Parent Night 2012 - Macomb School Bands

Macomb Beginning Band
Dave Wetmore
Doug Mattsey
wetmored@mcusd185.org
mattseyd@mcusd185.org
www.macombbands.org
Band News:
Plans are now in place to enroll all 5th graders interested in joining band for the next school year. The
procedure we use is:
1.
Recruitment: All 5th graders heard the 6th Grade Band in concert. Mr. Wetmore and Mr. Mattsey
narrated the performance with emphasis on the variety of instruments.
2.
Forms: Your son or daughter should have already brought the form home indicating the instrument that
was recommended for him or her.
3.
Testing: In the last 2 weeks Mr. Wetmore and Mr. Mattsey tested all interested children on the various
instruments and mouthpieces. This test enabled them to recommend which instrument will be best for your
child. Student success is the top priority.
4.
Securing an Instrument: As a convenience to parents, the Music Shoppe of Normal will be on hand to
display the instruments and explain the rental/purchase agreements for instruments. There is no obligation to
buy at this meeting; however it is necessary that your child have an instrument that is in good working condition
and a music stand at home for practice.
Caution should be observed in purchasing used instruments. Used instruments often require considerable
repair work to put them in good playing condition. It is often not cost effective to purchase a used instrument
and then spend a lot of money on the repair. If you are interested in a used horn, it is best to have Mr. Wetmore,
Mr. Mattsey or Mr. Walker look over the instrument before you make the final purchase.
The school district provides only the most expensive wind instruments. These include the oboe, bassoon, French
horn, baritone and tuba. These instruments can be rented from the school at an annual fee of $75.00. The
family is responsible to purchase the appropriate mouthpiece and reeds.
Walker Pro-Wind Service
The Music Shoppe
309-837-WIND
1-800-322-5019
Music is an incredible investment in your child’s future. If finances are a concern, please contact us as soon as
possible. We will do whatever we can to help a student have the opportunity to participate.
5.
Method Book: “Essential Elements 2000” and is written for every instrument. The book is $9.99 for
oboe and French Horn, $14.99 for percussion, and $8.99 for all other instruments.
6.
Summer Lessons: Summer lessons are the best way for your student to have success on the instrument.
These daily lessons are offered at the nominal fee of $60.00 for the fifteen lessons. Students renting an
instrument from the school should bring an additional check for $75.00 made payable to Macomb CUSD #185,
or have made payment arrangements beforehand. Plan to arrive for your lesson a little early so that we may stay
on schedule. You will not need to bring a music stand. It is our hope that with four weeks notice you can make
arrangements to come at the scheduled time. We realize there may be unavoidable conflicts with the schedule
found below. We need to know about these conflicts as soon as possible in order to plan our lesson schedule. If
your child hopes to keep up with the group, it is absolutely essential that he/she attend as many lessons as
possible. Again, if finances are a concern, contact us as soon as possible.
6th GRADE SUMMER BAND LESSON SCHEDULE
Tues-Fri June 5-8
Mon-Fri June 11-15
Mon-Wed June 18-20
Tue-Thur August 14-16
Please note: We need all students who are not going to attend the summer lesson program to have their
instrument at school by Friday, August 24, 2012. Those students not prepared to start on that date will
not be able to participate in band. Please use these next few months to secure an instrument. Thank you!
LESSONS WILL BE HELD IN THE MACOMB JR./SR. HIGH BAND ROOM
(Enter Macomb High School through the auditorium entrance)
8:30
Flutes
9:00
Clarinets
9:30
Oboes & Saxophones
10:00
French Horns
10:30
Trumpets
11:00
Trombones
11:30
Baritones
12:00 - 1:00
LUNCH
1:00
Tubas
1:30
Percussion
2:00-3:00
Individual appointments
We anticipate having many students enroll in the band program for next year. If you have any questions please
contact Mr. Wetmore at 833-6253 or Mr. Mattsey at 833-6254. Have a great summer!
Macomb Bands Recommended Instrument List
2012-2013 School Year
Flute
Yamaha YFL 221
Must have a cleaning rod and handkerchief for daily maintenance
Oboes and Bassoons
Oboes and bassoons are supplied by the school. Rental fee of $75.00 per year payable to MCUSD # 185.
Students will need:
1. Two (2) working reeds at all times
2. Film or prescription canister for water
3. Reed Case for 4 reeds
4. Cleaning swab (silk type)
Clarinets
Yamaha YCL-20
Preferred Clarinet Mouthpiece is the Hite Premier
Quality used instruments- Buffet B-12, Buffet E-11, Selmer Signet 100 or 110 (please show to Mr. Wetmore,
Mr. Mattsey, or Mr. Walker).
Students will need:
1. Four (4) working reeds at all times
2. Reed Guard for 4 reeds
3. Cleaning swab (handkerchief type)
Alto Saxophones
Yamaha YAS 23 Preferred Saxophone Mouthpiece is the Hite Premier or Selmer*
Students will need:
1. Four (4) working reeds at all times
2. Reed Guard for 4 reeds
3. Cleaning swab (handkerchief type)
Trumpets
Yamaha YTR 2335 Preferred Mouthpieces-Bach 7C or 5C, Yamaha 11C4
French Horns
Preferred Mouthpieces- Holton Farkus 3MD, Bach 11
Horns are supplied by the school. Rental fee of $75.00 per year payable to MCUSD # 185. Students are
responsible for purchasing their own mouthpieces from the list above.
Trombones
Yamaha YSL 354
Preferred Mouthpieces- Bach 12C
Baritones
Preferred Mouthpieces- Bach 12C, Schilke 46D, Yamaha 48D
Baritones are supplied by the school. Rental fee of $75.00 per year payable to MCUSD # 185. Students are
responsible for purchasing their own mouthpieces from the list above.
Tuba
Preferred Mouthpieces- Bach 22 or Conn Helleberg 2B
Tubas are supplied by the school. Rental fee of $75.00 per year payable to MCUSD # 185. Students are
responsible for purchasing their own mouthpieces from the list above.
Percussion Kits
Yamaha SCK-300, Pearl PL-800C, Stick Bag
Students will be required to have a stick bag with their own snare sticks and bell
mallets like the one shown.