Hello, my name is Barry Ward, and I am the band director at your school.
Band at St. Thomas More starts in 4th grade and goes through the 8th grade. The beginner band is mostly made up of first year students, whereas the award-winning advanced band takes students mostly from 5th - 8th grade who have a little more experience. The link below explains most everything about starting an instrument for the first time. It includes a number of sections in order to help you at home, and Mr. Ward will be meeting with students in early September.
The sections included in the link are:
1. a message from Mr. Barry Ward,
2. selecting an instrument,
3. videos from involved parents and students, plus a link to Music and Arts (Rental) Stores.
Generally your first instrument will likely be rented, or you can purchase an instrument, but the safest route seems to be renting for the first year.
In order to get started, use the introductory 2-month rental deal with a purchase of the lesson book, Essential Elements for Band, Book 1 (for your instrument) - Hal Leonard, publisher. A music stand for home use is always a really good idea as well. Many of these items can be found on the Music and Arts Stores (online) instrument rental site which is attached to this link.
Take a look at the video's that are also included, and particularly important if you and your student are only mildly interested in our program and playing in the school band. Playing an instrument certainly can add a lot to a student's day and certainly an interesting educational elective.
The St. Thomas More Band Program has a long rich history of teaching students to play and perform. All lessons are at school and during school hours where students are placed in similar group lesson. A band is formed for end-of-the-year performances at school or for other venues. Here is our link to joining the school BAND!
Thank you for reading this important information, and I hope to see and meet you and your student this coming year at St. Thomas More School, 2022.
Sincerely,
Barry Ward
St. Thomas More School
Barry Ward
St. Thomas More School