Join Band or Orchestra in 4th, 5th or 6th Grade at WMASD!
Read the letter below, then use the links on the right to get signed up for band or orchestra! There are helpful links with videos on how instruments sound and showing how they are played to help you choose. Parents can watch the video on the rental program through our local music store as well! |
Instrumental signup form
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West Mifflin Area School District
Music Department September 2023 wmasdmusic.weebly.com Dear Parent / Guardian: If your child is showing an interest in music, as well as in beginning an instrument, they have an opportunity to begin a string instrument in 4th or 5th grade, or a band instrument in 5th or 6th grade at WMAMS this year! We will be holding a demonstration of the instruments in school very soon. After that demonstration students may sign up for a time to try an instrument. Students will be able to try their top band instrument choice with the help of a music teacher. They will determine each student’s proficiency and make recommendations based on all selections. Please mark any instruments that your child is interested in so that we can make the best recommendation. Since we will not be holding a meeting with parents, there are links to help you choose an instrument (for kids) and to understand the rental procedure (for adults) here and at the bottom of this letter. Feel free to call or email with questions. Instrument schedule: · Band: Students interested in Band instruments: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, or Percussion (drums) must be in 5th grade to start an instrument. o Classes are scheduled as a pullout and occur once per week. o Older students are sometimes able to join if a pullout lesson can be coordinated with the classroom teacher during the available period. o Most students rent an instrument, however, a limited number of school owned instruments are available for students wishing to play instruments that are more expensive to rent. These include: Tenor Saxophone, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba · Orchestra (Strings): Students interested in playing Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass must be in 4th or 5th grade to start. o Classes are scheduled as a pullout and occur once per week. o Most string students rent an instrument since the string instruments are scaled to match the size of the student. As the child grows, the rental instrument can be exchanged at no additional cost for the larger size. Once a child reaches a full sized instrument you can pay the difference and then own a brand new full sized string instrument without the hassle of buying and selling as your child grows. Any parent wishing to purchase an instrument (band or string) are urged to contact Mr. Smeal to discuss recommended brands and outlets for purchasing. Most times a student is only as good as the quality of the instrument in his/her hands and we hate for parents to feel like a bad purchase limited a child’s potential from the start. If you would like to get your child start playing an instrument, you must do the following: 1. Return the permission information that is attached or by using the linked form (permission form link) or copy and paste: https://forms.office.com/r/Q0kLSE6tGa 2. Once an instrument is chosen you must obtain an instrument. You can get an instrument by: a. Renting b. Borrowing (some are available through the school) c. Purchasing (please use recommended list or call Mr. Smeal) In order to be a part of our instrumental program, each student must have his/her own instrument. The most convenient way of obtaining an instrument is through a rental/lease program provided by our vendors. Strings: Progressive Music Inc, which has been associated with West Mifflin for several decades. Band: Brighton Music, who did a fantastic job and has shown a higher quality of band rental instrument for the same price. Other ways of getting an instrument for your child is by borrowing one from a relative or neighbor, using instruments of older brothers and sisters, and even purchasing a new or used instrument from various music stores. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding the instrumental music program. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or one of the music stores at your convenience. Our instrumental music programs create a fun and positive experience for your child through band and string instruments in a safe and natural way. We are looking forward to the possibility of teaching your child this year! Thank you. Sincerely, Mr. Smeal, WMAMS String Instructor ([email protected]) (412-466-9131ext. 9201) Mr. Monroe, WMAMS Band Instructor ([email protected]) (412-466-9131) String Rental: Progressive Music Inc. (412-672-9623) https://rentals.progressivemusiccompany.com/default.aspx RENTAL LINK (click or see below) Renting A Musical Instrument from Progressive Music Band Rental: Brighton Music Center (412-821-5908) www.brightonmusic.com |