Along with the instruments, we issue a beginning band book called "Standard of Excellence". These are specific to the student's instrument of study and provide detailed instruction geared toward getting the new player up and running quickly! With the Teacher's Edition, a cd is provided which contains accompaniments to all of the songs in the book. We play along with these accompaniments in class and copies of this material can be made available for students to take home.

Practice makes perfect!
The idea is simple: repetition and time-in-hands is the key to mastery! I feel that 15 minutes per day is reasonable and sufficient for a beginner to keep up and progress on any instrument. More is better! When appropriate, I suggest students leave their instrument out and assembled while at home, but kept in a safe, easily accessible place. This promotes a spontaneous 'grab-and-go' opportunity of enticement, which will present itself much more often than if left in it's case.Download a practice log here, fill it up, bring it in signed by parent etc., get credit! This is part of your grade!

BEHAVIOR: A few simple rules

• "DON'T PLAY!", "STOP!","SSHHH!", Waiving arms: means IMMEDIATELY stop what you're doing and give me your undivided attention!
• Follow exact instructions
• Be courteous, considerate and respectful at all times and to everyone in the room.
• HANDS OFF STANDS! You know what that means by now! Our music stands are delicate and expensive and have one purpose only!

Of course, failure to adhere to the above will result in swift removal from class and/or losing your instrument!