Dear Parents,
We are excited that your student has decided to join the Dickerson Band Program. Below you will find information about steps to finalize band scheduling, what you need to get for your student (including the instrument), and what to expect the first few weeks. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Grimes (william.grimes@cobbk12.org) or Mr. Brown (scott.brown@cobbk12.org)
Registering for Band:
You should have already filled out the online form that was sent from the school via CTLS. If you have not, please use the link below to fill it out.
What your child needs for band
The Dickerson Band only supplies the following instruments:
Euphonium - you still need to purchase a mouthpiece and a book
Tuba - you still need to purchase a mouthpiece and a book
Oboe - you will need 3-4 good reeds and the book
Bassoon - You will need 3-4 good redds and the book
If your student is playing Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, or Trombone they will need to rent or buy an instrument. You can find flyers to all our local music stores using the link below.
Materials needed for Flute, Clarinet, and Alto Saxophone
Flute, Clarinet, and Alto Saxophone players will need to rent/buy an instrument. Oboe and bassoon players will use instruments supplied by Dickerson, but you will still need to get reeds and the method book.
The following materials will be required of all band students during every rehearsal. Students should bring each of these items to class every day, unless instructed otherwise. Percussion students should speak to Mr. Brown before making any purchases.
Band Method Book
Habits for a Successful Beginning Band Musician (you can either order it online or go by a local music store to get it).
Mouthpiece for Clarinets and Saxophones Hard rubber mouthpiece for clarinets and saxophones. The mouthpiece that comes with the instrument is adequate for beginners, but upgrading a mouthpiece has a huge effect on playing and sound for our students. The instrument should also come with a ligature. This is a piece of metal or cloth that holds the reed to the mouthpiece.
Reeds (Clarinets, Alto Saxophones, Oboes, and Bassoons)
Every woodwind student is expected to have 4-5 playable reeds at all times. Students that use reed cases and are careful with maintenance tend to keep reeds longer.
We recommend that all students start on strength 2.5 reeds for clarinet and saxophone and Medium Soft reeds for Oboe and bassoon.
Other items
A pencil. This is a requirement for every class. You may never use a pen in class since it destroys music.
Neck strap (saxophones and bass clarinets)
Cleaning cloths and swabs that are appropriate for your instrument.
Other items that are not required but recommended include:
Music Stand for home use
Music Binder
All music must be kept in a student’s three ring binder.
Students will be responsible for replacing lost sheet music
Your binder should include: Divider tabs, clear plastic sheets to keep music and handouts, a pencil pouch to keep pencils, supplies, and a tuner.
Materials needed for Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba
Trumpet and trombone players will need to rent/buy an instrument. Euphonium and Tuba players will use instruments supplied by Dickerson, but you will still need to get a mouthpiece and the method book.
The following materials will be required of all band students during every rehearsal. Students should bring each of these items to class every day, unless instructed otherwise. Percussion students should speak to Mr. Brown before making any purchases.
Band Method Book for Brass
Habits for a Successful Beginning Band Musician
Mouthpiece
5C or 3C mouthpiece for trumpets
MDC mouthpiece for French horns
6 ½ AL mouthpiece for baritones and trombones (if you are renting the mouthpiece that comes with the instrument will be fine)
24 mouthpiece for all Tubas
Other items
A pencil. This is a requirement for every class. You may never use a pen in class since it destroys music.
Valve/Slide Oil (for all brass except trombone).
Slide-O-Mix (or equivalent) for trombone slides
Cleaning cloths and swabs that are appropriate for your instrument.
Items that are not required, but are helpful to have at home
Music Stand
Music Binder
All music must be kept in a student’s three ring binder.
Students will be responsible for replacing lost sheet music
Your binder should include: Divider tabs, clear plastic sheets to keep music and handouts, a pencil pouch to keep pencils, supplies, and a tuner.
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