RPEMS Band Update August 28, 2017
Band Information for Grades 6th, 7th & 8th
RPEMS Band Update
First Day of Band "Stuff"
Just to Get Everyone Started On the Same Page
- What if I don't have my instrument yet? It's okay! We will not start playing until this Friday, August 25th. If you need help getting an instrument, please go to www.shopmeyermusic.com or call Meyer Music at 816-228-5656. They have a list of ALL of the items we use at East. (The longer a child goes without an instrument, the further he/she will fall behind. After about 2 weeks without an instrument, it may be necessary to switch to a different class. Also, remember we do not allow red, blue, yellow, green, purple etc. instruments in the band program. Usually/almost always are made poorly and will break instantly. We know they look cool, but they are basically just toys.)
- Do I need to bring my instrument on the first day of school? Nope! Do not begin to bring your instrument until Friday, August 25th or Monday, August 28th (whichever day you might have band). The first two days of school are a lot to handle with lots of information, so please keep the instrument at home. Bring it Friday!
- How can I find out more information about band? Go to our website rpbands.com/east . The website is under construction in a few areas, but is almost complete!
- How do I contact you if I need help? Jennifer.Gibson@raypec.org or Travis.Houston@raypec.org if you have 6th or 7th grade percussion.
- Will I have my own locker in the band room? Yes, unless you are a flutist, oboist or clarinetist. If you play one of those instruments just listed, you will need to keep your instrument in your locker, as we have 300 in our band program here at East and I have run out of instrument storage in the band room.
- Are concerts required? Yes, all school concerts are a requirement of the class, as it is the entire reason we joined this journey--to perform! (Family emergencies and band student illnesses are excused, however.)
- When are the concerts? You can checkout our band calendar at rpbands.com to see when your school has performances.
- Do I need a band polo? Yes! If you have the black band polo from your 6th and/or 7th grade years, you will not need to purchase a new one. I have limited extras of those, so if you've outgrown your own and would like another one, I will check on sizes available for you. I will not be placing an order for 7th or 8th graders this year. The 6th grade students, however, will received a new one that is completely different. You can pay online through the district website or wait until I send an order form home either through email or a paper copy. Please do not send money to myself or Mr. Houston yet. :) Thank you!
- I ordered my instrument from Meyer Music, but I don't have it yet. What do I do? More than likely your instrument is here at school. Don't panic! We will find it, I promise!
You will find links to:
- Private Lessons
- Archived Band Newsletters
- Essential Elements Interactive (6th and 7th Grade Only)
- Band Assignments/Homework
- Band Syllabus
- Band Calendar
Follow RPEMS Bands on Twitter & Instagram
6th Grade Band Polos
Do you want to pay by check? Please send your band polo order in envelope to Ms. Gibson and make your check payable to RPEMS. Please include your child's first/last name, grade and size. (Sizes are Adult XS to 4XL)
7th & 8th Grade Band Polos
Do you want to pay by check? Please send your band polo order in envelope to Ms. Gibson and make your check payable to RPEMS. Please include your child's first/last name, grade and size.
Our band program uses Meyer Music as our instrument dealer, as they carry the brand of instruments we want our kids to use. The instruments are durable, help kids to be successful fast and get a great sound. Meyer Music also carries all of the supplies your child needs to keep their instrument up and running, as well as books and a Korg TM50 Tuner.
You can find the list and everything they need on the website listed below.
Click on shopmeyermusic.com to get your child's instrument today!
*Meyer Music delivers every Tuesday (mid-morning'ish), so you can order through them and they will deliver it to school for you.
Morning Band Help/Practice Time (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
These morning help sessions are available every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from 6:30am to 7:25am. Students may leave the band room at 7:10am if he or she wants to eat breakfast or head to their specific grade level area prior to the 7:25am bell.
Morning Band Help Passes are available in the band room and must be picked up PRIOR to the morning he or she wants to come in early. These passes require a band teacher signature and will also allow them off the bus early and in the building.
Practicing at Home
Here are some practice tips:
- instruments must come to school and go home the same day
- find a place in your home where your child can practice uninterrupted and a place the beautiful sounds won't interrupt you
- 6th graders should practice 20 minutes a day
- 7th & 8th graders should practice 30+ a day
- students should practice homework given in class, review previous lines in the book and maybe look ahead to learn something brand new
- students should avoid practicing the items they already know repeatedly, but rather practice the items they don't know
- It's important to remember that when something is getting difficult and they want to give up, that's the point where they are just about to learn something brand new!
- let your child perform for you or a family member 1 time a week
- let them practice with another band kiddo too
- sit in with them on their practice time and have them show you what they've been learning or let them teach you how to play their instrument
- buy ear plugs
Practice homework will be given daily and should be written in the student agenda. Band practice homework can be found online at rpbands.com/east
How Do I Know What My Kid Should Be Practicing?
Ray-Pec East Middle School Band Director Jennifer Gibson
Ms. Gibson studied piano and flute throughout high school and college. She received her Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education from the University of Central Missouri as well as a Master of Instrumental Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Most recently Ms. Gibson graduated in May 2017 with an Education Specialist Degree in District Administration.
Ms. Gibson's experiences and interests as a musician includes education and advocacy, performance, accompanying and composition. In her spare time she enjoys running, painting, hiking and spending time with her family. Ms. Gibson is a graduate of Sherwood High School and lives in Garden City, MO with her dog Sissy. Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Missouri Music Educators Association, and the Missouri Bandmasters Association.
Ms. Gibson's Bottom Line:
I want kids to be good people, kind citizens and strong leaders--then be a good musician.
Email: Jennifer.Gibson@raypec.org
Website: rpbands.com/east
Location: 17509 East State Route 58, Raymore, MO 64083
Phone: 816-388-4000
Twitter: @rpemsbands