Step 1: Your child had the opportunity to try out two instruments during school. The instrument your child selected is marked on the selection certificate. 

Step 2: Read through the complete information regarding our nationally recognized program.

The Spring Grove Area School District believes in the power of music education and its ability to educate the whole 21st-century learner—without limits. 

The Music Department delivers a sequential standards-based music education that is an essential part of life, integral in the development of the whole person, and a vital component for the advancement of civilization. 

A comprehensive music education engages learners in developing the self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, creativity, and self-motivation necessary for success. The skills and technical qualities involved in creating, recreating, and interpreting works in music provide lifelong performance, enjoyment, and appreciation. 

1. Benefits of studying instrumental music: 

• Teamwork 
• Self-Expression 
• Coordination 
• Memory Skills 

• Self-Confidence and Esteem 
• Poise 
• Goal-Setting 
• Problem Solving 
• Sense of Accomplishment and Pride 

1. Learning Process 

• Learning to play a musical instrument is just like learning a new language. Because of this, Mr. Bupp teaches using the Music as A Second Language (MSL) Approach.  

1. Why a second language? 

1. Because no one is born into a family where music is the primary language. 

The Music as A Second Language approach to music instruction draws upon the “Theory of Second Language Acquisition” by Stephen Krashen. It is, at first, deliberately non-notational. By emphasizing performance and composition over reading and writing, students acquire musical skills naturally and often at an accelerated pace. This creates a context rich in musical experience for young learners. This is well facilitated in an environment that encourages and allows for Approximation (experimentation), keeps students’ Affective Filters low, and reduces student anxiety. 

Ideally, a child has the opportunity to “speak” or “play” music for a few years before they are introduced to the written system. Once a child can play and feels competent on their instrument, they will have established a base from which reading music will have a much more meaningful context. 

Why teach music as a language? 

Like spoken language, music expresses the full range of human emotions using its distinct grammar, meter, cadence, and phonemes. It has both a spoken and written form. Music, like language, must be learned from others who have already achieved fluency. Finally, both language and music are primarily vehicles for human communication. 

“Many people say, ‘music is a language,’ but it is seldom taught as one.” 

– Victor Wooten, Bass Virtuoso 

1. Parent Tips 

• Set aside a regular music session four times a week. Consistency will go a long way! (Refrain from using practice as a punishment. Interest levels will fluctuate throughout the school year) 
• Please encourage your child through positive support. Listen to play sessions on occasion. 

• Please set aside our concert date so your child can attend. 
• Provide support and assistance to ensure your band student keeps up with all classroom assignments on lesson days. Our teachers are great at this too! 

1. Student Responsibilities 

• Complete the recommended goals for each practice week to stay on track!

• Play free of distractions. 
• Place music at eye level, and use good posture while you play. 
• Set goals! Work on improving three things in your assignment every time you play. 
•  Attend lessons on your lesson day. 
• Be on time! 

• Bring all materials 
• Be responsible for all work/material you miss while out of class for your lessons. 
• Leave class 2-3 minutes before your lesson begins and return 2-3 minutes following your address. 
• Leave class quietly to your teacher and other students as little distraction as possible. 

1. Materials Needed- An Instrument. Everything else will be provided. 

The Spring Grove Area School District is committed to providing opportunities for ALL students to reach their full potential in music education. If cost is a prohibitive factor in participating in the band, please get in touch with Mr. Bupp via phone or email to discuss available options. We can help! 

Option 1: 

Menchey Music Service 

Menchey Music is a long-time partner of Spring Grove Area School District. They offer reasonable rent-to-own programs on instruments and provide repair services and other general supplies that keep your child’s instrument running. They also provide weekly pick up/drop off for repairs and deliveries for your child’s instrument and musical needs. The attached flyer highlights their program. 

Option 2: 

A Family or Friend 

Perhaps you have a family member, friend, or close friend that played an instrument. These are good sources for getting an instrument. (A quick Facebook post could give you options or places to look.) 

Option 3: 

Online Used Instrument Sites Online websites such as www.musicgoround.com and www.reverb.com are the eBay/Craigslist of musical instruments. We have succeeded with many parents finding a great instrument on these sites. 

Instrument Brands to Strongly Consider 

Just like cars, some are better than others. Below is a list of brands that will LAST and be able to be repaired should a problem arise. 

• Flute (closed hole): Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Bundy, Artley, Jupiter
• Clarinet: Yamaha, Bundy, Selmer, Buffet, Leblanc, Vito, Jupiter
• Alto Saxophone: Yamaha, Bundy, Selmer, Leblanc
• Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Selmer, Bundy, Conn, King,Juptier
• French Horn: Yamaha, Jupiter, Conn, Holton, King
• Trombone: Yamaha, Bach, Conn, Jupiter, Bundy, King
• Baritone, Tuba: Provided by School ORYahama, Bach, Conn, King
• Percussion: Ludwig, Yamaha, Pearl, Vic Firth, CB

Instruments from www.amazon.com or other NON-MUSIC-related websites may look appealing, break easily, AND, in most cases, cannot be repaired as parts do not exist. When in doubt, contact Mr. Bupp (buppt@sgasd.org), and he can direct you to the most economically sound option possible for your situation. 

1. Lessons

• One small group lesson per cycle with like instruments (flutes, clarinets, etc.) 
• Lessons will be on a rotating schedule, so students do not miss the same academic or special subject each week. The lesson schedules are developed in conjunction with the classroom teachers and all other relevant teaching staff to ensure student success in all areas of the educational day are met.  

1. Grading 

• All students learn at a different pace. The band is graded as a pass/fail class based on lesson attendance, remembering their instrument, and showing growth (regardless of pace) at each lesson. 

1. Recommended Instrument Brands: 

• Flute (closed hole): Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Bundy, Artley 

• Oboe: Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Fox 
• Clarinet: Yamaha, Bundy, Selmer, Buffet, Leblanc, Vito 
• Alto Saxophone: Yamaha, Bundy, Selmer, Leblanc 
• Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Selmer, Bundy, Conn, King 
• French Horn: Yamaha, Jupiter, Conn, Holton, King 

• Trombone: Yamaha, Bach, Conn, Jupiter, Bundy, King 
• Baritone, Tuba: Provided By School OR Yahama, Bach, Conn, King 
• Percussion: Ludwig, Yamaha, Pearl, Vic Firth, CB 

1. Care of Instruments 

• Care of instruments will be discussed throughout the year, with handouts sent home via Mr. Bupp. 

Menchey Music Instrument Rental to Purchase Overview

Online Tutorial for Renting Online through Menchey Music

Click Here to Rent Online through Menchey Music 

If you are looking to acquire an instrument from another source, please check out these sites for reputable, used instruments:

www.musicgoround.com

The Spring Grove Area School District is committed to providing opportunities for ALL students to reach their full potential in music education. If cost is a prohibitive factor in participating in the band, please get in touch with Mr. Bupp via phone or email to discuss available options. We can help!

Step 3- Online Registration Form-

Click Here to Enroll Your Child in Band!

 Mr. Timothy Bupp