New Grade 7/8 Students
Dear New Music Family,
This page serves as a brief introduction to our program for the families of grade 7 or 8 students that are new to Lansdowne as of this year. We have divided it into two sections: 1. My student is new to band, choir and/or strings and 2. I have participated in band, choir and/or strings at my previous school.
#1: NEW TO BAND, CHOIR AND/OR STRINGS
At Lansdowne, student voluntarily enrol in the music program starting in grade 6. The classes that are open to new students in grade 7 or 8 are: Band 7 or 8 (depending on the student’s grade) and Beginner Strings.
Band 7 or 8: At Lansdowne, the instruments available to band students are woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and saxophone) brass instruments (trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium and tuba) and percussion.
If your student is interested in percussion, it is very important that they understand that percussion is not the drum set, but other concert band percussion instruments (snare drum, bass drum, mallet percussion, etc.). They will need to study with a percussion teacher and learn a variety of percussion instruments, rudiments and music notation.
We strive to have balanced bands with appropriate numbers of each instrument to provide positive learning environments. Therefore, if your student is interested in participating in band, please contact us and let us know what the instrument(s) your child is interested in and we will let them know which of their choices are possible.
Although your student may be starting band a year or more later than their peers, it is entirely possible for them to have an extremely successful experience. However, it will require a few months of instruction from a private music teacher and sincere dedication and work ethic from our new student. Once we have confirmed which instrument your student will be playing, please view our Private Music Teacher Directory in our handbook or at lansdownemusic.weebly.com/private-music-lessons.html. This directory lists excellent private teachers for each of the band and strings instruments. Please contact them directly to schedule lessons. The cost of private lessons is the responsibility of the family, but fundraising opportunities are available to reimburse a portion or the entire cost.
Beginner Strings: Students that have never played violin, viola, cello or double bass are welcome to pick up one of these instruments for the first time and join Beginner Strings. We strive to have balanced orchestras with appropriate numbers of each instrument to provide positive learning environments. Therefore, if your student is interested in participating in strings, please contact us and let us know what the instrument(s) your child is interested in and we will let them know which of their choices are possible.
#2: EXPERIENCE WITH BAND, CHOIR AND/OR STRINGS
If your student has experience with band, choir and/or strings, at Lansdowne there are many options available to them. Depending on their experience with music, they may have to put in some hard work to catch-up, but we are more than happy to assess where they are at and determine the best course of action.
If you and your student would like to move forward with participating in the program or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].
This page serves as a brief introduction to our program for the families of grade 7 or 8 students that are new to Lansdowne as of this year. We have divided it into two sections: 1. My student is new to band, choir and/or strings and 2. I have participated in band, choir and/or strings at my previous school.
#1: NEW TO BAND, CHOIR AND/OR STRINGS
At Lansdowne, student voluntarily enrol in the music program starting in grade 6. The classes that are open to new students in grade 7 or 8 are: Band 7 or 8 (depending on the student’s grade) and Beginner Strings.
Band 7 or 8: At Lansdowne, the instruments available to band students are woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and saxophone) brass instruments (trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium and tuba) and percussion.
If your student is interested in percussion, it is very important that they understand that percussion is not the drum set, but other concert band percussion instruments (snare drum, bass drum, mallet percussion, etc.). They will need to study with a percussion teacher and learn a variety of percussion instruments, rudiments and music notation.
We strive to have balanced bands with appropriate numbers of each instrument to provide positive learning environments. Therefore, if your student is interested in participating in band, please contact us and let us know what the instrument(s) your child is interested in and we will let them know which of their choices are possible.
Although your student may be starting band a year or more later than their peers, it is entirely possible for them to have an extremely successful experience. However, it will require a few months of instruction from a private music teacher and sincere dedication and work ethic from our new student. Once we have confirmed which instrument your student will be playing, please view our Private Music Teacher Directory in our handbook or at lansdownemusic.weebly.com/private-music-lessons.html. This directory lists excellent private teachers for each of the band and strings instruments. Please contact them directly to schedule lessons. The cost of private lessons is the responsibility of the family, but fundraising opportunities are available to reimburse a portion or the entire cost.
Beginner Strings: Students that have never played violin, viola, cello or double bass are welcome to pick up one of these instruments for the first time and join Beginner Strings. We strive to have balanced orchestras with appropriate numbers of each instrument to provide positive learning environments. Therefore, if your student is interested in participating in strings, please contact us and let us know what the instrument(s) your child is interested in and we will let them know which of their choices are possible.
#2: EXPERIENCE WITH BAND, CHOIR AND/OR STRINGS
If your student has experience with band, choir and/or strings, at Lansdowne there are many options available to them. Depending on their experience with music, they may have to put in some hard work to catch-up, but we are more than happy to assess where they are at and determine the best course of action.
If you and your student would like to move forward with participating in the program or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].
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