Music Night
Launch the media gallery 1 playerDear Parents or Guardians,
Beginning Band for 5th and 6th grade students is now being organized. This letter is to inform you about the band and to give you information about renting or buying an instrument. Band is a great way for your students to become involved with music and fine arts, and teach them skills they can use for a lifetime.
This year you have the option of renting or purchasing an instrument. We will not be having a representative from Rieman Music in Des Moines, Iowa this year however they still have instruments for sale or rent. For information about prices and terms, you can contact them at (515) 262-0365 or on their website www.riemanmusic.com. The link to rent/buy from them is https://www.riemanmusic.com/t-rentown.aspx.
This company offers rent-to-own payment programs, where you pay to rent but that money goes to the purchase of the instrument, make enough rental payments and the instrument is yours! Another option for your student can be renting a school instrument. However, there are not a ton of school instruments to choose from.
Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to pick whatever instrument they feel they want. Many schools require percussionists to take private piano lessons, however, this year that is not a requirement. It is recommended that parents/guardians wait to make these decisions until after our music night in April.
I have attached a sheet of frequently asked questions about beginning band. If you have any questions or concerns not answered in this letter please contact me.
Musically yours,
Ms. Mackenzie Klinginsmith
K-12 Music Educator
mackenzie.klinginsmith@lamonischools.org
FAQ About Starting Band:
1. Does my child need any prior experience?
No, not any! All note reading, counting rhythms, and playing of all instruments will be taught in detail from the opening of the case to playing in concert.
2. How will I know which instrument best fits my child?
You may not. Often students want to play an instrument that they have seen on TV or that a relative has played and it does not fit their teeth structure, lip size, etc. Frequently students decide on the drums and think that they will be easy to play, when actually that instrument requires the most self-discipline. Students and parents/guardians need to keep an open mind on what instrument may fit the student the best and decide after all the instruments have been tried.
3. When do we get an instrument?
We will have a beginning band instrument tryout and rental night on April. Rieman is unfortunately not able to be there however, this company has excellent instruments and repair services. You may get an instrument from this company or shop around. Either way, I would be glad to help with some recommended brands and would be glad to check out any used instruments you may be considering. Beware of catalog or internet companies, and purchases from major discount chains. Very often these instruments are less expensive, but are of inferior quality, and can break easily. Additionally, these instruments come with poor warranties, and instrument repair shops sometimes refuse to work on them.
4. Can my student be in the band and other activities like sports?
Yes! Many successful band members have been active in sports, drama, and many other extracurricular activities.
5. What about uniforms? Books and music?
There are no uniforms to buy. For our concerts, we wear nice clothes in the beginning band and the older band will wear concert black. Sheet music is provided, the only book needed to purchase is the beginning band book. The cost is around 10 to 20 dollars. These books will be available to purchase at the instrument rental meeting. To see a full list of supplies see attached supplies sheet.
6. What is the cost of purchasing or renting an instrument?
It depends on the instrument. You can get specific information about costs and policies from Rieman Music at (515) 262-0365. This company also provides repair services for used and new instruments