(updated 9/10/09)

Band Parents: I have set up this page to help you guide your young musician to musical success both at home and at Meadowdale Middle School. In a never ending quest to try to keep the communication lines open, throughout the year I send home notices regarding concerts and upcoming events. I would like to add your name to my database of student/parent email addresses to allow me to save some paper and communicate more effectively with you. If you would like to be included in my group email list, please send me the following information: (This information will ONLY be used by me to contact you.)

Your child's name, your name, and email address (home or work - whichever you prefer)

Of course, you can always call me at school - (425) 431-4345, with ANY questions or concerns. To send me an email, just click here: Bruce Laven

The calendar for the school year is located on the Music home page.

The separate Jazz Band calendar is on the Jazz Band page.

If you are looking for a way to get your young musician to PRACTICE more at home, try reading and sharing these Practice Tips.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Musicians can and will improve by practicing their instrument both at home and at school. A minimum of 1.5 hours per week or 15 - 20 minutes a day of practicing at home is essential to your child’s musical development and improvement. Please encourage your son or daughter to schedule a regular time and place to practice and preferably make it a daily routine. I realize these kids have many interests and other obligations, but to succeed in music, you gotta PRACTICE!

Performing is an excellent way for a musician to demonstrate individual talent and technique, but even more important, it provides a tremendous learning experience. When a young musician proves to him or herself that they can perform in front of an audience, a valuable lesson in self-confidence is learned. Performance attire is “black and white,” meaning black shoes, black pants or skirts and white blouses or dress shirts. The year’s performance schedule is sent home in the fall and can also be found here. When you receive it, please mark your calendars so you can support your young musician and attend our exciting performances.

At the beginning of the school year every music student at our school is required to pay a $20.00 fee. The money generated by this music activity fee pays for new music, supplies, and equipment for our ever-growing music department. Thanks to your support, we will continue to provide quality music literature and materials to inspire all of our music students to improve and do their best. Please send a check payable to Edmonds School District for this annual music fee. If your son or daughter is fortunate enough to have two music classes, the charge is $30.00.

Grades in all band classes are based on positive performances and productivity in class (40%), successful completion of playing and written tests (40%), and attendance at concerts (20%). Student grades can be found in Skyward for students and parents to view, updated as they become available generally every 2-3 weeks.

If you know of any instruments that are not being played and are available for use, please consider donating them to our school instrument inventory. Finally, we are always looking for more opportunities to perform, so consider a Meadowdale M.S. performing group for your next social event or special occasion! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please call me anytime at (425) 431-4345.

Please realize your support, both financial and otherwise, is greatly appreciated by the entire music staff at Meadowdale Middle School.

Sincerely,
Bruce Laven, Band Director

MMS BAND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

1. Be Prompt. Come to class on time and ready to rehearse.
2. Be prepared with instrument, music and a pencil.
3. Do your best to: maintain a positive attitude, try to improve and learn something new every day,
help and support others.
4. Attend all performances.
5. Be a “Team Player,” respectful of fellow students, their feelings and personal belongings.
6. Be responsible for your instrument, music, and other school equipment. Provide a name tag on your instrument’s case, make sure it is properly stored and cared for.
7. Be productive, actively participating and contributing during class. At home, practice your instrument at least 1.5 hours per week (15-20 minutes every day).

RESOURCES

These local music stores can provide you with instruments and music supplies. They have friendly, knowledgeable sales people, and qualified instrument repair technicians on site for your assistance. They also have a number of private music instructors who specialize in specific instruments for one on one tutoring. I highly recommend inquiring about them or ask me for some other suggestions for a private teacher for your child. Your young musician will benefit greatly!

Kennelly Keys Music (425) 771-7020, 4918 196th St. SW, Lynnwood

Mills Music (425) 775-6500, 20505 Hwy 99, Lynnwood

The method books we currently use at MMS are available at the above stores. They are:

Accent on Achievement - Book II for the first half of the 7th grade year, Book III for the second half.

Accent on Achievement - Book III for the first half of 8th grade.

INSTRUMENT INFO/CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The following links will take you to some very informative sites about specific instruments, how to buy one, instrument maintenance, and more!

Music Education Online - A great resource site for ALL instruments with excellent links.

K-12 Resources for Music Educators - An awesome place with links to find a multitude of musical information on the web.

Instrument Maintenance Manuals - Yamaha Corp.'s maintenance guides for all wind instruments.

Practice Tips - A guide for students and parents to help develop good practice habits for instrumental music students.

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