August

 2013  
Welcome!  
Dear Incoming 5th Grade Band Parents,
Welcome to the Brownstone Intermediate beginning band instrumental program. I
am thrilled to be a part of this exciting time in your child’s education.
Congratulations, your child is registered to practice and play:
Flute Baritone horn
Bb Clarinet Trombone
Eb Alto Saxophone Percussion – Bell Kit
Bb Trumpet

In this packet you will find a list of important dates, required materials and
information. Please feel free to contact me by email during the summer if you
have any concerns.
Participation in band will provide a lifetime of enrichment. I’m eagerly looking
forward to the new school year and hope your child is also excited about the
possibilities.
Cordially,
Mrs. Sharon S. Fuller
sfuller@portlandct.us
 
Obtaining  an  Instrument  
Students must have an instrument in good working order. Family legacy
instruments from home need to be cleaned and checked by an instrument
technician prior to the first pull-out sectional lesson, which will take place
during the week of September 16th.

Most parents will elect to rent an instrument through Connecticut Valley in

Portland or at the Music and Arts store in West Hartford for a student-level
instrument of reliable quality. Both stores have staff that can help you find the
supplies your child will need at Brownstone.

Parents should call or visit the store of their choice in August to ensure
obtaining an instrument before the September 16th deadline.

1
  
Recommended  Local  Music  Shops  –    
Instruments  &  Private  Lessons  
Connecticut Valley School of Music
860-342-2270
http://connvalley.net/
  Music and Arts
  860-231-9562
http://www.musicarts.com/
 
Middlesex Music Academy
  440 Main Street,
Middletown, CT.
  (860) 344-0525

 
 
IMPORTANT  DATES/  Timeline  
June 5, 2013 - 5th Grade Band Information Session

August 2013 - Receive Welcome Letter and visit Conn Valley store or Music
and Arts to rent your child’s instrument and supplies - buy the method book
Essential Elements 2000 and a 3-ring binder (1-inch black).

September 3rd to 10th - During the band class at school, students will receive
the Band Handbook as well as the first Sectional Lesson Schedule. The
handbook will outline procedures, concert dress requirements, and academic
expectations. The lesson schedule will list the date and time of your child’s
pull-out instrumental lesson. Lessons begin the week of September 16th.

September 16, 2013 - DEADLINE Instruments and accessories. Sectional

lessons will be scheduled to take place during this week. Please reassure and
remind your child; no instruments will be needed during the first week of
school in September.

March 2014 at 7pm - The annual Portland Band Extravaganza, our first
concert, will be presented at the Portland High School/Middle School
Complex.

2
  
Specific  Instrument  Supplies  

All Students:
• Essential Elements 2000 for your child’s specific instrument

• 3-ring binder, 1-inch capacity, black

• LABEL with student’s name on instrument case

Flute
❐ Soft lint-free cloth or care kit

Bb Clarinet
❐ Mouthpiece with no chips
❐ One box, #2 Clarinet Reeds
❐ Care kit (Swab, Cork Grease)

Eb Alto Saxophone
❐ Mouthpiece with no chips, scratches or dings
❐ One box, #2.5 Alto Saxophone Reeds
❐ Care kit (Swab, Cork Grease)

Bb Trumpet
❐ Care kit with Valve Oil

Trombone
❐ Care kit with Valve Oil or Slide Grease

Baritone and French horn

❐ Care kit with Valve Oil or Slide Grease

Percussion
❐ Bell Kit (no snare needed)