Welcome to the LAKEWOOD BAND PROGRAM! We are thrilled to have your child as a part of the beginning band and anxious to get started. Here is some information that will help you assist your child on this exciting new journey.

Road Map for Parents

Practice Information

Practice is essential for the progress of any beginning band student. We recommend all students practice at least 5 days per week for at least 15 minutes each day. Consistency is the key! If you can help your child set up a schedule, it will become a part of their daily routine. For example, they could set aside 15 minutes right after getting home from school, or the 15 minutes before or after dinner, etc.

Needed Materials

Band lessons take place twice a week in small groups (by like instrument family-woodwinds, brass, or percussion.) Each time your child has class, they need to bring certain materials with them unless instructed otherwise. These materials are: instrument with all necessary items (reeds, ligatures, mouthpieces, drumsticks, etc.), book, and pencil, and folder (to hold book and other handouts.)

Commitment

We would like to suggest that if your child has decided to be a part of the beginning band, they should make a commitment for the entire year. There are always going to be difficult times when learning something new. Your child is going to be learning to read and perform notes and rhythms, to breathe in a totally new way, and to care for, hold, and play a new instrument. They do this in a short period of time.

Most of the time, they will have fun and not even realize how much they are learning. Other times, they (and you) may get discouraged. We need your help to get through these times of frustration. These periods do not last long, especially if the student is given support at home and school. It is important to realize that your encouragement may make the difference in your child’s performing for the first time and realizing the excitement of making music for an audience.

We are here to make band an educational and wonderful experience for your young musician. Working together, we can make this a journey your child will continue to enjoy and open the road to new and exciting ventures. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance along the way. You may contact us by leaving a message at the phone number or e-mails listed below.

Sincerely,