Materials
- 1-2 Pencils
- Woodwinds: Reeds, Mouthpieces, Neckstraps, Cork Grease
- Brass: Valve Oil, Slide Oil
- Percussion: Sticks, Mallets
- Students should also have a folder and a pencil for every class.
Instrument Rental, Repair and Care
Instruments will be rented for the academic year to the students by the school. A contract will be sent home to the parents of all students who rent an instrument outlining the Bronxville rental policies. Please sign this contract and send back. Regular maintenance of school-owned instruments will be the responsibility of the school. Parents will be responsible for willful or accidental damage to the instrument during the rental period.
Students may also purchase their own instruments.
Students will be responsible for purchasing their own reeds, strings, oils, straps, and any other accessory to their instruments.
Progress Reports
The majority of a student’s grade will be generated from Progress Reports that will be issued every quarter. The reports will assess the following categories.
- Punctuality/Preparedness
- Participation
- Knowledge of Music/Practice
- Improvement/Effort
- Homework Assignments/Playing Assessments
Students will be graded on 5 categories out of 10 points each. This score will then be multiplied by 2 and averaged in with the students playing exams.
Jazz Band
Students interested in playing in an ensemble other than during our regularly scheduled class should consider Jazz Band. The Jazz Band performs a wide variety of styles, including swing, blues, bebop, funk, and contemporary jazz. Musicians at all levels are encouraged to join.
MS JAZZ BAND - Mondays @ 3pm
NYSSMA
The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors annual festivals for ensembles and solo evaluations. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the NYSSMA solo festival. In addition to receiving feedback on their playing abilities and progress, the solo festivals serve as the vehicle for students to audition for Intermediate All-County. Students interested in participating should speak to me to determine their piece selection for auditions.
Concerts/In Class Recitals
As a performance based program, there will be multiple opportunities for students to perform throughout the year. All performances are mandatory and attendance to these performances will be reflected in the grading.
- There will be two concerts per year in the school auditorium
- Winter Concert will be on Tuesday, December 11, 2019 at 7pm
- Spring Concert will be on Wednesday, June 3rd 2025 at 7pm
- All Students will be required to perform in in-class recitals both as a soloist and part of a small ensemble
- There are also department wide solo recitals the first one taking place in November.
