06.01.10

Summertime is Instrument Time!

Posted in getting an instrument, summer preparation at 2:34 pm by Administrator

It’s summer, the perfect time for lemonade, swimming pools, and….getting ready for band in the fall! Taking a little time over the summer to find a band instrument and materials for your child can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. However, for band parents who don’t have musical backgrounds, it can be hard to know where to find a quality instrument. Here are 3 great places to start looking for your child’s instrument:

1. Marsh Woodwinds – Marsh Woodwinds is like a candy store for musicians–rows of beautiful instruments hung on the walls, the giants of jazz floating from the speakers, and knowledgeable people behind every counter. Marsh has a large inventory of used beginner instruments made by trusted brands; rest assured, you’ll come away with an instrument that your child can enjoy for years to come. They also have all the oils, greases, swabs, and other accessories your child will need in band. Check out http://www.marshwoodwinds.com or visit their store at 707 N. Person St., Raleigh NC 27604.

2. 2112 Percussion – This is the candy store for musicians who like to hit stuff! If you plan to play percussion in the Wiley Band, 2112 is your best bet for getting a nice instrument and meeting some awesome pro percussionists. When you visit 2112, make sure to tell the person at the counter that you’re starting beginning band, and need a beginning percussion kit. 2112 usually stocks these toward the end of the summer, but they will be happy to order one especially for you. I recommend getting a percussion kit with a practice pad, not a snare drum, for beginning band students.

3. Craigslist - Smart shoppers can find great instruments on Craigslist, as long as they know what they’re looking for. If you find an instrument on Craigslist, send Ms. Thompson the listing, and she’ll be glad to give you guidance on whether or not to buy. If she’s able, she’ll even come out and look at the instrument with you!

Remember, the earlier you shop, the better! People who find instruments in the summer beat the fall rush, and are assured of having an instrument for Band Camp on August 16th. Happy shopping!

05.17.10

I’ve Signed Up for Band–Now What Do I Do?

Posted in getting an instrument, summer preparation at 2:39 pm by Administrator

So, you’ve filled out your band registration form and sent your check for the band fee to the Wiley PTA. Your child is all signed up for band–but wait! There are still several things you and your child need to do to get ready for band. Here, we’ll walk you through the process of instrument selection, and what you can expect over the summer before band starts.

1. Help your child choose an instrument EARLY in the summer. In the Wiley Band, we take only a certain number of students in each instrumental section–this helps give our band a nice, balanced sound. As soon as you register your child for band, begin talking seriously about which instrument your child would like to play. Encourage your child to learn more about the instrument via books or the internet, or even visit a music store to try out the instrument. It’s a good idea to have a solid instrument choice in mind by the end of June.

2. Look for Ms. Thompson’s email in late June. Toward the end of June, your band director Ms. Thompson will send out an e-mail welcoming you to band and asking what your child wants to play. When you reply to this message with your child’s instrument choice, Ms. Thompson will reserve a spot in that section for your child. Share your instrument choice with Ms. Thompson as early as possible–waiting until the last minute could mean your child’s preferred section is closed, and you’ll have to switch to another instrument!

3. Get an instrument. Using the Wiley Band Handbook as a guide, go out and find an instrument for your child. You have until Monday, August 16 to obtain an instrument and a Standard of Excellence band book for your child.

If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to email Ms. Thompson!