How to succeed in band

Today's post comes to us from Danielle in 7th grade. She is a most excellent percussionist!
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How to succeed in band
(From a band student’s mind)

Band is the most fun class in the school but you’ve got to know how to succeed in it. I’m going to tell you my top ways of getting A’s in band.

My first and most important tip is PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! You may think band is an easy class, but it’s not unless you practice. Practicing is not as horrible as you think. Actually, it can be really fun. First, it is only 15-30 minutes out of your day. Second, you can make it fun by playing to the radio or performing for your family. Another thing you could do is find new music online. You can find popular and fun songs for your instrument simply by going on Google and typing “cool clarinet songs” or “fun percussion solos”.

The next tip is look up at your conductor. I know it is easier to look down at your music but you never know when the tempo will change. Your conductor can change the tempo at any time they want to. It might be just a little change or could be major. Plus, your conductor sometimes gives hints like “be softer” or “wrong measure”.

A really important thing you need to do to succeed in band is have good posture. I know it is a million times easier to slouch but it really affects your sound. When you slouch your breathing is worse which makes it harder to get your sound out. You might squeak or you might not get any sound out at all. I mean it’s not much just to sit straight for an hour. In every other class but gym you can slouch in your seat.

Another important tip is to stay organized. Keep your music in a folder so you always have it and keep your instrument in a case or your mallets in a bag. You usually have to turn your music back in and if you lose it some other kid next year won’t get to use it, plus our school pays a lot of money for the music. You probably know why you need to keep your instrument in a case, but in case you don’t, it keeps you instrument safe.

What are YOUR tips for succeeding in band?

5 Favorite Things About the Trumpet

Today's blog post comes from Kayla, a 7th grade trumpeter.
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My top 5 favorite things about the trumpet
• It’s fun to play with other trumpet players.
• The fingerings are easy to remember.
• They usually have the main part of a song.
• They can be loud & quiet.
• They’re not heavy.

What are some things you like best about YOUR instrument?

Logan's original composition

Today's post comes to us from sixth grade trombonist Logan B.
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I wrote this song because I was at this web site at school and we had a small assignment and while I was doing it I thought this is fun. So when I get home I became a member. All it needs is your e-mail and a password and a user name. Another good thing about it is when I typed in a user name and a password it didn’t tell me that the user name wasn’t eligible because it was not already taken so I think you shouldn’t have that problem as well.

I like this song because it comes in sequences and different patterns. Personally I think the song really represents life itself and life can be good and bad in many different ways. (To play the song there is a little play button in the lower left hand corner.)



Now I’d like it if you could listen to my song and answer this question: how many instruments are there in this song?
Hope you like my song - Logan.B

An original 6th grade song

Today's post comes from sixth grader D'Angelo, who has an original song to share with you. (Click on the song to make it bigger.)
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My name is D’Angelo. I play the baritone. I like the baritone because it sounds cool and its shape is cool. Here’s a song I wrote:



What measure does the violin play by itself ?

Meow! A musical cat!

Today's blog comes to us from Jackie in the sixth grade. She has a video she's like to share with you. Take it away, Jackie...

Hello everyone! I’m Jackie B. and I play the flute! I think you should watch this video! Just follow these steps…
• Get headphones or turn up the volume so you can hear!
• Watch the video.
• Then answer the question.



The question is…
What instrument do you think the song is being played by?
(Just for fun! It’s optional!)
Do you know this cat’s name without looking?

Why 5th Graders Should Sign Up for Band

Today's blog post comes to us from McKenzie, a flute player in 6th grade. McKenzie has a message for 5th grade students:

5th Graders should sign up because it’s a very FUN and EXCITING experience.
There are a lot of instruments to choose from.

BAND INSTRUMENTS:
1) Flute
2) Saxophone
3) Percussion
4) Clarinets
5) French horns
6) Trombones
7) Tubas
8) Trumpets
9) Bassoon
10) Oboe
11) Baritone

The band teachers, Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Hill, are AWESOME teachers!
They make band even better!

If you want to sign up for band, what instruments will you sign up for???