Friday, September 23, 2011

Early Bird Jazz Band 2011-2012

The Early Bird Jazz band will meet in the Linus Pauling Middle School Band Room every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am.  Our first session will begin Tuesday, October 4 (8am).  Please do your best to help your student arrive a few minutes early so that they are ready to play right around our class start time.

The fee is $30 per month (October through June) -  please pay by check monthly, quarterly or in full, to Rob Birdwell.   Scholarships are available for those who qualify - please contact me if you have questions.  I will be providing a variety of materials (music, studies, exercises).  Each student will have their own Early Bird Jazz folder, which will contain these materials and it is the student's responsibility to maintain the folder contents and bring their music to class.

It is the responsibility of the parent/family supply their student with a suitable instrument for Early Bird Jazz Band.  Standard instrumentation for this group is Trumpet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trombone, Piano, Bass, Guitar, Drums.  Other acceptable instruments may include Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Tuba, but students playing these instruments are encouraged to take up one of the other doubles (e.g., Tenor Sax, Bass).  Students who play Piano (portable keyboard), Bass/Guitar (with amps and cable) and Drums may need to bring and store their own equipment to the school in order to participate. There is currently only one piano and one drum set in the band room - taking turns is not a desirable strategy as this will limit the student’s ability to actively participate in class.

I look forward to working with your student and having a great year making music!

Rob Birdwell