Beginners should be practising their instrument outside of class time, at home either alone or with friends.
All woodwind and brass players should begin by reviewing the videos for their instrument. These are found on the Beginning Band Bootcamp YouTube channel and can be searched by instrument. We watched videos to learn: instrument setup, how to hold the instrument, read the fingering chart, how to make the beginning sounds, and cleaning.
All Percussionists should begin by reviewing videos on Mr. Glyn's YouTube channel. How to hold the mallets, where to strike the keys, and and how to identify notes on the glockenspiel. We also watched videos learning about holding drum sticks, proper hand/arm position, where to strike the practice pad and how to create an equally balanced sound with both left and right hands independently.
All students should work out of their Traditions of Excellence book (TOE) page 6. We've started to learn how to play two new notes but students can work ahead if they feel ready.
It is best for practice to be in short 15 minute segments and be done frequently, daily if possible. Repetition is key to muscle memory.
Remind your young musician to swab their instrument, dry their reed, and put it away in the case when not in use to avoid damage or the growth of mould.
NEVER PUT THE INSTRUMENT IN WATER!!!
The exception is brass mouthpieces (trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone), as these should be cleaned with warm water and the wire brush included in the rental.
Next week I will send home a handout with more instrument specific cleaning information.