The Firebird Band
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." - Plato
COVID-19 has brought a lot of changes this year. One thing it won't change, however, is music at Honey Creek!
Here at Honey Creek we feel that Music is a fundamental part of a balanced education, and learning to play an instrument is a key part of that process. This is your year to join band and learn to play an instrument! But like many things, the process will be a little different than in years past.
About Band
At Honey Creek we start Band with 5 Instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Of the approximately 30 students that are in 5th grade this year, we try to split the groups evenly based on interest in each instrument group. After their first year of study, some students have the choice to switch to other instruments like, Saxophone, French Horn, and Tuba.
VIRTUAL Band
We will be using a new Internet Based program called SmartMusic to communicate, get assignments, practice, access our book and music, and submit assignments for grades.
ALL you need for this is access to the internet and an internet capable tablet or computer. There will be information coming out to help you get this program up and running in the first few meetings.
Class and Private Lessons
While we are on Remote Learning, we will be having regular class meetings once a week to work on group work, asking questions, and learning about the common parts of music. We will ALSO be having individual Virtual Private Lessons with Garry once a week. These lessons can be scheduled outside of the regular school day to fit into family schedules.
STEP 1: Play The Band Game!
Attached below is a link to find out more about being in the band and a game to help you decide which instrument you might want to play.
BE PART OF THE BAND GAME!
STEP 2: Get an Instrument
Information on getting an instrument is CLICK HERE. The short version is:
1. You get what you pay for
2. If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't true
3. The devil is in the details
4. Buyer beware!
PLEASE take the time to read THIS WEBPAGE to make sure you (but mostly, your student) doesn't suffer with an inferior instrument! I will be HAPPY to check out any instruments you are thinking of purchasing. PLEASE EMAIL ME BEFORE BUYING!
STEP 3 Theres an APP for that!
This year we will be using SmartMusic instead of purchasing a paper copy of a method book.
SmartMusic is AMAZING and has so much more to offer students than just access to their method book!
The annual subscription will be either $20 or $40 dollars for the year. (SCHOLARSHIPS available for hardship so PLEASE talk to us!)
Here at Honey Creek we feel that Music is a fundamental part of a balanced education, and learning to play an instrument is a key part of that process. This is your year to join band and learn to play an instrument! But like many things, the process will be a little different than in years past.
About Band
At Honey Creek we start Band with 5 Instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Of the approximately 30 students that are in 5th grade this year, we try to split the groups evenly based on interest in each instrument group. After their first year of study, some students have the choice to switch to other instruments like, Saxophone, French Horn, and Tuba.
VIRTUAL Band
We will be using a new Internet Based program called SmartMusic to communicate, get assignments, practice, access our book and music, and submit assignments for grades.
ALL you need for this is access to the internet and an internet capable tablet or computer. There will be information coming out to help you get this program up and running in the first few meetings.
Class and Private Lessons
While we are on Remote Learning, we will be having regular class meetings once a week to work on group work, asking questions, and learning about the common parts of music. We will ALSO be having individual Virtual Private Lessons with Garry once a week. These lessons can be scheduled outside of the regular school day to fit into family schedules.
STEP 1: Play The Band Game!
Attached below is a link to find out more about being in the band and a game to help you decide which instrument you might want to play.
BE PART OF THE BAND GAME!
STEP 2: Get an Instrument
Information on getting an instrument is CLICK HERE. The short version is:
1. You get what you pay for
2. If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't true
3. The devil is in the details
4. Buyer beware!
PLEASE take the time to read THIS WEBPAGE to make sure you (but mostly, your student) doesn't suffer with an inferior instrument! I will be HAPPY to check out any instruments you are thinking of purchasing. PLEASE EMAIL ME BEFORE BUYING!
STEP 3 Theres an APP for that!
This year we will be using SmartMusic instead of purchasing a paper copy of a method book.
SmartMusic is AMAZING and has so much more to offer students than just access to their method book!
The annual subscription will be either $20 or $40 dollars for the year. (SCHOLARSHIPS available for hardship so PLEASE talk to us!)
Bandmate is an amazing tool for your musician at home. Compatible with Kindle, Android, and Apple, it is also Ad-free, and totally FREE. After selecting their instrument in the drop down menu, the students play a note and see that note on a staff to confirm they are playing the correct note! Click above to download. There is a PAID version that adds some more functions to the app, but for the purposes of out band class, the free version will be enough.