Beginning
Band
Second-Year
Band
Upcoming
Lakeview Events
- March 11, 2025
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LK Band Concert
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
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- May 21, 2025
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LK Band Concert
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
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Band at Lakeview
Each year over 600 students participate in the Stow-Munroe Falls Band Program. Instruction begins at Lakeview Intermediate School where 5th grade students are given the opportunity to learn one of the six beginning level instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, or Percussion).
At the 5th and 6th grade levels, students have a 45-minute lesson in place of their General Music Class. This occurs on an “A, B, C” rotational system creating an instrumental lesson every third day of school. In addition, students participate in a full band experience one morning a week for 35 minutes before school. The band students have 3 concerts and 1 all-school assembly per year.
Performances
Performances are an important evaluative tool for instrumental music and an integral part of each child’s complete musical experience. For this reason, attendance at all performances is required. Dates are provided in advance and every effort has been made to avoid conflicts with other activities. Should an emergency arise, please contact your director as soon as possible.
Evaluation
You will be able to track your child’s progress in Progress Book. His or her grade is made up of:
1. PARTICIPATION (5 points per lesson for having instrument, book, pencil, and participating)
2. RHYTHM ASSIGNMENT (6th grade only)
3. THEORY ASSIGNMENT (6th grade only)
4. PLAYING ASSIGNMENT (6th grade only)
Instruments
Choosing an Instrument Rental Vendor
Consider the following criteria when selecting a rental instrument for your child:
- Are band rental instruments new?
- Does the instrument meet the SMF Bands recommended brand listing?
- Is this a rent only program or a rent to own program?
- Can a student step up to a better instrument as they progress?
- Are loaner instruments (during repairs) provided at no charge?
- Is the maintenance and replacement program included in the rental fee?
- What quality of repair service is provided? Is staff always available to handle repairs?
- Do clarinet rentals include free mouthpieces?
- Is the Essential Elements 2000 Method Book and music stand included in the rental price?
It is important to consider many factors when renting an instrument. Perhaps the most important, though, is the service and support provided during the rental period so that your child has an instrument that works well. Please note: parents are free to choose any music store they prefer.
Recommended Instruments
The following brands are recommended instruments for student use:
- Flute: Yamaha, Pearl, Jupiter
- Clarinet: Yamaha, Selmer, Buffet
- Alto Saxophone: Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc, Keilwerth, Yanagisawa
- Trumpet, Trombone: Yamaha, Bach, King/Conn
- Percussion: Bell Set with Drum Practice Pad: Yamaha, Pearl, Ludwig
Parent Responsibilities
Parents play a crucial role in helping their children succeed in the Band. The following guidelines will help contribute to your child’s success:
- Help your child establish good practice habits
- Provide a quiet area for daily practice sessions
- Contact your child’s instructor if you have questions or concerns
- See that your child is present and on time for all rehearsals and concerts
- Attend all concerts and other performances
Concert Attire
All Band students will wear the following outfit for all performances unless otherwise specified:
- Nice pants and shirt
…..no jeans or t-shirts please!!!! - Dark shoes
Private Lessons
The value of a one-to-one private lesson has a tremendous influence on the proper skill development and musical growth.
Individual instruction is the best way to help students fulfill their potential. Please request our recommended list of private instructors if this is an advantage you wish to offer your child.
Beginning Band
Dear Parents,
The Stow-Munroe Falls Band Program is pleased to enrich our curriculum with instruction in instrumental music. Beginning in the fifth grade, each child will have the opportunity to study one instrument from either the woodwind, brass or percussion family. Each of the instruments will be demonstrated to your child during our Band Instrument Demonstration held during the third week of school. We are committed to helping you make the right choice for your child.
Part of the fifth grade instrumental program includes giving you as a parent information for obtaining a suitable band instrument. Our recommendations along with other necessary information we will send home following the demonstration. We have also included a brief outline here.
Beginning Band Program Goals
The goals of the Stow-Munroe Falls Lakeview Intermediate 5th Grade Instrumental Music Program is to allow each student to:
- Select a musical instrument best suited for himself/herself using the following criteria:
- Physical characteristics
- Balanced instrumentation
- Student interest
- (Percussion Students Only) Musical assessment including a rhythm, coordination, and note reading test
- Learn to play a musical instrument using proper posture, hand position and tone quality
- Develop an awareness of keys (tonalities), a means to decode rhythms and techniques for good tone production
- Develop an understanding and respect for different musical styles and their links to various cultures both past and present
- Develop the ability to set individual goals, maintain a good work ethic and realize a sense of achievement upon completion
- Develop the ability to work towards common goals in large groups
- Respect the talent and diversity of others while participating on a musical team
Materials Needed
All Beginning Band students will need the following:
- An instrument in good playing condition
- A wire music stand
- Name label on instrument case
- Pencil to be stored in instrument case
- Essential Elements 2000, Book 1 for the appropriate instrument
In Addition ...
All WOODWIND students (clarinet & saxophone) will need the following:
- A minimum of three reeds in good playing condition (strength 2 1/2 for clarinets and saxophone)
- Reed guard that will accept two or more reeds
- Cork grease
- Cleaning swab appropriate to the instrument
All BRASS students (cornet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba) will need the following:
- Valve oil appropriate for the instrument (except trombone)
- Tuning slide grease
All PERCUSSION students will need the following:
- Percussion kit (including orchestra bells and practice pad)
- More information to follow
All percussionists will be learning bells in combination with rhythm instruments.
Second-Year Band
Dear Parents,
The Stow-Munroe Falls Band Program is pleased to enrich our curriculum with instruction in instrumental music. During this year you will see and hear a vast improvement. This is year is an important set in moving to Kimpton and eventually participation in the SMF High School Band. This year also presents students with the oportunity to try “color” instruments: oboe, bassoon, baritone, and tuba at no additional cost to the students as these instruments are school provided.
Second-Year Band Program Goals
The goals of the Stow Munroe Falls Lakeview Intermediate 6th Grade Instrumental Music Program is to allow each student to:
- Enhance their musical development:
- Continue to play a musical instrument using proper posture, hand position and tone quality
- Expand an awareness of keys (tonalities), a means to decode rhythms and techniques for good tone production
- Demonstrate an understanding and respect for different musical styles and their links to various cultures both past and present
- Continue to develop the ability to set individual goals, maintain a good work ethic and realize a sense of achievement upon completion
- Continue to practice the ability to work towards common goals in large groups
- Continue to respect the talent and diversity of others while participating on a musical team
Beginning Band Rehearsal Schedule
for New 6th Grade Band Members
New 6th Grade Band students will receive small group lessons one day a week. Lessons will take place before school starting at 7:30AM. In January, students will transition into full band. These large group rehearsal will be before school on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 7:30 – 8:10 a.m. This full band experience is in addition to the student’s weekly lesson. We believe:
Work + Challenge + Persistence = Success!
If your child hits a bump in the road (as many kids do) they need to give themselves time to improve. Success can be achieved with persistence and practice. For that reason, students are only permitted to discontinue at two times: after the Winter Concert and after the May Concert.
Materials Needed
All Second-Year Band students will need the following:
- An instrument in good playing condition
- A wire music stand
- Name label on instrument case
- Pencil to be stored in instrument case
In Addition ...
All WOODWIND students (clarinet & saxophone) will need the following:
- A minimum of three reeds in good playing condition (strength 2 1/2 for clarinets and saxophone)
- Reed guard that will accept two or more reeds
- Cork grease
- Cleaning swab appropriate to the instrument
- Essential Elements, Book 1 (we will finish it) & Book 2 for the appropriate instrument
All BRASS students (cornet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba) will need the following:
- Valve oil appropriate for the instrument (except trombone)
- Tuning slide grease
- Essential Elements, Book 1 (we will finish it) & Book 2 for the appropriate instrument
All PERCUSSION students will need the following:
- Fresh Approach to Snare Drum & Fresh Approach to Mallets by Mark Wessles (purchased from the band dept. for $30) — this also includes a better pair of snare drum sticks
- Percussion kit (including orchestra bells and practice pad)
- Essential Elements, Book 1 (we will finish it) & Book 2 for the appropriate instrument
All percussionists will be learning bells in combination with rhythm instruments.
