St. Joseph School -- Music & Art

Music & Art

St. Joseph School
Beginning Band 2006-2007
If you are interested in joining the Beginning Band for the 2006-7 school year, now is the time to begin planning. Although you can sign up in August, there are many benefits to signing up now.
* you have a longer amount of time to shop for a good price on an instrument
* you will receive the communication over the summer to help plan your fall
* your student will have a chance to “get comfortable” with their instrument
Making a decision to join band involves two important considerations. First of all, there is the time commitment. Beginning Band rehearses two nights a week after school. For the last three years, this has been Wednesday and Friday (and I anticipate it will continue on this schedule next year). Although I try to be flexible with conflicts, the bottom line is your learning progress—the more band practices you miss, the harder it will be for you to learn good habits and feel confident.
The second consideration is the choice of instrument. While it is important to have a band that has “balance”—a good variety of instruments from flute down to trombone—it is equally important for students to love the instrument they play. After all, they are going to spend a good amount of time with this instrument! Your choice of instrument is very personal, and should take into consideration what you like about the sound as well as what your strengths are.
There is an “instrument audition night” on May 24^th that you will want to attend. This is your chance to try out your “top two” choices of instruments. I will need those forms for appointments back by Monday, May 22^nd. (So I can send home a schedule of appointments.)
Also, on May 24^th I will send home a band handbook and registration form. If, after completing the audition night and reading the hand book, you are ready to sign up for band, you may send the registration form in to the school office. I am asking for registrations to be returned by the end of the school year, if possible.
I have listed the band instruments and a few facts about each instrument to help you narrow your choices down. I will also be asking current band members to demonstrate their instruments for the 4^th grade classes. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at school or by email, theberryman4@comcast.net.
Mrs. Cindy Berryman
St. Joseph Grade School,
Music educator and band director

St. Joseph School
String Program 2006-2007
Beginning Strings (first class - September 14^th)
Beginning instruction in violin, viola, and cello. Class will be held on Thursday afternoon, 3:10 - 4:00 P.M. in the Holy Cross room at the Parish Center. Note: Parents are encouraged and invited to attend the beginning Strings class either as observers or participants! Learn to play along with your child and there is no extra fee.
Fees
$40.00 monthly - not considered a "per lesson" fee. The fee covers all books and materials, preparation and instruction time, additional lessons provided for students who need extra help; programs and the preparation time and extra rehearsals for programs.
Obtaining your child's instrument
Mrs. Bradberry will inform you of your options for obtaining an appropriately sized instrument. Your child will need to be fitted correctly for his/her instrument. Please contact Mrs. Bradberry for an appointment for fitting.
Registration (deadline - Friday, September 9^th)
You may register your child or children the following ways:
1. Attend a brief and informative meeting at the Parish Center Tuesday, September 6th at 6:30 P.M. If you can attend this meeting, please telephone Mrs. Bradberry, 574-256-1430, before September 1^st.
2. Ask for a registration form in the school office, complete the form, and place it in Mrs. Bradberry's mail slot.
3. Download the strings registration form on the Downloads page. Either place the form in Mrs. Bradberry's mail slot or mail the form to:
Payment of fees
Fees are due in full by the first of each month. Checks should be made payable to Martha Bradberry. There will be no adjustments or refunds for absences. If your child misses classes, make up time will be provided.
Martha Bradberry
425 N. Byrkit Ave.
Mishawaka, In. 46544
Mrs. Bradberry can be contacted at 574-256-1430 (home), 574-229-0422 (mobile) or marthabradberry@ameritech.net. All messages, recorded or emailed are answered!