4th Graders – Want to Join Band?
Posted on 06/10/2020
Dear 4th Grade Families,
My name is Gary Barrow, and I have taught instrumental music (band) in Galway for almost 30 years (since 1993-94). The last few months have probably been the strangest time I have ever experienced...and that is why I am reaching out to you now.
Under normal circumstances, we would have already completed the three stages of the band recruitment process:
1. I meet with all of the 4th Graders (sometimes in their general music class or sometimes we have an assembly with the Sr. High Band)
2. We hold a Band Recruitment Night for students and parents; and most importantly
3. We schedule individual family meetings for the students to try various instruments, and for all parties to be involved in the decision-making process.
However, I guess this year has been anything but normal! So, we need a new plan...some details might need to be adjusted over the next few months, but we are going to move forward with a revised band recruitment plan.
This is probably the first of several communications I will be sending between now and September. The goal of today's email is to have your 4th Grader (& you) see and hear the band instruments. After watching the two attached videos, I encourage parents to talk with their child about their initial interests, as well as the pros & cons of each instrument.
Army Band Demonstrates Band Instruments (*we do not start students on oboe or bassoon - they can possibly try those instruments as they gain more experience)
Student Demo of Band Instruments
In a few weeks, I will be back...asking if you (4th Grader) are interested in trying an instrument. I may ask you to give me your top 3 choices? I have also attached some information about the rental process from John Keal Music, who we work with on a regular basis.
JKM - Instrument Rental Information
*We do not need to worry about securing/renting an instrument just yet (probably not until late August/early September). I will forward the specific rental form at a later date. First, we need to figure out who will play what instrument, and that will take some time.
Looking down the road, I'm hoping we can reschedule the Band Recruitment Night for early September (Maybe 9/9 or 9/15? I will keep you posted. Pencil it in for now.) This will allow us to meet each other in person, and answer your questions/concerns. We can then hopefully start some lessons (small groups!), and have the music store deliver rented instruments by the end of September or the beginning of October.
Again, for now, please take some time to watch/read the attachments, and think about your interest in joining the beginning band program. Before making final decisions, I will send you another communication with some thoughts & suggestions on how to choose the best instrument for your child. I will also explain what goes into the band director's decisions when putting a band together & steering students towards a specific instrument.
The band experience may not be for everyone, but I hope all of you take some time to consider it. It is challenging at times (effort and dedication are critical), but it can also be a wonderful, rewarding experience. I'm sure there are hundreds of Galway alumni that would agree (maybe you have a family member or neighbor that is presently playing?).
Please do not hesitate to ask questions. I will do my best to respond quickly. Thank you for your time and interest. I look forward to meeting many of you in the near future!
Mr. Gary Barrow
Director of Bands
Galway Central Schools
5317 Sacandaga Rd., Galway NY 12074
518-882-1221 x3255
[email protected]