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Beginning Band

Instrument Options

Here are some videos where you can see most of the instruments available to you in band. The first video shows most of them in one video, one at a time. Keep in mind, we won't actually be able to learn bagpipes in band even though it's in the video, but all the rest of the instruments are great options!

Additionally, there are a couple of instruments missing from that video including french horn, bassoon, and percussion, so I've added some other links to show you those instruments as well. 

Band Instruments Compilation Video
French Horn
Bassoon
Percussion Instruments

Video 1

Percussion Instruments

Video 2

Beginning Band Parent Letter


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Dear parents, 

My name is Mrs. Strait and I first wanted to say welcome back to school! I hope everyone has had a great start to the school year as I certainly have! Now that we have gotten our first couple of weeks under our belt, I am gearing up to start the 5th and 6th grade Beginning Band again and I am really looking forward to working with this ensemble!

Since I am new this year, I wanted to make sure you know what to expect as we get going, just in case things are a little different. First, I know everyone is concerned about the ever-changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19, but I have worked with our administration and studied some great research and I believe we can have a safe and successful experience with this ensemble despite this challenge!

This year we are planning to meet twice per week, Tuesday and Thursday after school at the Independence campus. I am arranging for some terrific coaches for brass and percussion to assist me in teaching and it is my hope to provide students with high quality individualized instruction as they are learning their new instruments. We will have a fantastic and successful year!

I recently visited the 5th and 6th grade classes to introduce myself, and I will be holding an instrument demonstration day during school on September 1st so they can see and hear each instrument up close! I have also included links to some fun videos that show off each instrument so they can go ahead and take a look and be ready with any questions they might have when I meet them face to face.

Students will have their choice of any instrument traditionally found in band with no restrictions. However, if they choose an instrument that is a little challenging for young beginners, I will ask that they begin with a private instructor, and I’ll provide a list of recommendations for that.

On Tuesday, September 15th, I will be holding an informational meeting for parents and students so that you can ask any questions and get information on how to obtain instruments. I will also be talking about safety related to COVID-19 and I will explain the protocols for having a safe and successful rehearsal environment. I am hoping to do this meeting face to face at the outdoor pavilion at the Independence campus. If all else fails, we will do it digitally!

If your student participated in Beginning Band last year, I would love it if they would join us again! Experienced players will have great leadership opportunities while still building strong fundamentals as musicians.

We are planning to start rehearsal in early October and I will have more information about the scheduling and other details at the parent meeting. However, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions! You can email me at stephanie.strait@summitacademyschools.org.

I am looking forward to working with your students and seeing this ensemble grow!

All the best,
Mrs. Strait