RSD6
Elementary Band
Practice Requirements:
Every band student is required to practice at least 5 days a week for 20 minutes per day.
There will be extra room on the practice logs if a student would like to practice for more than the required 5 days a week.
Practice is important to keep up with the steady progress of the band curriculum. If you don't practice, it's like not doing your math homework for a week, and then coming in the next week and trying to keep up with the rest of the class.
Small amounts of practice every day help to start a routine and build muscle memory. It is not healthy, and you could hurt yourself, if you try to practice everything for 2 hours the night before you have band.
Tips for Students and Parents!
1. Sit down with your child to find a quiet, clean place to practice. Research shows this is the best environment for a student to be productive.
2. Talk about a practice schedule, and do your best to choose a time your child can practice every day that will not interfere with other activities.
3. Talk to your child about the importance of forming a routine - this may take time, but don't give up! Make sure they practice every time you both planned for them to do so.
4. Ask to see your child's practice log, as this has the assignments and your child's individual goal for the week. Ask your child to reflect on this - has he or she met the goal? There is also a spot for you to sign off on their practice sessions for the week. Please be honest with this!
5. Ask your child to play something for you, or give a mini-concert at holidays. The more the budding musician plays in front of people, the less nervous and more prepared he/she will be to play in front of myself and peers!
6. You may hear very strange noises coming from your child's practice area at the beginning. This is normal! The more they practice, the less strange the noises will become! (Although it may take time...)
7. If you EVER have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via E-mail at kcook@rsd6.org. Whether you think the insrument is broken, you have a question about how to help your child practice, or whatever else it may be, I am always willing to help.
Practice Logs:
Practice logs are an important part of your child's grade in band. They are required to fill out on practice log per week, and I recommend that they fill it out every time they practice, right at the end of the practice session, so they do not forget what was practiced.
Please note the following:
1. Practice logs will be checked and collected weekly.
2. Please sign off on the card only if what your child wrote is accurate. Otherwise, it's like pretending to do math homework! The student will not actually understand the material if he/she does not practice.
3. If it seems as though your child is not practicing for the correct amount of time, talk to him/her about the importance of doing so.
4. It is very important for the parent/guardian to take an active role in helping students practice. If you make it a priority, they will as well.
In order for your child to keep up with the pace of the class, he/she must practice. It is my strong belief that every child can succeed in band, and have fun at the same time. However, if your child is not practicing, and we have exhausted ALL options and strategies, I will have to contact the parent/guardian about other options. This is the absolute last resort, because everyone really does have a place in the band room.