Tips & Terms

How to encourage your student …

AT HOME

1.  Show an interest in the music study of your child.

2.  Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.

3.  Find a quiet place where they can practice without interruption.

4.  Help them with their practice as much as possible by counting, studying music texts, etc.

5.  Help the student keep a daily record of their practice for accountability.

6.   Give them a safe place to keep their instrument.

7.   Make sure you help your student get the necessary accessories for his instrument such as reeds, mutes, oil, and slide grease.  All students should have a metronome and tuner.

8.  Be very careful with instruments. The cost of repairs is very high.

9.  Help your child to be prepared and on time for each rehearsal and lesson. Even though private study is not required, it is strongly recommended as an extension of the classroom.

10.  Make faithful attendance at all activities important.

11.  Encourage your child to play for others when the opportunity arises, in the home, at school, church and in the community.

12.  Read your email daily and make sure your information is updated in Charms.

13.  Work with your student on how to manage their time between band and schoolwork.

AT SCHOOL

1. Keep a record of the students various musical activities.

2. Notify the teacher in advance if the student is to be absent or tardy at lessons, rehearsals, etc., and explain why.

3. See that they take their instrument and music to school.

4. Teach them to be punctual at lessons and rehearsals.

5. See that your child keeps up with classroom studies and makes up work they missed. Visit rehearsals and lessons occasionally.

6. Discuss with your music teachers anything that will help them to better understand your child.Attend concerts and other performances whenever possible.

7. Join and attend Band Parent Association meetings whenever possible.

8. Volunteer to help through the band parent association.

9. Purchase band spirit wear and wear items to all band functions.

Logistics

Sending in payments: cash or checks sent into school should be place in the Band Box, located inside the band room on the wall next to the window of the director's office. Student's name and the purpose of the payment should be written on the check and check placed in an envelope.

Recovering misplaced items: the band maintains its own lost and found box for items left in the band room.

Glossary of Band Terms

Band Box: A white locked box located on the wall next to the window of the director's office. This is where you place forms and money. Fundraising is also turned into this box unless instructions are given otherwise.

Band Parent Association (BPA) Board: A group of volunteers who oversee the Hampton Cove Middle School Band Parent Association.  They meet as needed to coordinate band and booster activities.

CHARMS: A web-based software program that we use to communicate with those in the band.  It is very important that you keep your information up to date, and you know the dates on the calendar.  Students can access music, drill charts, and forms on Charms.  Parents can access forms, booster meeting minutes, and other band related info on the website.  charmsoffice.com (see home page of this site for log in information)

Director: They have total control and supervision of the band program. 

Fundraiser: A term which needs no definition. Because no money comes to our program from the school system, we are mostly self-funding. Because of this, students are involved in several fund-raisers each year.  It is not enough that the student earns money; we must also involve parents in all aspects of fund-raising.

MPA: Acronym for Music Performance Assessment.   The Alabama State concert band festival that the Huntsville High School Band (wind ensemble and symphonic band) attends yearly.

Section: Each instrument group or unit of the band.  (i.e.,  Flutes, Trombones, Color Guard)

Volunteer: No experience necessary; just bring hands. We will guide you as much as possible but, remember, we need fresh ideas – YOURS! Don’t be intimidated or shy – WE NEED YOU!  You can volunteer anytime.  Committee sign ups typically occur at the first booster meeting of the year.

Winds: Any instrument that uses air to produce a sound.  All Brass and Woodwind instruments are ‘winds.’  Do not confuse this term with “woodwinds.”