Rescue Union School District
Educating for the Future, Together
Elementary Music Program
Welcome to the 2022/23 School Year!
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Welcome to the 2022/23 School Year!title
I am very excited to be working at Rescue Union School District, teaching elementary students the lifelong skill of learning a musical instrument!
Band is an optional enrichment activity that 5th grade students will sign up for at the beginning of the year (see below for more information and how to sign up). There is a before school band that meets once a week from 8-8:45am and there are also 1/2 hour pull outs during the school day for students to work with me in small groups. We will have two concerts, one in December and one in May.
I will be coming into the 4th grade classes and they will receive a 1/2 hour of music instruction from me each week for the entire year. We will be working on reading rhythms, learning notes, and playing xylophones, drums, and recorders.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at miolson@rescueusd.org. I'm looking forward to working with your students this year!
Sincerely,
Mila Olson
RUSD Elementary Music Teacher
5th Grade Band Information
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5th Grade Band Informationtitle
Click HERE to sign up for Band!
Band students will have band once a week throughout the school year with full band in the morning from 8-8:45 and a 1/2 hour pull out during the day. Here is the weekly schedule and start date by site:
Monday - Lake Forest -starts 8/22
Tuesday - Rescue- starts 8/23
Wednesday- Jackson- starts 8/31
Thursday- Green Valley- starts 8/25
Friday- Lakeview- starts 8/26
Band Information
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Band Informationtitle
Materials to bring to band each week:
- Your Instrument (see below for choices) and materials
- Essential Elements for Band - Book 1 for your instrument (NOTE: the linked book is for flute. Please find the book that is for the instrument of your choice)
- A Pencil
Grading for Band:
Band grades are given on the student's regular report card. They will receive a citizenship grade of S+, S, S-, or N based on the following:
- Monthly Practice Logs: Practice is required 3x a week for 15 minutes outside of class
- Attendance
- Playtests: two melodies and two rhythms to be completed each trimester
Instrument Choices, Demonstrations, and Materials
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Instrument Choices, Demonstrations, and Materialstitle
Intro to Band
Acceptable Beginning Band Instruments are the Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Click on the tabs to the right to learn more about each instrument, hear what they sound like, and what materials you will need!
Flute
Click the link below to hear the flute!
Other materials needed: cleaning rod and cleaning cloth (any rectangular piece of absorbent cloth will work)
Clarinet
Click the link below to hear the clarinet!
Alto Saxophone
Click on the link below to hear the Alto Saxophone!
Other materials needed: at least 3 reeds (size 2), alto sax cleaning care kit
Trumpet
Click below to hear the trumpet!
Trombone
Percussion
Click the link below to hear the snare drum and bells!
Materials needed:
Snare Drum* and Bells - practice pad, 5B Drumsticks, and a xylophone, or purchase them all together with an educational kit.
*Students are not required to have a snare drum at home, but they will need to purchase or rent the practice pad, drumsticks, and bell kit (xylophone).
Where Do I Get My Instrument and Book?
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Where Do I Get My Instrument and Book?title
There are three options for acquiring a band instrument. If you aren't sure which instrument to choose, read this article.
1) Rent from a music store. This is your best choice when your student is starting an instrument because it gives you the flexibility to switch instruments if needed. See below for a list of local music stores.
2) Borrow an instrument from the School District. This option is available first to students who have financial need, then to anyone else who would like to borrow an instrument. There are not a lot of instruments available, so instruments will be checked out on a first come, first served basis and you may not get your first choice. You will also be provided with a used book for your instrument, if needed, or you may purchase a new one. If you would like to borrow an instrument, please indicate on the sign up form or contact me at miolson@rescueusd.org. You will also need to turn in a District Instrument Check-Out Form before your student can bring their instrument home.
3) Purchase an instrument, or use an instrument owned by a family member. Purchasing an instrument presents a couple challenges: Your student may change their mind or find that a different instrument is a better fit for them. Also, make sure you purchase a quality instrument that is in good working order.
Do NOT purchase cheap wind instruments on Amazon (ex. Mendini, Glory, Cecilio, Lazarro) These instruments are made of cheap materials and may work fine to start with, but are hard/impossible to repair. If you are considering purchasing an instrument on Amazon, please email me first to check to make sure the instrument is a quality instrument. If using a family member's instrument, please make sure the instrument is in good working order.
Books can be found at music stores in the area or online (like on Amazon). Make sure to purchase the Essential Elements 2000 or Essential Elements for Band, Book 1, for your specific instrument. (FYI: Clarinet is listed as Bb Clarinet on the method book.)
Instrument Rental Information
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Instrument Rental Informationtitle
There are several music stores in the area you can visit to rent an instrument and purchase an Essential Elements for Band, Book 1 (for your instrument):
873 Embarcadero Dr., Suite #1
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
636 E. Bidwell St.
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 983-0763
8091 Greenback Lane
Citrus Heights (behind Beach Hut Deli)
916-721-0295
McLaughlin Studios
3470 Swetzer Road
Loomis, CA 95650
916-652-6377
They offer the first month Free! Use code ht54d
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