Dear Band Parents,

Welcome back to the EWG Jr/Sr High Band Program!  Now that things have begun to settle down in the band room, and that we have established our class routines, I want to write to you to introduce (or re-introduce) myself to you, and to give you the information you will need most this school year.

My name is Gregg Charest, and I am the band director at the Jr/Sr High School.  I’ve been in EWG since January 2002, and since then we have managed to triple the size of the band program that you are now a part of.  You’re receiving this email because you have a student in band this year, and you filled out the band member contact information form. If you ever need to update your contact information, all you need to do is visit the form again (it will notify me that you’ve resubmitted your information).  Here’s the link: http://www.ewgbands.com/home/updatecontact

 

You can access the calendar page here:  http://www.ewgbands.com/Calendar

 

CLASSROOM SUPPLIES:

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 what to ask for).

Single Reed instruments (clarinets, saxophones): Reeds –students should be using high quality reeds (either Van Doren Blue Box, or better).  These are 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

The web site will ask you what size to purchase if you or your child are unfamiliar with the correct reed size, choose #2 for 7th graders, or ask your child which size they prefer - most kids use a 2.5, but every student is different.  It's worth checking with them!

Trumpets, Baritone Horn, Piston Valve 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, Rotary Valve Tuba:

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

BAND BOOSTERS

Our Parent booster organization is called P.O.P.S., or Parents of Performing Students.  You are already considered a member because your student is affiliated with the program.  You are not required to do anything to maintain your membership, but from time to time you will be asked (via email) to volunteer at one of our concerts if you are available.  The Band program is far too big for one person to run on their own, so parent volunteerism is highly appreciated.

 QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS:

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at: Gregg_Charest@ewg.k12.ri.us or in the music office 397-6898 x 239 (email is faster for me, though).

 Highest Regards,

Mr. Charest