Learn More about the Wiley Beginning Band
 |
What is Beginning Band?Beginning Band is a class designed especially for 3rd-5th graders at Wiley who have never played a band instrument before. In Beginning Band, students choose a band instrument and start learning to play from scratch. Ms. Thompson guides beginner students toward developing good practice habits, a basic understanding of their instruments, ability to read and compose music, and a solid musical foundation upon which to build their future musical endeavors. |
Instruments available to beginners
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion (snare drum and bell set)
How will my child choose an instrument?
Before the end of the school year, Ms. Thompson will hold two Instrument Show and Tell Days for for all students who are interested in joining Beginning Band. During Show and Tell, Ms. Thompson will play each instrument for the students and briefly discuss each instrument's characteristics and challenges. Then, students will be able to try each band instrument. By the end of the last Show and Tell Day, each student should have an idea of which instrument he or she wants to play in band. Parents have until the first day of band camp to obtain an instrument for their child.
Band Camp - A Special Start for Beginning Band Students
The beginning of one's musical career is a very busy time. There are instruments to choose, procedures to learn, and boatloads of new information and skills to understand. During their first days of playing, band students need frequent and individualized support to help them feel comfortable with their instruments and begin building a strong musical foundation. To provide this necessary support, the Wiley Band asks all beginning band students to attend a weeklong band camp before school begins.
The first three days of Band Camp will be sectional days. In sectionals, small groups of the same instrument will work with a master teacher to "learn the ropes" of their instrument. The remaining two days will be full band rehearsals with Ms. Thompson. Our 2010 Band Camp will take place August 16-20 at Wiley Elementary. Band camp is FREE for all Beginning Band students at Wiley!
A Dozen Things You'll Learn in Beginning Band
- How to assemble, hold, and produce a tone on your instrument of choice
- How to clean and care for your instrument
- How to figure out and play simple tunes by ear
- How to read music in your instrument's clef
- How to count rhythms including whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes
- How to compose your own music
- How to play at least two major scales on your instrument
- The basics of improvising (making up your own music on the spot)
- How to play with a pretty sound and blend with the musicians around you
- Ways to practice like a professional
- How to play music with melodies, countermelodies, and basslines (and not get lost)
- How to communicate like a musician
When does Beginning Band rehearse?
The Beginning Band rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays during the school year from 8-8:45am in the Wiley Spanish room.
How do I join Beginning Band?
Joining Beginning Band is as easy as sending an email! Simply contact Laura Broadbelt, Wiley Band Booster President. Laura will guide you through the process of registering and paying for band.