September 11th, 2017
Dear Swift River Families,
We are very pleased to announce the return of our Swift River School Instrumental Band Program! Last year was a huge success with a fantastic performance at the Spring Spectacular. Already the hallways are buzzing with excitement for lessons and rehearsals to start up once again.
Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 will have the opportunity to participate in our Instrumental Band Program on a variety of concert band instruments. Students in Grade 3 are also welcome, and should speak with Mr. Cortina prior to their potential start in the band program.
Instrumental Band lessons will be held every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for 30 minutes per lesson. Lessons will be grouped by instrument, and will cover material such as technique, music literacy, and instrument care. Students who wish to participate in Band must also play and practice their instrument outside of school. Band students must practice at home for a minimum of 10 minutes every single day. Swift River will provide Method Books to guide students, both in and out of school, in their practice and musical progress.
On Fridays, students will participate in Band Rehearsal. This is a 40-minute period, which will allow students to play music together in an Elementary School Band. Students will learn about group playing, tuning as an ensemble, and most importantly, the fun and pride that comes from creating music together!
We at Swift River are happy to be partnered with Gerry’s Music in South Hadley. Families may rent instruments through Gerry’s Music at a reduced rate. Families must only pay the rental fee for their instrument to Gerry’s Music; there will be no additional cost for program participation. All matters regarding your student’s instrument rental must be handled through Gerry’s Music. If your family already owns your instrument, program participation is free.
The cost for instrument rental, paid each trimester (three times a year), starts at $47.44. Rental fees will be paid directly to Gerry’s Music, and Gerry’s will credit all rental fees towards the purchase of a new or used instrument! Additionally, since instrument insurance is included in the rental fee, Gerry’s will handle all repairs to their instruments.
Students may choose to play from the following list of instruments:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Percussion (Snare Drum or Glockenspiel)
Ready to start playing? Great! If your student already owns an instrument, they may start lessons right away. Please find the attached flier from Gerry’s Music, and a questionnaire about what instrument your student wishes to play. If your student already knows what instrument they wish to play, but they need an instrument rental, contact Gerry’s Music at:
Gerry’s Music
80 Lamb Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
(413) 534-7402
If your student is unsure about what instrument they wish to play, Swift River School will host an Instrument Night at Swift River School on September 25th from 3pm to 5pm. I will offer a show-and-tell of different instruments, answer any questions you may have about the instruments, and offer assistance with the rental form process. Please bring a debit card if you wish to fill out the rental form that night.
I am so very excited to offer this musical opportunity to our students. We have accomplished so much in just one year, and the sky is the limit for the upcoming school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me.
Sincerely,
Michael Cortina
[email protected]
The New Salem-Wendell School District assures that all programs, activities, and employment opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, disability, economic status, homelessness, religion, or sexual orientation.