Rescue Union School District
Educating for the Future, Together
Elementary Music Program
Welcome to the 2024/25 School Year!
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Welcome to the 2024/25 School Year!title
Click HERE to sign up for Band!
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 all 4th graders in the Rescue Union School District will receive a 1/2 hour of music instruction from me each week for the entire year. In the fall, we will be working on singing, reading rhythms, learning notes, and playing xylophones. The spring is devoted to learning how to read and play music on 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
Meet the Instruments Night on Tuesday, August 13th at Jackson Elementary from 6-7pm!
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Meet the Instruments Night on Tuesday, August 13th at Jackson Elementary from 6-7pm!title
Interested in Band?
Stop by Jackson Elementary on Tuesday, August 13 anytime between 6-7pm. You will be able to:
- Try out instruments with the help of local high school students
- Ask Mrs. Olson any questions about band
- Rent your instrument from a local music store
- Purchase your Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician method book
I hope to see you there! -Mrs. Olson
Click HERE to sign up for Band!
5th Grade 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 starting the week of August 19. Here is the weekly schedule:
Monday - Rescue
Tuesday - Lakeview
Wednesday- Jackson
Thursday- Lake Forest
Friday- Green Valley
Materials to bring to band each week:
- Your Instrument (see below for choices) and materials
- Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician for your instrument (NOTE: the linked book is for flute. Please find the book that is for the instrument of your choice)
- A Pencil
- Your Band Folder (provided by Mrs. Olson)
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 with your instrument and music
- Playtests: two melodies and two rhythms to be completed for Mrs. Olson each trimester
Instrument Demos
Acceptable Beginning Band Instruments are the Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Click on the tabs above 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!
Other materials needed: at least 3 reeds (size 2), clarinet swab and cork grease
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
Trombone
Percussion
Click the link below to hear the snare drum and bells!
Materials needed:
Snare Drum* and Xylophone - Required equipment: Practice Pad, 5A drumsticks, and a xylophone. 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). It is most cost effective to simply buy an educational kit on Amazon.
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.
Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician books can be found at music stores in the area or online (like on Amazon). Make sure to purchase the book for your specific instrument.
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 your band book:
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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