kmclaugh@hwdsb.on.

ca

Tiffany Hills
Instrumental Music Newsletter 2017/8
Miss Kelly McLaughlin

Welcome to Instrumental Music 2017/8 Potential extra

curricular
music programs:
Hello families of Tiffany Hill students. My name is Kelly McLaughlin and I will be
your son or daughters music teacher for the 2017/8 school year. I am very excited
to be coming to Tiffany Hills this year to teach such an incredible subject. I have
taught at Ancaster Meadow for the past three years so your son or daughter may
remember me from having attended that school.

The instrumental music program involves a lot of communication between home Pop Choir
and school. During the month of September, students will be exploring instruments
Students in grades
and seeing what works for them and what they would like to try out for this school
6-8 would practice
year.Students have already completed the first step by telling me about the
once a week in a
instruments that appeal to them. These are the next steps we will take before
starting the instrumental music program. small pop
ensemble.
Performances could
1. Students partake in a mouthpiece try out day on October 6th where they begin
to get familiar with certain instruments. include choir fest,
school assemblies
and much more.
2. Based on availability, students are told their instrument for the school year.
This is a long process as well and has to do with instrument availability as well
as willingness to rent. Beginner and
Intermediate
Band
Students in grades
7&8 would be able
to play in a band
1 2 3 practicing once a
week, perfecting
RATE THE MOUTH PIECE TRYOUT FIND OUT YOUR their ensemble
skills. Performances
INSTRUMENTS DAY INSTRUMENT FOR THE could include
Students will ask for a Students will show their YEAR! Canadas
certain instrument skills and try new things Wonderland, band
fest and many
more.
*This process may take a few music classes due to instrument availability*
Rating Card

When filling out the instrument rating card, students should be honest about their general interest
in the program. Based on certain mouth types and other physical features, students may find some
instruments more challenging than others. They should take this into account when filling out the
rating form. If a student already knows what they want to play, they do not have to try the
mouthpieces.

Rental Program

On October 5th at open house from 4:30-6:30, a representative from Long and McQuade will be
discussing rental options for this school year. Please visit room 128 on that night if you wish to learn
more.

Instrument Sign out program

Students can sign out instruments on a first come, first serve basis. This can be done
Monday- Friday of each week. Students are responsible for bringing these instruments to
and from school. They are expected to keep them stored safely and bring them back in the

Mouthpieces and reeds

Students can purchase their own mouth pieces for the school year so they do not have to share
these with the other students in the class. For availability reasons, this may be a choice for
some families. Students are entitled to two free reeds per term. After these two, students will
have to purchase their own reeds.

If students are experiencing difficulty or disinterest in their instrument and would like to switch,
this a conversation for parents and teacher to have together. At parent interview night in
October, I will check in with regards to student interest and comfort levels.

PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to practice their instruments for a minimum of 80 minutes a week. Students will
be expected to fill out these logs every week and have a parent sign them. Practicing will make all the
difference when it comes to playing in class and during testing.