Upcoming Events
-Friday, September 28th: Deadline for ordering Orchestra Concert Shirts on the Membership Toolkit
-Thursday, November 1st: 4th and 5th Grade Demonstration Concert, 7pm at Twin Groves
4th Grade
What we did this week:
- Reviewed how to hold our instruments!
Assignment:
- Explore our new books
-Show someone at home what I learned!
Membership Toolkit:
The school year is off and running on a great note!! The District 96 Band & Orchestra Boosters are looking forward to another great year. The Boosters Membership ToolKit is how the Boosters will communicate important information to the parents of students participating in the band or orchestra programs. The ToolKit gives you online access to forms for ordering your students required concert polo shirt, forms to volunteer for various activities or serve on the Booster Board, and forms to register for events (i.e. the “End of the Year” party). All purchases can be paid online with your credit or debit card! Please stay “in the know” and create an account in the Boosters Membership ToolKit today! To create an account and get started head to https://bandandorchestraboosters.membershiptoolkit.com and follow the prompts. If you already have a Membership ToolKit account with the PTO at your school, you can use the same e-mail and password to set up this account.
The forms to order your students required concert polo shirt are now live and accessible through our ToolKit! Orders can now be placed for these shirts. The absolute last day to order a polo shirt for your student is Friday, September 28. When you set up your account in the ToolKit, you must complete the student information page, where you will check the boxes for the program your student participates in – either band or orchestra, or both. There are two separate polo shirt order forms, one for the BLUE BAND POLO SHIRT and one for the WHITE ORCHESTRA POLO SHIRT. You will only have access to the form that applies to your student(s). Shirts will be delivered to your student at school before their first concert.
Questions about Membership ToolKit or how to order a concert polo shirt? Please contact Marlene Mahn at [email protected]
Thank you!
Lesson Schedules:
4th Grade Prairie Orchestra Lesson Schedule
5th Grade
What we did this week:
-Practiced tuning our A strings
-Reviewed "Ode to Joy"
-Reviewed our G string notes
Assignment:
-p. 23 #86, p. 28
Practicing Expectations:
Our goal is to practice 15-20 minutes each day for 6 days. Students should record their minutes in the practice record and get it signed each week.
-Students should practice each song in small parts at least 5x-10 every day.
-Below are the steps on how to practice our songs in the book:
1. Name the notes in rhythm, making sure to tap your foot to a steady beat beforehand.
2. Name the notes AND finger the notes, making sure to tap your foot to a steady beat.
3. Play the song pizzicato (plucking) making sure to keep a straight wrist.
4. "Shadow bow" while fingering the note names to help practice our bowings
5. Play the song with the bow, making sure to bow from your elbow.
Lesson Schedules:
5th Grade Prairie Orchestra Lesson Schedule
Topic of the Week
Because the string instruments are so fragile, it is very important that the students know how to take care of their instrument. Below are the care instructions that I have been reviewing with the students:
-Our instruments are like humans. This means that we do not kick, throw, bang the instrument around because it can break.
-Please do not leave the instrument in the car or garage overnight, especially in the winter
-Please do not leave the instrument outside in the sun for a long period of time
-Keep the instrument in a safe place at home where it won't be knocked over or accidentally dropped. Some great places are living rooms, bedrooms, music rooms, offices etc.
-Keep the instrument away from pets and siblings (both young and older).
-Never drop our instrument, even if it is in a case