Tips for practice, and for parents!
Dear Parents/Guardians and students,
I’m so excited that you have chosen to be a part of the Oak Hills Local School District’s instrumental music program!
The major goal of the beginning orchestra and band experience is to provide a solid base of musical skills and techniques, while providing an opportunity for students to have fun making music with others. This is accomplished through group rehearsals, school concerts and district festivals.
Success in music is largely determined by the desire to succeed, the motivation to practice consistently, parental support and quality instruction.
Students receive group instruction once every three days for 45 minutes. They are expected to practice between lessons and record practice time on a practice log. Please encourage your student to practice on a daily basis. The practice log should accurately reflect the total amount of time the student practiced. There will be concerts given during the school day for the student body and at night for the public. Attendance is required. We want to look sharp for our performances! Concert dress expectations vary by school. Your director will tell you what to wear as your concert approaches.
Practice Tips for Students
1. Practice often and regularly.
• 15 minutes per day is recommended.
• It is often helpful to practice at the same time every day. For example,
before school, after school, or right after dinner.
• Find a time that's best for you and your family.
2. Find a suitable place in your home to practice.
• Look for a place where you will not be interrupted by distractions like the phone, television, or other family activities.
• It is helpful to practice in front of a mirror to check posture and techniques such as correct embouchure (lips, mouth), mouthpiece position, bow hold and instrument position .
3. Sit up straight or stand tall and practice with a music stand.
• This will ensure proper posture, correct breathing and instrument position.
4. Strive for a pleasing sound.
• Never feel discouraged about hearing unusual sounds. They are a part of the development process.
5. Stop and work out difficult parts.
• Practice slowly and repeat them before playing the entire piece.
6. Don't be discouraged by a plateau in progress or a dislike for practice once the
"newness" has worn off.
• Experience has shown that, with continued effort, this cycle passes quickly.
The Practice Cycle
Tips for Parents
Your student is learning a new skill (like riding a bike).
They will need your encouragement and support in order to succeed.
1. Be patient!!!
2. Show an interest in your child's instrumental music experience.
• Be supportive through frustrations, and enjoy progress together.
• Give your child feedback and sign the practice log.
• Praise your child's efforts.
3. Encourage good practice habits.
• Assist your student in setting up a regular time and quiet place for practice.
• Encourage creative practice, such as practicing in front of a mirror.
• Provide a music stand.
4. Assist in the care of the instrument.
• Refer to your student’s Standards of Excellence/Essential Elements book for proper care and maintenance tips. There are also links on my website for instrument care.
• An instrument works well only when it is maintained in the best possible condition.
• It should be cleaned after each use and returned to its case and stored in a safe place.
• Repairs should be made by an experienced, qualified repair person. Check with your teacher for specific suggestions.
• Only your student should play the instrument, no one else.
5. Instrumental music is both an individual and a group endeavor.
• Reinforce skills needed to participate as part of a group, including individual responsibility, dependability, ownership, and attention.
• Stress the importance of being punctual for lessons and rehearsals.
• Encourage faithful attendance at school and community music activities and other cultural events.
6. Get acquainted with your child's director.
• Call or email whenever you have questions or concerns.
I’m so excited that you have chosen to be a part of the Oak Hills Local School District’s instrumental music program!
The major goal of the beginning orchestra and band experience is to provide a solid base of musical skills and techniques, while providing an opportunity for students to have fun making music with others. This is accomplished through group rehearsals, school concerts and district festivals.
Success in music is largely determined by the desire to succeed, the motivation to practice consistently, parental support and quality instruction.
Students receive group instruction once every three days for 45 minutes. They are expected to practice between lessons and record practice time on a practice log. Please encourage your student to practice on a daily basis. The practice log should accurately reflect the total amount of time the student practiced. There will be concerts given during the school day for the student body and at night for the public. Attendance is required. We want to look sharp for our performances! Concert dress expectations vary by school. Your director will tell you what to wear as your concert approaches.
Practice Tips for Students
1. Practice often and regularly.
• 15 minutes per day is recommended.
• It is often helpful to practice at the same time every day. For example,
before school, after school, or right after dinner.
• Find a time that's best for you and your family.
2. Find a suitable place in your home to practice.
• Look for a place where you will not be interrupted by distractions like the phone, television, or other family activities.
• It is helpful to practice in front of a mirror to check posture and techniques such as correct embouchure (lips, mouth), mouthpiece position, bow hold and instrument position .
3. Sit up straight or stand tall and practice with a music stand.
• This will ensure proper posture, correct breathing and instrument position.
4. Strive for a pleasing sound.
• Never feel discouraged about hearing unusual sounds. They are a part of the development process.
5. Stop and work out difficult parts.
• Practice slowly and repeat them before playing the entire piece.
6. Don't be discouraged by a plateau in progress or a dislike for practice once the
"newness" has worn off.
• Experience has shown that, with continued effort, this cycle passes quickly.
The Practice Cycle
Tips for Parents
Your student is learning a new skill (like riding a bike).
They will need your encouragement and support in order to succeed.
1. Be patient!!!
2. Show an interest in your child's instrumental music experience.
• Be supportive through frustrations, and enjoy progress together.
• Give your child feedback and sign the practice log.
• Praise your child's efforts.
3. Encourage good practice habits.
• Assist your student in setting up a regular time and quiet place for practice.
• Encourage creative practice, such as practicing in front of a mirror.
• Provide a music stand.
4. Assist in the care of the instrument.
• Refer to your student’s Standards of Excellence/Essential Elements book for proper care and maintenance tips. There are also links on my website for instrument care.
• An instrument works well only when it is maintained in the best possible condition.
• It should be cleaned after each use and returned to its case and stored in a safe place.
• Repairs should be made by an experienced, qualified repair person. Check with your teacher for specific suggestions.
• Only your student should play the instrument, no one else.
5. Instrumental music is both an individual and a group endeavor.
• Reinforce skills needed to participate as part of a group, including individual responsibility, dependability, ownership, and attention.
• Stress the importance of being punctual for lessons and rehearsals.
• Encourage faithful attendance at school and community music activities and other cultural events.
6. Get acquainted with your child's director.
• Call or email whenever you have questions or concerns.