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Making a Difference - The Positive Side of Preparation

There are many levels of preparation that evolve from the time a new piece of music is passed out until it is performed.  For progress to occur, each rehearsal should yield a higher level of refinement until every member of the group reaches a comfort level that enables them to perform with confidence.  Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process.  Conscientious preparation will cause mistakes to diminish over time.  Do not confuse making mistakes with poor preparation!  There is a big difference between making mistakes while playing a part that has been given a reasonable amount of preparation, and merely stumbling (or not playing at all) through that same part on everybody else's rehearsal time.  Frequently, additional technical exercises (scales, rudiments, etc.) will be needed to assist the musician in attaining a desired level of proficiency.  As stated before, each rehearsal should yield a higher level of musical refinement.  What may have been considered a great start on a piece of music will undoubtedly be considered less than adequate several rehearsals later.  Achieving the common goal of making good music is a very special joy to be shared by students, director and audience.  This goal is unattainable if inadequate preparation becomes commonplace.  This goal, along with the joy and satisfaction associated with it, are held in high regard at Landstown Middle School . A rewarding, successful experience as a member of the Landstown Middle School Band is entirely within your grasp.  Go ahead, "make a difference."  Now let's learn how to practice.

Practice Guidelines: A Landstown Band member has a personal duty to practice for his/herself, as well as for their fellow band members.  Remember, a band is only as good as its weakest player.  In order for practice to improve your playing, it must be directed toward proper goals and efficiently carried out. Before you practice, you should have a picture "in your ear" of how your instrument should sound.  Listen to live and recorded music so you will know where and how you should direct your practice.  It might be sound, strength, facility, note reading, sight-reading, theory or counting.  What technical problems do you most need to overcome? It might be scales, arpeggios or rudiments.

With this in mind, you can begin to practice more effectively. Let's begin.

How much should I practice?

6th grade 20 minutes, five times a week, minimum.

7th grade 30 minutes, five times a week, minimum.

8th grade 30-40 minutes, five times a week, minimum.

This is actual playing time, not including set-up and break-down/cleaning of your instrument. The more you practice, the better your progress will be. Remember a student cannot develop the proper embouchure and playing techniques if he/she tries to do all of his/her practicing in one or two longer sessions each week. You must spread out the times you practice in order for it to be effective.

Practice Records

Students will be required to keep a practice record for school use. The practice sheet is a part of their homework grade and should be handed in each week on Tuesday. Assessment will also be giving through quizzes on a weekly basis.

Practice Sheet (in PDF format)