Robertsville Middle School Band

Dear Sixth Grade Band Parent,

Welcome back to band at Robertsville. Mr. Yost and I are thrilled that you are continuing to take advantage of this important opportunity for your child.

It has long been my experience that the second year of band is the most difficult one. Concepts become much more complex than beginning band and the rewards seem to be a long way off for a sixth grader. Please help your child through this year by providing time and a place for approximately 2 hours of practice per week. This is also an ideal time to take at least some private lessons. Information about contacting private instructors will be posted in the band room and on our website.

Presently, eight different instruments are represented in our Robertsville Sixth Grade Band. Effective school concert bands include 12-15 different instruments. I will be discussing these other instruments with some of your children and asking a few of them to try a new instrument for at least a six week term. Our policy when any change of instrument is attempted is that the student, the directors, and the parents must agree with the change.
Here is some other information about sixth grade band. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions and concerns.

The book for this year is “Essential Elements 2000 Book II”.
We would like to begin instruction with instruments and last year’s “E. E. 2000 Book I” on the third day of school. If your child will not have an instrument by at least next week, please contact me and I will assist you in any way that I can.
Try these stores for books and musical equipment:

Rush’s (Cedar Bluff or Chapman Hwy.) 531-7689 or 573-4138
Bandland (repairs and supplies only) 661-2459

Beware of new bargain horns on the internet, or at the ‘Big Box’ stores. They are very poorly constructed and area stores will refuse to service them when they break (and they will break). What originally looked like a great deal will turn into a waste of your money.

No uniform or fee this year.
Concerts are required. If there is an irreconcilable conflict with a concert date, please write a note with a parent signature to Mr. Kile or Mr. Yost at least two weeks in advance of the event. A maximum of two letter grades will be deducted from the average of the student if this note is not received in time.
Four concerts are scheduled: Monday October 17th ORHS Auditorium 7:00P.M. Tuesday December 13th, Tuesday March 6th, and Tuesday May 22nd. The December, March, and May concerts will take place in the RMS Auditorium at 8:00 P.M.