardian involvement and guidance are critical to a student’s education, especially with beginning band.  There are many things that parents/guardians can do to help ensure success.

• Show an interest in the music study of your child.
• Arrange a regular time (appointment) for him/her to practice.
• Find a quiet place (with a music stand and proper chair) to practice without interruptions.
• Remain nearby during practice times to encourage and support.
• Help the student keep a DAILY RECORD of practicing.
• Come up with a reward system for DAILY practice.
• Provide a safe and consistent place to keep the instrument.
• Keep your child stocked with supplies, and help your child keep the instrument in good working order.
• Teach the importance of being prepared and on time for rehearsals, performances, classes, and lessons.
• Encourage him/her to play for others when opportunities arise in the home, church, school, and community.
• Provide private instruction with the best possible specialist in our area.
• Attend concerts and recitals with your child, encouraging the experience of a wide variety of music.
• Encourage him/her that he/she brings the instrument and materials to and from school every day.
• Discuss with Mrs. Smith anything that might help her understand your child and talk with the band directors on a regular basis about your child’s progress.
• Notify the director as soon as possible if your child is absent from rehearsal or concert.
• See that he/she keeps with academic studies.
• Visit rehearsal occasionally.
• Make it a priority to attend meetings, concerts, recitals, and other activities.
• Be a positive, encourage force in the musical growth of your child. 

What to Do if Your Child Loses Interest:

Occasionally, students will become frustrated with progress on their instrument, especially when the newness ends.  Students at this age are also easily swayed by the opinions of their peers.  When something gets difficult students will sometimes want to give up rather than see it as a growth opportunity. All of these things are normal but sticking with it will prove to be beneficial in the long run.
 

• Discuss the situation with your child to determine why his or her interest in declining.
• Talk with Ms. Smith to see what might be done to stimulate interest.
• Have them stick with it. All musicians go through periods of time where practice is difficult or there is a learning curve.  
• Offer increased enthusiasm and support.
• Find new sources of inspiration such as live musical theater performances, different artists’ recordings, and concerts that feature your child’s instrument.
• Attend band festivals, college band performances, community band, and symphony orchestra concerts and allow your child to project his or her possible future musical experiences.
• Seek advice from parents of other band members.
• Start a family band and schedule regular jam sessions.
• Have your child teach you how to play their instrument.
• Find an older student mentor for support and musical interaction.
• Take your child to see a favorite movie, discuss the role of the music, and purchase a recording of the soundtrack for further family enjoyment.
• Purchase fun pop/movie music for your child’s instrument. Playing something recognizable can spark their interest.
• Host a band party!!