Dear Band Parents,

This year, all EWG Band students will be required to submit assignments via Smartmusic, an online computer program that doubles as an assessment tool.  With nearly 300 band students, I hope you can understand my interest in a program that collects all assignments for me in one place!

SmartMusic is designed to allow students to practice at home with interactive accompaniment.  The program provides the students with immediate detailed feedback regarding their performance.  All the student has to do is set up a microphone and begin practicing.  Their performance is recorded into the computer for analysis by both Student and Teacher. 

All EWG Band students WILL use this program in band class, so I am requiring them to have their own copy at home.  The purchase price is very affordable – a one year home subscription is $36.00.  It is necessary to have an internet connection for Smartmusic to work because this is how students submit assignments.

Visit http://www.Smartmusic.com, or see the link on the band website to order the program.  For convenience, you may either download the program, or Smartmusic will send you a CD copy of the software.   Also, Smartmusic accepts all major credit cards.   I am willing to arrange financial sponsorship for any student in need, so please contact me to make arrangements.

You can also choose to purchase a microphone and other accessories. A microphone is required for recording, Intelligent Accompaniment, tuning and assessment. Most computer microphones will work with SmartMusic, so it is NOT necessary to purchase a microphone from smartmusic – you can easily purchase a microphone at JR Music and Computer World or at big box technology stores.

As always, if I may be of assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me by email: Gregg_Charest@ewg.k12.ri.us, or by telephone (401) 397-6898 ext. 43. 

There are a few things your child needs to be successful in band: All students need a folder for their sheet music, a pencil in class every day (best kept in their folder), and this other equipment, listed by instrument.  All of these supplies can be purchased at local music stores, but the links are here for convenience (so you know each product looks like and what to ask for).

Single Reed instruments (clarinets, saxophones): Reeds –students should be using high quality reeds (either RICO Blue Box, or even better, Van Doren Blue Box).  7th graders should be playing size 2 in Van Doren, or 2.5 in RICO reeds.  I highly suggest you AVOID flavored reeds in Jr High and High School.

These are absolutely worth the extra expense.  Here are some links:

 Clarinet: http://www.wwbw.com/Vandoren-Traditional-Bb-Clarinet-Reeds-462584-i1414709.wwbw

 Bass Clarinet:  http://www.wwbw.com/Vandoren-Traditional-Bass-Clarinet-Reeds-462583-i1143273.wwbw

 Alto Sax: http://www.wwbw.com/Vandoren-Alto-Saxophone-Reeds-462581-i1412684.wwbw

 Tenor Sax: http://www.wwbw.com/Vandoren-Tenor-Saxophone-Reeds-462591-i1143313.wwbw

 Bari Sax: http://www.wwbw.com/Vandoren-Baritone-Saxophone-Reeds-462582-i1143268.wwbw

 
Trumpets, Baritone Horn, Tuba:

Valve Oil: http://www.wwbw.com/Al-Cass-Fast-Valve--Slide---Key-Oil-420257-i1133383.wwbw

Trombone:

Superslick Slide kit: http://www.wwbw.com/Superslick-Slick-It-Trombone-Kit-420624-i1133704.wwbw

French Horn:

Rotor Oil: http://www.wwbw.com/Superslick-Key-Rotor-Pin-Oiler-420623-i1133703.wwbw

Percussion students (drums and mallets):

Percussionists will not need to provide instruments (the school will supply them because of the size and number of instruments), however, percussionists must purchase their own sticks and mallets.  Here is a great kit to get started: http://www.wwbw.com/Vic-Firth-EP2-Intermediate-Education-Pack-443958-i1137890.wwbw