PARENT'S PAGE

Heritage High School Band HHS Color Guard 2008 Fall Schedule Quick Itinerary for Scheduled Trips Volunteers Fundraisers Photo Albums Congratulations!! Student's Page Parent's Page Grading Info Band Expenses HHS Band Booster Bylaws Contact Us Links



ON THIS PAGE: Importance of Parental Support

                            Music Advocacy's Top Ten for Parents

                            Goals and Objectives

Importance of Parental Support  

Dear Parents:

Schedules and classes are now in place and we are focused on a solid curriculm certain to make a difference in the life of every student in our music program.  I would like to share some ways that you can help support our program.

Encouraging Parents- Competence is the result of dedicated "time on task."  Music learning, music performance, and music appreciation are the outcomes of study, practice, and guided listening.  With limited rehearsal time, it is imperative that students invest extra time in nurturing their talents and improving their skills.  Please encourage a positive practice schedule.  Remember that practice time must be framed as a benefit and not as a disciplinary penalty.

Loyal, Appreciative Audience- The best audience is always parents.  You are faced with a full agenda in your personal and professional life, and you are challenged to adjust your schedule to accommodate every school function.  However, your presence at our performances will mean more to your child than words can describe.  Music is a family affair.  Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate your child's talent.

Booster Member- There are many ways to aid and participate in our parental support organization.  Please join with other parents who realize the far-reaching potential of the arts and take advantage of the synergy created by sharing a common education philosophy.  This organization ensures the future of music quality for your child and his/her fellow artists.  The music program at Heritage High School continues to flourish because of a substantive curriculum, a well-informed and supportive administration, adn exemplary parental support.

You make a difference!

John Gallagher & Mr. Wilson

Band Directors

Music Advocacy's Top Ten for Parents
  • 1. In a 2000 survey, 73 percent of respondents agree that teens who play an instrument are less likely to have discipline problems.- Americans Love Making Music – And Value Music Education More Highly Than Ever, American MusicConference, 2000. 

  • 2. Students who can perform complex rhythms can also make faster and more precisecorrections in many academic and physical situations, according to the Center forTiming, Coordination, and Motor Skills.- Rhythm seen as key to music’s evolutionary role in human intellectual development, Center for Timing,Coordination, and Motor Skills, 2000. 
  • 3. A ten-year study indicates that students who study music achieve higher test scores,regardless of socioeconomic background.- Dr. James Catterall, UCLA.  
  • 4. A 1997 study of elementary students in an arts-based program concluded that students’math test scores rose as their time in arts education classes increased.- “Arts Exposure and Class Performance,” Phi Delta Kappan, October, 1998. 
  • 5. First-grade students who had daily music instruction scored higher on creativity tests than a control group without music instruction.- K.L. Wolff, The Effects of General Music Education on the Academeic Achievement, Perceptual-MotorDevelopment, Creative Thinking, and School Attendance of First-Grade Children, 1992. 
  • 6. In a Scottish study, one group of elementary students received musical training, whileanother other group received an equal amount of discussion skills training. After six (6)months, the students in the music group achieved a significant increase in reading test scores, while the reading test scores of the discussion skills group did not change.- Sheila Douglas and Peter Willatts, Journal of Research in Reading, 1994. 
  • 7. According to a 1991 study, students in schools with arts-focused curriculums reportedsignificantly more positive perceptions about their academic abilities than students in acomparison group.- Pamela Aschbacher and Joan Herman, The Humanitas Program Evaluation, 1991. 
  • 8. Students who are rhythmically skilled also tend to better plan, sequence, and coordinate actions in their daily lives.- “Cassily Column,” TCAMS Professional Resource Center, 2000. 
  • 9. In a 1999 Columbia University study, students in the arts are found to be more cooperative with teachers and peers, more self-confident, and better able to express their ideas. Thesebenefits exist across socioeconomic levels.- The Arts Education Partnership, 1999. 
  • 10. College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions. They claim that music participation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness.- Carl Hartman, “Arts May Improve Students’ Grades,” The Associated Press, October, 1999. 

Goals and Objectives

1. 12 Major Scales & Chromatic

2. Technical Studies

   A. Fingering & Alternate Fingerings

   B. Rhythms

   C. Articulations

   D. Musical Style

3.  Embouchure

   A. Always examine your embouchure

   B. Focus on forming embouchure

4. Air Support

   A. Breathe in correctly'

   B. Breathe in with stomach area then fill up rest of lungs

   C. Keep shoulders down

   D. Use fast air constantly

   E. Tighten stomach while playing

   F. Use of dynamics with proper air stream

5. Tuning

   A. Tuning the instrument properly

   B. Using embouchure & alternat fingerings to change pitches

   C. Matching pitches

6.  Care of Instrument

   A. Maintenance of instrument

   B. Proper care of reeds

7. Life Skills

   A. Discipline

   B. Work ethic

   C. Responsibility

   D. Team work

   E. Persistence

   F. Dedication

   G. Pride

   H. Self-esteem

COURSE DESCRIPTION

9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grade bands (120) full year credits

1st semester- marching band

2nd semester- concert band & wind ensemble

The band is designed to teach students how to play a musical instrument, acquaint them with different musical styles and enrich their aesthetic experiences.  Band also allows the student to develop good social relationships an attitudes of cooperation, group loyalty and group discipline.