Hello trumpet and trombone players! Our instruments are part of the Brass Family of instruments, which also includes the tubas and french horns.
Your first assignments for Brass Class:
1. Make sure you have your instrument and book:
Essential Elements for Band, Trumpet Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
Essential Elements for Band, Trombone Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
If you need help, have your parents email me at psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org and I will help!
2. Read the 5th Grade Music Grading Rubric and Practice Guidelines,
then sign the paper, and have your parents read and sign. Return the paper to me in class next week and I will give you your first practice log. (Please only turn this paper in during music class. Do not give it to your regular classroom teacher.)
See you soon in Brass Class!!!
--Pete Santucci
psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org
______________________________________________
Here is all of the information your parents should have already received last June to help them find an instrument and book for you:
Please visit one of the following locations if you are planning to rent an instrument. While you are there you should also be able to purchase any of the method books assigned below, and the staff can help answer any questions about additional accessories and supplies you will need. If you choose not to rent an instrument from a music store, you may email Mr. Santucci to make arrangements to borrow an instrument from the school district. psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org
Music Stores:
(for all instruments)
The Magic Flute
182 Northgate One
San Rafael CA 94903
(415) 479-3112
Marin Music Center
1559 South Novato Blvd
Novato CA 94947
(415) 897-4131
In previous years, the music stores have occasionally run out of books and rental instruments as the fall approaches. Some music stores will allow you to rent an instrument now, without an additional fee for the summer months. Our goal is for every student to be ready to start playing when school begins.
Please! – Do not purchase low cost instruments from Target, Costco, or discount websites! They are often of very poor quality, may not play properly, and can make learning an instrument frustrating and difficult for students. It is, however, sometimes possible to borrow or purchase used instruments that are of good quality. Please contact us for advice.
The school district owns a small number of instruments that can be loaned to students for the year. If you are interested in using a district-owned trumpet, trombone, flute or clarinet, please contact Music Department Co-Lead Teacher, Pete Santucci (psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org), or for a district-owned violin or cello, please contact the Orchestra Teacher, Rosemary Montgomery (rmontgomery@rossvalleyschools.org). The YES Foundation pays to have each school instrument cleaned and repaired each year. A suggested $50 donation is requested for each loaned instrument to help with its maintenance, but any amount will help with this effort. This donation is completely voluntary and is not required. All discussions will be kept confidential.
Checklist:
Trumpet
· Trumpet or cornet (the normal kind, in the key of B-flat), in a case labeled with student’s name
· High-quality valve oil (Blue Juice or Al Cass are the best brands. More expensive, but worth it!)
· Cleaning cloth or rag
· Essential Elements for Band, Trumpet Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
· Pencil (required for every class)
Trombone
· Trombone, in a case labeled with student’s name
· Slide lubricant (slide oil, slide cream, Slide-O-Mix, or Yamaha Trombone Slide Lubricant)
The Yamaha Slide Lubricant (in the white bottle with a purple label) is the best and easiest trombone slide cream I have used in 35 years of playing trombone. You may need to order it online, but I am telling you, it is the best thing ever invented for trombone slides to work well!
· Cleaning cloth or rag
· Essential Elements for Band, Trombone Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
· Pencil (required for every class)
Practice Logs:
Students will be provided with a music practice log for each trimester grading period. They are expected to practice their instruments or song selections at home 30 minutes per week and keep track of their practice time on the log. Parents are responsible for checking and initialing students’ practice logs, which are presented in class as proof of practice and count as part of the student’s music grade. Music teachers will keep the music website (rvsdmusic.org) up to date with directions for at-home practice. You can support your child by providing positive reinforcement as well as an appropriate place and time for focused, consistent practice. It is important that parents check the practice log each week.
Instrument Care:
Each instrument requires different accessories and maintenance supplies. Directions for instrument care will be included in the method book, and you can also find helpful video instructions for instrument maintenance and cleaning by searching on YouTube. Instruments should always be carried in the case and handled with care. If repairs are needed during the school year, it is critical the instrument be taken to the music store for repairs in a timely manner so that students don’t miss instruction or get behind in class.
Performance Attire:
Students will wear an RVSD 5th Grade Music t-shirt at all performances. More information will be provided in September.
We look forward to a great year!
RVSD Music Team
rvsdmusic.org
Your first assignments for Brass Class:
1. Make sure you have your instrument and book:
Essential Elements for Band, Trumpet Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
Essential Elements for Band, Trombone Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
If you need help, have your parents email me at psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org and I will help!
2. Read the 5th Grade Music Grading Rubric and Practice Guidelines,
then sign the paper, and have your parents read and sign. Return the paper to me in class next week and I will give you your first practice log. (Please only turn this paper in during music class. Do not give it to your regular classroom teacher.)
See you soon in Brass Class!!!
--Pete Santucci
psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org
______________________________________________
Here is all of the information your parents should have already received last June to help them find an instrument and book for you:
Please visit one of the following locations if you are planning to rent an instrument. While you are there you should also be able to purchase any of the method books assigned below, and the staff can help answer any questions about additional accessories and supplies you will need. If you choose not to rent an instrument from a music store, you may email Mr. Santucci to make arrangements to borrow an instrument from the school district. psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org
Music Stores:
(for all instruments)
The Magic Flute
182 Northgate One
San Rafael CA 94903
(415) 479-3112
Marin Music Center
1559 South Novato Blvd
Novato CA 94947
(415) 897-4131
In previous years, the music stores have occasionally run out of books and rental instruments as the fall approaches. Some music stores will allow you to rent an instrument now, without an additional fee for the summer months. Our goal is for every student to be ready to start playing when school begins.
Please! – Do not purchase low cost instruments from Target, Costco, or discount websites! They are often of very poor quality, may not play properly, and can make learning an instrument frustrating and difficult for students. It is, however, sometimes possible to borrow or purchase used instruments that are of good quality. Please contact us for advice.
The school district owns a small number of instruments that can be loaned to students for the year. If you are interested in using a district-owned trumpet, trombone, flute or clarinet, please contact Music Department Co-Lead Teacher, Pete Santucci (psantucci@rossvalleyschools.org), or for a district-owned violin or cello, please contact the Orchestra Teacher, Rosemary Montgomery (rmontgomery@rossvalleyschools.org). The YES Foundation pays to have each school instrument cleaned and repaired each year. A suggested $50 donation is requested for each loaned instrument to help with its maintenance, but any amount will help with this effort. This donation is completely voluntary and is not required. All discussions will be kept confidential.
Checklist:
Trumpet
· Trumpet or cornet (the normal kind, in the key of B-flat), in a case labeled with student’s name
· High-quality valve oil (Blue Juice or Al Cass are the best brands. More expensive, but worth it!)
· Cleaning cloth or rag
· Essential Elements for Band, Trumpet Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
· Pencil (required for every class)
Trombone
· Trombone, in a case labeled with student’s name
· Slide lubricant (slide oil, slide cream, Slide-O-Mix, or Yamaha Trombone Slide Lubricant)
The Yamaha Slide Lubricant (in the white bottle with a purple label) is the best and easiest trombone slide cream I have used in 35 years of playing trombone. You may need to order it online, but I am telling you, it is the best thing ever invented for trombone slides to work well!
· Cleaning cloth or rag
· Essential Elements for Band, Trombone Book 1, Hal Leonard Publications
· Pencil (required for every class)
Practice Logs:
Students will be provided with a music practice log for each trimester grading period. They are expected to practice their instruments or song selections at home 30 minutes per week and keep track of their practice time on the log. Parents are responsible for checking and initialing students’ practice logs, which are presented in class as proof of practice and count as part of the student’s music grade. Music teachers will keep the music website (rvsdmusic.org) up to date with directions for at-home practice. You can support your child by providing positive reinforcement as well as an appropriate place and time for focused, consistent practice. It is important that parents check the practice log each week.
Instrument Care:
Each instrument requires different accessories and maintenance supplies. Directions for instrument care will be included in the method book, and you can also find helpful video instructions for instrument maintenance and cleaning by searching on YouTube. Instruments should always be carried in the case and handled with care. If repairs are needed during the school year, it is critical the instrument be taken to the music store for repairs in a timely manner so that students don’t miss instruction or get behind in class.
Performance Attire:
Students will wear an RVSD 5th Grade Music t-shirt at all performances. More information will be provided in September.
We look forward to a great year!
RVSD Music Team
rvsdmusic.org