Parents

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL BAND

Parents,

Your son's participation in music through being a part of the Christian Brothers High School Band will provide him an experience which cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Through participation in instrumental music he will learn the dynamics of group skills and develop much in the way of non-verbal expression. He will be introduced to abstract thinking and exposed to the creative and re-creative processes which are at the basis of all well-guided musical activities.

The personal achievement, growth, and development of responsibility that a student acquires through musical activity can help him in other areas of study as well. Musical study can also train the student to carry his share of a well-knit group endeavor.

You will be surprised at the many ways in which you can be a part of your son's formative exposure to instrumental music, even though your own musical experience may be rather limited. Here is a list of some things that you can do to improve and nurture your son's experience in Band.

Check the online calendar frequently to keep up with upcoming events.

Try to arrive to performances 15 minutes early. Tardies can hurt your son's grade in band.

Be Patient - Don't expect too much at first. Progress may seem slow at first, but he'll be playing music and tunes you'll recognize soon enough.

Encourage Competitive Spirit - Music is like athletics in this respect, a player becomes good by wanting to be the best.

Encourage Good Practice Habits - Practice is the band's homework and deserves the same attention. Half the battle is teaching your son to practice every day in the same place and at the same time.

Buy Musical Supplies Promptly - Some instruments just won't play without certain accessories such as reeds, valve oil, or percussion mallets. With out certain crucial items he may fall behind just as he would in another subject without a text or workbook. Some other simple things that can encourage your sons practice are music stands and metronomes.

Develop Good Habits of Instrument Care - Every trained musician treats his instrument with great care. He knows from experience that like any precise mechanism, it works best only when it is kept at its best. Until the beginner finds this out for himself, it's worth remembering that an instrument represents an important investment. If a part should break or bend on an instrument try to repair it promptly or see the band director for advice.

Attend School Concerts - Your presence is both a challenge and an encouragement to your son, and a large audience builds the whole band's morale.

Encourage Good Work in Other Studies Too - Again, music is like sports. Your child must keep up with his assignments in all his studies daily. If he does this, there will be no problem finding time for music practice.

Follow Your Son's Progress - You can help even if you are not a musician. Encourage him by listening to him practice, and remember the value of praise.