| For Parents |
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Starting Band at North Ridge
-No prior musical training is necessary.
-The band program at North Ridge Middle School is highly regarded at the state level.
-Participation in the band program, in many cases, has proven to be a tremendous incentive for maintaining a good
academic record.
-Self-discipline develops with the mastery of a musical instrument.
-Band is taught every day as part of the regular school day and is considered an academic elective.
-Sixth grade beginners are taught every day to achieve maximum playing potential as quickly as possible.
-Private lessons are available, encouraged and highly recommended.
-Initially we suggest that you rent an instrument rather than purchase one. School instruments are available for only $50
per semester.
-No prior musical training is necessary.
-The band program at North Ridge Middle School is highly regarded at the state level.
-Participation in the band program, in many cases, has proven to be a tremendous incentive for maintaining a good
academic record.
-Self-discipline develops with the mastery of a musical instrument.
-Band is taught every day as part of the regular school day and is considered an academic elective.
-Sixth grade beginners are taught every day to achieve maximum playing potential as quickly as possible.
-Private lessons are available, encouraged and highly recommended.
-Initially we suggest that you rent an instrument rather than purchase one. School instruments are available for only $50
per semester.
Benefits of Music
Music is a Science. It is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor's score is a chart, a graph with
indicated frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at once and with the most exact control of
time.
Music is Mathematical. It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions which must be done
instantaneously, not worked out on paper.
Music is a Foreign Language. Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French; and the notation is certainly no English,
but a highly developed kind of short hand that used symbols to represent ideas. The semantics of music is the most
complete and universal language.
Music is History. Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation - often even the country and/or political
feeling.
Music is Physical Education. It requires fantastic coordination and control of muscles which respond instantly to the
sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.
something which would transcend and uplift the human experience. Music shall live as long as there are ears and minds
to listen and appreciate this art.
Music is Art. It allows a human being to take all these dry, technical, techniques and use them to create emotion.
Music is a Science. It is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor's score is a chart, a graph with
indicated frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at once and with the most exact control of
time.
Music is Mathematical. It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions which must be done
instantaneously, not worked out on paper.
Music is a Foreign Language. Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French; and the notation is certainly no English,
but a highly developed kind of short hand that used symbols to represent ideas. The semantics of music is the most
complete and universal language.
Music is History. Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation - often even the country and/or political
feeling.
Music is Physical Education. It requires fantastic coordination and control of muscles which respond instantly to the
sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.
something which would transcend and uplift the human experience. Music shall live as long as there are ears and minds
to listen and appreciate this art.
Music is Art. It allows a human being to take all these dry, technical, techniques and use them to create emotion.
How Can you Help your Child Develop Musically?
-Show an interest in the music study of your child.
-Arrange a regular time and place for your child to practice without distraction or interruption.
-Never make fun of the "strange" sounds your beginner instrumentalist may make. It's important to remember that all
musicians begin with "sour" notes and missed rhythms.
-Teach your child the responsibility of being present and on time to rehearsals.
-Give your child a safe place to keep their instrument.
-Help your child to maintain their instrument in good repair.
-Encourage your child to play in front of others when the opportunity arises at home, school, church, or in the community.
-Keep a record of your child's various music activities.
-See that your child takes their instrument and music to school every day.
-Demonstrate your support of your child's musical efforts by attending concerts.
-Show an interest in the music study of your child.
-Arrange a regular time and place for your child to practice without distraction or interruption.
-Never make fun of the "strange" sounds your beginner instrumentalist may make. It's important to remember that all
musicians begin with "sour" notes and missed rhythms.
-Teach your child the responsibility of being present and on time to rehearsals.
-Give your child a safe place to keep their instrument.
-Help your child to maintain their instrument in good repair.
-Encourage your child to play in front of others when the opportunity arises at home, school, church, or in the community.
-Keep a record of your child's various music activities.
-See that your child takes their instrument and music to school every day.
-Demonstrate your support of your child's musical efforts by attending concerts.
