Canton Intermediate School Music Department Mark Buonfiglio, Claire McCarthy- Instrumental Music Teachers Getting Started-         During the first few weeks of school, all fourth graders are introduced to the option of learning to play a band instrument.  During this process, all of the students attend an assembly in which fifth grade students play for them and answer questions about their instruments.  Under our guidance, the students each receive the opportunity to try every instrument in order to help them make an educated decision. We will send home a follow up report indicating the instrument(s) in which your child indicated the greatest interest. The Band Program         The regular Band Program begins in late September.  Traditionally, enrollment has been approximately 95% of the fourth grade.  This year’s class has indicated a similar high level of interest. Students enrolled in the program receive one 30 minute small group lesson each week.  Lessons rotate through the day so as to minimize any interference with their other academic classes.  Additionally, every student will take part in one 40 minute band rehearsal each week. The students will perform in their first concert in late May. Available Instruments         The students may choose from the following instruments:  flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone and baritone horn.   Students wishing to be a part of the percussion section will be required to take an audition.  Based on the audition, six students will be chosen.  All percussionists will be required to purchase a bell set. Obtaining an Instrument         If you do own an instrument, you have the option of renting (to own) one.  Rental forms will be sent home from Music and Arts Store.  Rentals are typically done first with a fourth trial period followed by a monthly billing period until the instrument is fully purchased.    Shopping on Your Own         If you choose to shop on your own, PLEASE contact us so that we can help you.  There are some very bad instruments (especially on the internet) and we want to help you obtain an instrument that will give your child the best chance of success.  As a general rule, if you find a $200-300 BRAND NEW instrument, it will not be good and, in many cases, will not play at all. Listed below are brands which we recommend- ·       Flutes- Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Emerson, Armstrong ·       Clarinets- Yamaha, Buffet, Vito ·       Saxes- ONLY YAMAHA ·       Trumpets- King, Conn, Holton, Bach ·       Trombones- Yamaha, Bach, Conn, King Yankee Flyer         Check the Yankee Flyer.  There are frequently instruments in great condition for excellent prices advertised. Ask the seller if your school music teacher can examine it and we will be glad to help you. If You Already Own an Instrument         If you already own an instrument, please have your child bring it into school before lessons begin so that we can make sure it is in good working order for you. What You Can Do to Promote Success         Encourage your child to practice every day.  Some children will practice on their own but many will need your help in being reminded to do so.  The students who practice will learn to experience the many joys that music can bring to their lives. We are looking forward to a great year with your children! Mark Buonfiglio  mbuonfiglio@cantonschools.org And Claire McCarthy  cmccarthy@cantonschools.org          As many of you will remember, this past October, 99% of the fourth graders opted to join the instrumental music program.  Although the first sounds that are created are never very pleasant to listen to, nothing can match the unbridled enthusiasm of a nine year old student in his or her first lesson.  Nothing can “match it” but what certainly can top it is 120 of them ALL PLAYING AT THE SAME TIME in their first band rehearsal.  Imagine the expressions on the faces of the adults who inadvertently walk through the cafeteria at this time. They generally range from shear horror to great sympathy. Fortunately, the truth is that Mrs. McCarthy and I love doing this.  It is so exciting for us to teach and guide your children from making what seem to be random sounds into creating music. Many of the beginners this year have been doing outstanding work.  The range of accomplishment is as diverse as the students' personalities.  A small number of students are nearing the end of the three level series of the Super Student Beginning Band Method.  In early February, Zach Oliver, on his saxophone, became the first student to complete Part Three of the series this year and begin the Fifth Grade Book. That is quite an accomplishment.  Congratulations, Zach! The vast majority of the students are making significant progress and improving their skills each week.  I would not be truthful if I did not admit that a small number of students have also found that playing an instrument is really not something that they enjoy and they have decided to no longer be a part of the band program.  Even so, we are proud of them for having taken the opportunity and the challenge of trying an instrument. Certainly by doing so, they have gained what will most likely be a lifelong appreciation for the amount of effort and dedication that it takes to become a successful musician. Mr. B.