Beginning Band/Orchestra Enrollment Information

Fall, 2019

Dear Parents,

We are pleased to inform you that both our 4th and 5th grade elementary students will be given the opportunity to

participate in band or orchestra for the school year. Please read the following overview and return the attached

form by September 16, 2019 to the Homeroom Teacher. Students may choose from the instruments listed on the

enrollment page.

Beginning Instrumental Music Instruction: Lessons and Rehearsals

● LESSONS: Band or Orchestra students will attend one 40-minute period for instrumental lesson per week.

This will occur on a rotating basis during the school day as a pullout program, so students do not miss the

same class period each lesson. Students will learn how to play their instruments during these small group

lessons.

● ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS: Beginning band or orchestra students will also attend one large ensemble

rehearsal during the school day through the “Special Periods”. This rehearsal teaches students how to

perform together as a cohesive group. Ensemble rehearsals are an integral part of the band/orchestra

learning experience and prepare students for the next level of proficiency. Concert performances are

presented to demonstrate student progress and foster school community. Rehearsal days and times are

being determined for each elementary buildings. Instrumental music teachers will be posting schedules

for students and teachers to follow.

How to Enroll:

A. Fill out the attached Beginning Band and Orchestra 2019-20 Enrollment Form by September 16,

2020. Return forms to the Band/Orchestra teacher, or place it in the envelope provided in your

student’s homeroom. This enrolls your child in the program.

B. Obtain an instrument for the start of the school year. We recommend renting an instrument for the first

year. If you choose to rent an instrument, please send checks directly to the company of your choice.

Please do not send money to the school.

C. Purchase a lesson book and any necessary supplies (as designated below) from any music store. Purchase

of a music stand is encouraged for home practice.

Franklin Township Public Schools

Instrumental Music at our Elementary Schools Claremont School, Conerly Road School, Elizabeth Avenue School, Franklin Park School,

Hillcrest School, MacAfee Road School, & Pine Grove Manor School Our Instrumental Music Teachers

Mr. Jonathan Ware, Mrs. H. Poppell, Mr. O. Rivera Figueroa, Ms. D. Vitello Jware@franklinboe.org, Hpoppell@franklinboe.org, Orivera@franklinboe.org, Dvitello@franklinboe.org

After your student returns the enrollment form, he/she will be placed on the band or orchestra roster. Students

will be assigned to a lesson group and a rehearsal time slot. More detailed information will be sent to band and

orchestra members in the fall.

Special notes for Percussion and String Instruments:

If your child wishes to play percussion: Percussion involves playing the snare drum and xylophone. Due to

the high interest in percussion, we must limit the number of percussionist per ensemble. Therefore, a brief

rhythm audition is required before being accepted into the percussion section. We will contact you in the

fall with further instructions. Please wait to order a percussion kit until your child auditions and receives further

instructions. Be sure to indicate your child’s first and second choice instrument on the enrollment form.

If your child chooses a string instrument, you will need to refer to the attached sizing chart. This will help

you determine the proper size instrument for your child. (For more help contact the instrumental teacher)

Getting an Instrument

Each student will provide his/her own instrument. You may RENT an instrument from a music store

(recommended option). Information to rent is included in this packet. The music stores listed below deliver

instruments and make weekly visits to the school for repairs. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of these

rental opportunities; however, you may rent an instrument from any company of your choice.

● You may PURCHASE your own instrument. You may want to consult your child’s teacher before

making a purchase.

● If you have difficulty in obtaining an instrument, please contact one of the music teachers to assist you.

There will be a small charge for using a school-loaned instrument as per District Policy 2551.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the instrumental teachers at your child’s school:

Strings: Heather Poppell: CES, FPS, CRS/ Hpoppell@franklinboe.org

Strings: Oscar Rivera: PGM, EAS, MAC, HILL/Orivera@franklinboe.org

Band: Debbie Vitello: CRS, MAC, HILL/ Dvitello@franklinboe.org

Band: Jonathan Ware: CES, FPS, EAS/ Jware@franklinboe.org

Beginning Band and Orchestra

2019-20 Enrollment Form

Student’s Name: ________________________________________________________________________

(First Name) (Last Name)

2019-20 Grade level: _______ School for 2019-20_______________________Home Room_______

Please Print Clearly:

Parent/Guardian Name:__________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Day Phone: _________________________ Evening Phone: ____________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________________________________________________

INSTRUMENT CHOICE:

Orchestra Instruments offered: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass

Band Instruments offered: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone and Percussion*

*Percussion slots are limited and require a rhythm audition with the band teacher. Those desiring percussion

should wait to order percussion/bell kits until given permission to do so by the teacher. Please have a second

instrument choice if not selected for percussion.

List the instrument you desire to play.

*A second choice is only needed if you are trying out for percussion.

1st Choice______________________________

*2nd Choice______________________________

Please indicate how you will obtain an instrument:

(1) OWN or BUY (2) WILL RENT from store (3) OTHER_________________________

I understand my child will need to attend a lesson and a large ensemble rehearsal one per week as scheduled.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________

Please return this form on or before June 21st, 2019.

String instruments come in various sizes and are based on your child’s arm length and /or height. Please see

attached “String Instrument Sizing Guide”.

Music Stores that come to school:

1. The Music Shop: 56 Fanny Road Boonton, NJ 07005 1- 800-553-0633 www.themusicshop.com (School

year better price for violin, viola, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone and Drums & Bells kit)

2. Russo Music: 1989 Arena Drive Hamilton, NJ 08610 1-800- 84-RUSSO www.russomusic.com (School

year better price for Cello, String Bass, Alto Saxophone and Baritone)

LESSON BOOK AND EQUIPMENT LIST:

You may order the required lesson book and necessary equipment from the rental company, any music store or

online vendor. You may want to compare prices from various vendors. Some vendors include the price of the

Essential Elements Book within the cost of the instrument rental.

Please note that both Russo Music Center and The Music Shop visit our schools weekly for free delivery or pick

up of instruments and equipment.

FOR BAND:

Lesson Book- Essential Elements for Band-Book 1. (Required for first and second year.)

● The Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone or Baritone (Bass Clef) Book 1 are each

$10.99

● The Percussion Book 1 is a double book combining drums and xylophone for $17.99

Drum Class Method by Alyn J. Heim Book 1 for first year snare drum studies is $7.99

Drum Class Method by Alyn J. Heim Book 2 for second year snare drum studies is $7.95

Reeds are needed for Clarinet and Alto Saxophone.

Rico Reeds are a good brand for beginners. Reeds come in various sizes. Please buy size 2 for the first month,

then switch to size 2.5 after that. Make sure you get the correct reed for your child’s specific instrument.

B-flat Clarinet reeds – 3 pack (Rico $9.49) or a box of 10 (Rico $18.99) Size 2 for the first month/ size 2.5 after

that.

E-flat Alto Saxophone reeds - 3 pack (Rico $9.99) or box of 10 (Rico $22.99) Size 2 for the first month/ size 2.5

after that.

FOR ORCHESTRA:

Lesson Book - Essential Elements for Strings –Book 1 (Required for first year.)

• The Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass Book 1 are each $10.99*

Violin / Viola Required Accessories

● Shoulder rests are required for these instrument: Everest or Khun shoulder rests are recommended.

These come in a variety of sizes so be sure to purchase the size that matches your child’s instrument

size. If your child is using a 3/4 Violin, purchase the 3/4 - 4/4 size.

● Rosin- Violin/Viola students need light rosin for their bows. (Rosin is included in the rental instruments)

Cello/Bass-Required Accessories

● Endpin strap/anchor(Cello) or Endpin rest/Rock stop (Bass)- These keep the instruments from

sliding on the floor.

● Rosin-Cello/Bass students need dark rosin for their bows. (Rosin is included in the rental instruments)

String Instrument Sizing Guide

Violin and Viola

To determine to size of the Violin or Viola your child needs, follow this guide.

Measuring Arm Length

Have the player extend their left arm completely straight (but not overextended) with no bend in the elbow or wrists.

Measure from the base of the neck to the center of the palm.

VIOLIN

Arm

Length

Violin size

17-19” 1/4 Violin

20-21.5” 1/2 Violin

22-23” 3/4 Violin

23.5 & up” 4/4 Violin (Full size)

VIOLA

Arm

Length

Viola size

18” ¼ Violin Strung as

viola

20” 12” Viola

21-22” 13” Viola

23” 14” Viola

24.5 15” Viola

CELLO

You can achieve a very close approximation using three measurements.

1. The height of the player

2. The distance from the shoulder socket to the tip of the middle finger (left arm)

3. The distance between the tip of the index finger and the tip of the pinky (left hand)

BASS

Basses also come in several sizes. There are 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 size basses available for smaller students. The size most

adults play is the 3/4 size.

General height guidelines:

1/8 size- Recommended for smaller elementary students (generally ages 7-9)

1/4 size - This is the size that's recommended for taller elementary students (ages 10-11)

1/2 size - It measures 40.2 inches and will be suitable for older children to adults who are around five feet four inches in

height.