Starting a 5th Grader

Here at AP when Fifth Graders get ready to start band - the students are brought in a large group to view a couple videos and get a primer to instrumental music. The second stop is to have the individual 5th grade classes come in and take a musical survey. This survey is accompanied by a video that asks students whether pitches are higher or lower, or the same than the previous one played, the same for rhythm and other related topics. I graded the surveys and now smaller groups have come in to test instrument mouth pieces. There is definitely some excitement - and definitely there is some dislike. We had students that were asked if they were going to get braces, have any other sorts of dental work, and what they ultimately would like to try. Students received information packets for their parents. The information given out gave the 2 parent days that instruments can be purchased. One night will be Reimans and another West - both music stores. Mr. Winkey has 10 minutes time lots set up so he can meet with the parents and discuss options. It is stressed that students (families) rent instruments before making a full investment of a brand new instrument.

More to come about those nights - in 2 weeks.