We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of a couple of upcoming events.  First, our Middle School Band Spring Concert will be Monday, April 30th at 7:00pm.  The concert will be held in the high school gymnasium. 
Second, we will compete in the Bristow Band Bonanza on Saturday, April 28th. However, students must be eligible in order to participate (60% or above in every class).

Contest Schedule, Saturday, April 28th in Freeland Center at Bristow HS

• 8:00am – Load Buses
• 8:15am – Depart for Bristow
• 9:50am – Beginning Band Warmup
• 10:15am – Beginning Band Performance
• 11:55am – MS Jazz Band Warmup
• 12:20pm – MS Jazz Band Performance
• 12:45pm – Lunch (bring $5-$10 for lunch at Mazzios or McDonalds)
• 1:45pm – Depart for Perkins
• 2:45pm – Arrive at MS Band Room  

***STUDENTS MAY CHECK OUT WITH A PARENT/GUARDIAN AFTER THEIR PERFORMANCE.

***STUDENTS MAY NOT LEAVE FROM BRISTOW WITH ANYONE EXCEPT THEIR OWN PARENT/GUARDAIN. THIS IS SCHOOL POLICY.

Dress for both events will be NICE dress clothes (please no blue jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes)—just like our Christmas concert.  

We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of a couple of upcoming events.  First, our Middle School Band Spring Concert will be Monday, April 30th at 7:00pm.  The concert will be held in the high school gymnasium. 

Second, we will compete in the Bristow Band Bonanza on Saturday, April 28th. However, students must be eligible in order to participate (60% or above in every class).  If we do not have a viable group due to ineligible students, we will not be able to compete.  PLEASE help your student stay on top of his/her grades. There is still time to bring up failing grades, but not if the student waits until the last minute.

We will send out more information about the contest as we receive it. However, we can tell you that we will be competing in the morning.

Both of these events have been on the band calendar that you received in August. Please make sure that you have adjusted your schedules to accommodate these two big events.  Dress for both events will be NICE dress clothes (please no blue jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes)—just like our Christmas concert.  

As always, thank you so much for your continued support of this program and these amazing students. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Please see the attached file. It contains all of the information you need to know about tomorrow's meeting!

Welcome to band! Your student is embarking upon a new adventure and experience in the exciting field of music. This year promises to be a thrilling start to a new chapter in the Perkins-Tryon Band Program.
 
Here are some things you need to know:
 
1.  All students will be tested on 4 basic instruments:  flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone.  After this initial testing, students interested in other instruments, such as saxophone, percussion, horn, euphonium, or tuba, will be tested.  (Only a limited number of students will be taken in the saxophone and percussion sections.)
2.  After students have finished being tested, we will meet with every student individually to determine what they will be best suited to play.  This decision will be based on both testing results and the student’s wishes.
3.  On Wednesday, September 6th representatives from Edmond Music Company will come to Perkins to give you the opportunity to purchase/rent instruments.  They will be at the Middle School band room from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.  You are under no obligation to purchase an instrument from them.  They are simply providing a service by “bringing their store” to you.  However, all students and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) will need to attend the meeting to purchase the method books and any supplies that the student will need.  Any purchase made during this time is a business transaction between you and Edmond Music. Any arrangements for return of the instrument or maintenance needs to be taken care of by the parent(s)/guardian(s), not the director.
 
A Note of Caution:
We would like to caution and deliver a word of warning to parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding the purchase of any musical instrument.  First, we highly recommend that a beginning student rent his/her instrument, rather than purchase.  Most music merchants will apply the rental payments towards the purchase of the instruments. They will also provide instrument repair for their customers.
 
Secondly, we recommend parents NOT BUY an instrument from vendors who are not specifically music merchants.  These non-music stores are vendors such as department store catalogs, discount membership warehouses, online purchases, and private party sales (unless we inspect the instrument).  On the next page several problems are listed that can exist with these types of purchases.
 

1. The quality of these instruments is generally poor and will cause playing problems for your student.
2. Music stores usually will not repair these poor quality instruments.
3. When these instruments need repair, the repair can be difficult and more costly than the cost of a quality instrument.

           
Below, you will find suggested brands to look for when purchasing an instrument.  If you find a brand that is not listed, please contact us and let us know what you are looking at.
 
These are accepted brands that we approve:
 
Flute:              Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Pearl, Artley, Accent, Emerson
 
Clarinet:         Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer Signet, Vito, Artley, Noblet, Accent
 
Alto Sax:        Selmer, Yamaha, Yanigasawa, Conn, Vito, Cannonball
 
Trumpet:        Bach, Getzen, Conn, Yamaha, King, Accent
 
Trombone:     Bach, Getzen Conn, Yamaha, King, Accent
 
Percussion:    (only on approval from the directors) Ludwig Musser Xylo Kit
 
Again, please do not purchase any instrument until after the students have been tested during first few days of school.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
 

                                                                 Instrument Rental Meeting
                                                           Wednesday, September 6th, 2017
                                                                         4:30pm – 6:30pm
 
Your student will need an instrument for band class, and it is important that everyone start on a quality instrument. For your convenience, representatives from Edmond Music Company will be at the Middle School band room on Wednesday, September 6th, from 4:30pm-6:30pm, with all of the recommended school-approved instruments necessary for students.
 
The instruments may be “rented” on a rental-purchase plan (rent to own). This plan makes it possible for you to give your child a chance to enter the band program without a large cash outlay and no commitment to buy.
 
TO CLEAR UP ANY POTENTIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
 

1. Parents and students do not need to stay for the entire time. Simply come and go.
2. We have a large number of beginning students/parents that will need to complete the rental contract (to be filled out and signed that day). Please be prepared to wait patiently as the store representatives will work through the line as quickly as they can. You may terminate the contract at any time, with no obligation to buy, although rent will apply toward the purchase price if you continue the rental process to the end of the contract.
3. On the meeting date, the down payment (listed below) is due. Please make checks payable to Edmond Music.
4. They will also have all necessary supplies (books, music stand, etc.) that your student will require.

 
NEW INSTRUMENT DOWN PAYMENT INFORMATION (costs includes repair/replacement warranty)
 
Flute               $35.17
Clarinet           $40.59
Saxophone     $69.65
Trumpet          $40.59
Trombone       $40.59
Percussion     $40.59
 
This payment includes your maintenance agreement plus tax, and it will also be your monthly payment until the instrument is fully purchased.
 
You will receive a 25% discount if you purchase the instrument that evening. At any given time, if you pay the instrument off early, you will receive a 20% discount on the remaining balance.
 
All students will need the following:           music stand and instrument book
Woodwind players will also need:              box of reeds  

Individual student practice is most important for the continued musical growth of your student. We strongly encourage thirty minutes of daily practice (120 minutes or more per week). You can help your child meet this goal when you:
 

• Plan a scheduled time for each day of practice
• Select a time after school when your student has the most energy
• Find a quiet place away from any disturbances
• Help set a goal for each practice session
• Provide a straight backed chair and music stand
• Sit with your budding musician as he/she practices
• Praise your student for their efforts and progress

 
Your student will be asking you to sign their Practice Report prior to the weekly due date (Friday of every week). Attached is a Daily Practice Guide that will help your student have the most productive practice session possible and the first Practice Report.  Students were given a copy of their first practice report last Friday. The first one will be due this coming Friday, September 30th. Please note that practice reports account for 20% of your students overall grade.
 
If you have any questions about practice procedures, feel free to contact us. Thank you for your help in this matter.

Practice Reports can be downloaded under the Downloads tab on the menu bar.

​​Instrument Rental Meeting
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
4:30pm – 6:30pm

Your student will need an instrument for band class, and it is important that everyone start on a quality instrument. For your convenience, representatives from Edmond Music Company will be at the Middle School band room on Wednesday, September 7th from 4:30pm - 6:30pm, with all of the recommended school-approved instruments necessary for students.
 
The instruments may be “rented” on a rental-purchase plan (rent to own). This plan makes it possible for you to give your child a chance to enter the band program without a large cash outlay and no commitment to buy.
 
TO CLEAR UP ANY POTENTIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

1. Parents and students do not need to stay for the entire time. Simply come and go.
2. We have a large number of beginning students/parents that will need to complete the rental contract (to be filled out and signed that day). Please be prepared to wait patiently as the store representatives will work through the line as quickly as they can. You may terminate the contract at any time, with no obligation to buy, although rent will apply toward the purchase price if you continue the rental process to the end of the contract.
3. On the meeting date, the down payment (listed below) is due. Please make checks payable to Edmond Music.  You will also be responsible for the maintenance fees, supplies, book, and taxes that evening.
4. We HIGHLY recommend purchasing the maintenance agreement.  If the instrument is damaged or stolen, they will replace or repair it at no extra cost to you.
5. They will also have all necessary supplies (books, music stand, reeds, valve oil, maintenance kit, etc.) that your student will require.
6. ANY STUDENT PLAYING A SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENT MUST PURCHASE HIS OWN PERSONAL MOUTHPIECE.

 
INSTRUMENT DOWN
PAYMENT INFORMATION                            SUPPLIES
Flute               $35.17                                     Music Stand                                        $15.00 (RECOMMENDED)
Clarinet          $40.59                                      Clarinet Reeds (box of 10)                 $24.99           
Saxophone     $69.65                                     Alto Saxophone Reeds (box of 10)    $29.99
Trumpet         $40.59                                      Valve Oil                                             $6.95
Trombone      $40.59                                      Slide Grease                                      $6.95
Percussion     $40.59                                      Maintenance Kits                               $19.99
*Each instrument has a different                    Woodwind and Brass Books              $10.00 (MANDATORY)
number of months for pay-off.                        Percussion Books                              $17.00 (MANDATORY)
 
You will receive a 20% discount if you purchase the instrument that evening. At any given time, if you pay the instrument off early, you will receive a 20% discount on the remaining balance.

Welcome to band! Your student is embarking upon a new adventure and experience in the exciting field of music. This year promises to be a thrilling start to a new chapter in the Perkins-Tryon Band Program.
 
Here are some things you need to know:
 
1.  All students will be tested on 4 basic instruments:  flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone.  After this initial testing, students interested in other instruments, such as saxophone, percussion, horn, euphonium, or tuba, will be tested.  (Only a limited number of students will be taken in the saxophone and percussion sections.)

2.  After students have finished being tested, we will meet with every student individually to determine what they will be best suited to play.  This decision will be based on both testing results and the student’s wishes.
​
3.  On Wednesday, September 7th representatives from Edmond Music Company will come to Perkins to give you the opportunity to purchase/rent instruments.  They will be at the Middle School band room from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.  You are under no obligation to purchase an instrument from them.  They are simply providing a service by “bringing their store” to you.  However, all students and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) will need to attend the meeting to purchase the method books and any supplies that the student will need.  Any purchase made during this time is a business transaction between you and Edmond Music. Any arrangements for return of the instrument or maintenance needs to be taken care of by the parent(s)/guardian(s), not the director.
 
A Note of Caution:
We would like to caution and deliver a word of warning to parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding the purchase of any musical instrument.  First, we highly recommend that a beginning student rent his/her instrument, rather than purchase.  Most music merchants will apply the rental payments towards the purchase of the instruments. They will also provide instrument repair for their customers.
 
Secondly, we recommend parents NOT BUY an instrument from vendors who are not specifically music merchants.  These non-music stores are vendors such as department store catalogs, discount membership warehouses, online purchases, and private party sales (unless we inspect the instrument).  On the next page several problems are listed that can exist with these types of purchases.
 

1. The quality of these instruments is generally poor and will cause playing problems for your student.
2. Music stores usually will not repair these poor quality instruments.
3. When these instruments need repair, the repair can be difficult and more costly than the cost of a quality instrument.

           
Below, you will find suggested brands to look for when purchasing an instrument.  If you find a brand that is not listed, please contact us and let us know what you are looking at.
 
These are accepted brands that we approve:
 
Flute:              Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Pearl, Artley, Accent, Emerson
 
Clarinet:         Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer Signet, Vito, Artley, Noblet, Accent
 
Alto Sax:        Selmer, Yamaha, Yanigasawa, Conn, Vito, Cannonball
 
Trumpet:        Bach, Getzen, Conn, Yamaha, King, Accent
 
Trombone:     Bach, Getzen Conn, Yamaha, King, Accent
 
Percussion:    (only on approval from the directors) Ludwig Musser Xylo Kit
 
Again, please do not purchase any instrument until after the students have been tested during first few days of school.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
 
Attached is a document further explaining the details of the instrument rental meeting with Edmond Music Company on Wednesday, September 7th, from 4:30-6:30
 
 
                             Instrument Rental Meeting
                       Wednesday, September 7th, 2016
                                   4:30pm – 6:30pm
 
Your student will need an instrument for band class, and it is important that everyone start on a quality instrument. For your convenience, representatives from Edmond Music Company will be at the Middle School band room on Wednesday, September 7th, from 4:30pm-6:30pm, with all of the recommended school-approved instruments necessary for students.
 
The instruments may be “rented” on a rental-purchase plan (rent to own). This plan makes it possible for you to give your child a chance to enter the band program without a large cash outlay and no commitment to buy.
 
TO CLEAR UP ANY POTENTIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
 

1. Parents and students do not need to stay for the entire time. Simply come and go.
2. We have a large number of beginning students/parents that will need to complete the rental contract (to be filled out and signed that day). Please be prepared to wait patiently as the store representatives will work through the line as quickly as they can. You may terminate the contract at any time, with no obligation to buy, although rent will apply toward the purchase price if you continue the rental process to the end of the contract.
3. On the meeting date, the down payment (listed below) is due. Please make checks payable to Edmond Music.
4. They will also have all necessary supplies (books, music stand, etc.) that your student will require.

 
NEW INSTRUMENT DOWN PAYMENT INFORMATION (costs includes repair/replacement warranty)
 
Flute               $35.17
Clarinet          $40.59
Saxophone     $69.65
Trumpet         $40.59
Trombone      $40.59
Percussion     $40.59
 
This payment includes your maintenance agreement plus tax, and it will also be your monthly payment until the instrument is fully purchased.
 
You will receive a 20% discount if you purchase the instrument that evening. At any given time, if you pay the instrument off early, you will receive a 20% discount on the remaining balance.
 
All students will need the following:           music stand and instrument book
Brass players will also need:                      maintenance kit (valve/slide oil will be included)
Woodwind players will also need:              reeds and maintenance kit  

Greetings All!

We have made it through the first few weeks with instruments! Woohoo! Hopefully, the sounds at home are becoming a little less "interesting" and little more characteristic of your student's instrument!

It is important to remember that learning a musical instrument takes time, energy, patience, and practice--it is not something that one masters overnight. Please continue to help your student designate 15-20 minutes per day for practicing his/her instrument.

Please don't forget that Practice Reports are due EVERY Friday (they must be signed and filled out correctly to receive credit). If your student happens to forget, he/she may turn it in on Monday for half credit.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call, email, and/or visit! We are truly enjoying this bunch of beginners--they are awesome kids!

Calling all Band Parents/Guardians and Friends!

Our first Band Booster meeting of this semester will be held this Thursday, September 17th at 6:30pm in the High School Band Room.

We understand that everyone's time is valuable; therefore, meetings typically last about 45 minutes. We would love to see some fresh faces at this meeting with new and wonderful ideas! Our band program continues to grow and thrive, and we want/need our parent organization to follow suit!

Some items that will be discussed are listed below:

1. Friday Night Football Games
2. Cherokee Strip Parade in Perry (9/19)
3. Old Settlers' Day Parade (9/26)
4. Old Settlers' Day Hot Dog Eating Contest (9/26)
5. Locker decorations for all grades
6. General fundraising ideas

Because our program continues to grow, we are desperately needing to purchase more school-owned instruments (e.g. tubas, tenor saxophones, french horns, baritones, etc.) to support this continued growth.

The band program receives NO funding from the district. Everything we do and/or purchase is done with money that has been raised via fundraisers and/or donated. Please find time in your busy schedules to help us support this program and our incredible students!

Booster Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30pm with the exception of school breaks and holidays. All dates are on the band calendar which can be found at perkinstryonbands.weebly.com.

Hope to see you on Thursday!