- Hopewell Elementary School
- Overview
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Sponsor: Mr. Maule (rmaule@oxfordasd.org)
Hopewell Instrumental Program
Welcome to the Hopewell Band Program page! The band program is comprised of four instrumental ensembles: Beginner Band, Jazz Band, Fifth Grade Band, and Sixth Grade Band.
Every band student will experience instrumental instruction through one small-group lesson every six days, as well as one 45-minute large-group rehearsal every six days.
5th Grade Band rehearsal is every D Day from 8:45-9:30am.
6th Grade Band rehearsal is every F Day from 8:45-9:30am.
All students must purchase “Essential Elements 2000, Book 1” for use during the school year.
Practice charts are not required and will not be a part of your grade. However, accountability on practicing will be assessed as “playing tests” during group lessons. Consistent practicing measures are necessary to become well-rounded musicians. Only playing during Band class will not make you a more competent musician.
My recommendations for proper practice times are as follows:
-Practice four (4) days a week (this does not have to be in succession)
-During each practice session, work for 20-25 minutes
Practicing is NOT:
-playing from beginning to end with no stopping
-playing a piece one time through and moving on to the next piece
-skipping a passage of music that you consistently play incorrectly
Practicing IS:
-circling trouble spots with a pencil or highlighter
-chunking out passages (example: working from measures 25-33)
-working out a finger pattern, a shift, a small technical spot
-setting realistic goals if you cannot practice for 30 minutes
-not going faster than your fingers can take you
-correcting your errors before moving on
-taking breaks during your practice routine
-having fun playing your instrument (don’t make it a chore!!)
We participate in two kinds of performances: one competition (6th Grade and Jazz Band ONLY) and four concerts (two In-school concerts and two formal concerts.)
PERFORMANCES:
Wednesday, December 13- In-school Concerts (5th and 6th grade) during school
Thursday, December 14- Winter concert @ H.S. 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 9- In-school Concerts (5th and 6th grade) during school
Thursday, May 10- Spring concert @ H.S. 7:00pm
The Winter and Spring Concerts will start at 7:00pm and students will need to report at 6:15pm to the High School band room. The concerts will be held in the High School auditorium.
Friday, May 18 HERSHEY (6th grade and Jazz Band only)
***Please note these dates and try to avoid vacations and other planned absences during these concerts.***
Good communication is the key to having a successful experience for your child. Please call me at 484-365-6150 ext. 2235, email me at rmaule@oxfordasd.org, or we can set up a parent conference to discuss concerns. I always return emails and phone calls within 24 hours.
To access the Hopewell Band Handbook, please click here.
To access the Hopewell Music Department web site, please click here.