5th Grade Music at Giaudrone

5^th grade band starts on Monday, October 5^th. 

We will be doing instrument testing to help students pick their instrument on October 5^th, 6^th, 8^th, and 9^th. 

October 12^th through January 15^th – Woodwinds Mon/Thurs, Brass Tues/Fri

January 15^th – end of the school year – Woodwinds Mon/Thurs/Fri, Brass Tues/ Thurs/ Fri

We have no band on half days. 

Students should plan to attend class on all assigned days and need to bring their instrument and materials to class. 

Absences are documented the same as any other class. If your child will be absent, please send us an email so we know they are safe at home. Frequent absences cause students to fall behind, so consistent attendance is essential.

Rehearsals are cancelled on all non-school days and late start days due to inclement weather.

Before Class

Students can be dropped off at Giaudrone. Alternatively, students may ride the same bus that middle schoolers in their neighborhood use. If you are unsure what route to take, please talk to the main office staff at Giaudrone, 253-571-5898. 

After Class

School buses will take students back to their elementary schools at 8:30. We escort students to the bus loading zone after rehearsal and remain with them until the buses are loaded.

General Supplies

Students will need an instrument in good working condition. Students may choose between flute, clarinet, trumpet or trombone in 5th grade this year.

• Students will need Standard of Excellence, Book 1 for their chosen instrument
• Sharpened no. 2 pencils

Where to Rent or Purchase Supplies

• Rent one from Ted Brown Music. Visit Ted Brown Music Rentals and select Giaudrone Middle School to select your instrument. Ted Brown is a local company who provides good quality instruments which include repair as needed – they will also drop off the instrument at Giaudrone for your student!  
• See if a family member has one you can use – depending on age, the instrument may need an overhaul/ repair from a local music repair shop.  Ms. Sheppard can look over instruments to help determine repair needs. 
   
• If you are eligible for free/reduced lunch, register for a scholarship instrument through the school district.  This is for $45.00/year, payable in one sum or in three payments of $15.00.  Lending contracts will be available after the first week of band, and invoices for payment will be sent by our bookkeeper – do NOT send your student with cash into school. 

Recommended Vendors: 

Ted Brown Music (preferred, as instrument repair is included in rental price, and music store reps pick up and drop off instruments from Giaudrone)
6228 Tacoma Mall Blvd
Tacoma, WA 98409
www.tedbrownmusic.com
253-272-3211

Lakewood Music & Arts
6111 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. #Q
Lakewood, WA 98499
www.musicarts.com
253-581-2926

Enhancing Your Child's Musical Experience

Be involved. Show support. Provide structure. Many parents who do not have a musical background feel they can’t help their child in their new endeavor, but your guidance and involvement is essential. These guidelines are designed to help you in giving your child the best support possible.

You can help by

• Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice. Music achievement requires effort over time.
• Providing a quiet place in which to practice, complete with a chair and stand.
• Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible.
• Praising your child’s efforts and achievements.

What to do as they develop

• Try to get your child to make a minimum two-year commitment to his/her musical studies.
• Make sure your child’s instrument is always in good working order.
• Encourage your child to play for family and friends.
• Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals.
• Allow your child to play many types of music, not just pieces from the lesson book.

What Not To Do

• Don’t use practice as a punishment.
• Don’t start your child on an instrument that’s in poor working order or condition.
• Don’t compare your child’s playing to others. Everyone develops at a different rate.
• Don’t make fun of mistakes or less than perfect playing.
• If you see your child losing interest in their music studies, don’t panic!
• Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining. Many times it may have nothing to do with music. Playing a musical instrument can be challenging at times and will require some effort.Talk to your child’s band/ orchestra teacher and/or private teacher about renewing their enthusiasm.
• Encourage your child to stick with it for the agreed period of time. If children know they don’t have a parental “out” they are much more likely to stay on track.

There are no participation fees. Classes are free. The only costs involved are for renting instruments and purchasing the necessary materials. There is a scholarship program for students with free/reduced lunch to rent an instrument from the school district for $45 annually. More information on that will be sent to those who request it when the register.

Return the registration form on the first day of band (students will be provided a copy at their elementary schools).

Yes! Breakfast service begins in the cafeteria at 7:20 a.m.

We have buses that take kids back in time to start their day. Please see Transportation section above.

We recommend visiting a local music store. See Materials section above.

5^th grade band students will receive a grade for band, and attendance will be taken every time they have class (beginning in mid-end of October, once classes settle).   If your student misses a class, they will be marked as absent and you will get a phone call home.