band instruments

[Guest guest]

I was just wondering how many of our kids have been a member of their elementary

school band? I know Barbara's son Mark is, has anyone else tried it?

Caty seems to like it, and this will be the grade that she would start. She's

interested in " sticks " as she calls it (drums). But I don't think she can keep

with the beat and all the kids fight to be a drummer. Her fifth grade teacher

said she has a cousin with DS (out of state) that helps with the high school

band....she helps the majorettes with their equipment, etc. Sort of like a

football manager does for a football team. But the elementary band just has a

concert and plays in a couple parades.

I'm just curious how you decided what intrument would be right for your child?

There is no Special Olympics in our area, also there is no Junior Troop in Girl

scouts right now.....there isn't a whole lot to do here for kids her age.

And please no one flame me and tell ME to start the S.O. or a troop like the

last time I mentioned that.....I have more than enough on my plate right now.

mommy to Caty 12, soon to be 5th grader

[Guest guest]

I met a young man with ds in high school that played

cymbals. He had a buddy that helped him. He played

in marching band and in concert band. Talk to the

band director. Who know what is right until you try.

Many kids play several different instruments until

they find the right one.

mom to Bridget 9 ds, battling wearing glasses

for the first time.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi, ,

Our band director said to get the instrument the child wants, or they won't

practice. That makes sense, doesn't it? If Caty really wants to play drums,

let her try it, don't make her choose something else. Mark wanted to play

trumpet since he was in preschool. I never thought he would last three years in

band, but he has. We have had high school seniors come on weekends to help him.

He learned to play the songs by number (instead of the notes) so you could

consider this adapting the curriculum in band. The student tutors wrote the

numbers of the valves (three on a trumpet) he would press down in the band

books. I knew this would only be good for a short time, but it worked great

because it gave him success playing the instrument. He actually played in six

concerts doing this, and he was very good. But this summer he is really

learning to read music. He's taking lessons from a private teacher who also

owns the band instrument shop in our town. The man is wonderful with Mark. I

don't think the man thought Mark could do it (we bought the trumpet from him

three years ago), but he's pretty excited to see Mark learning to play by

reading music. But, I have to say this, it is a lot of work and practice!

Mark has always been pretty good about practicing. I think it's because he has

so much self-esteem when he plays a new song well. I have to say all the work

is worth it. It is so exciting to hear him play real music. For example, today

he played the theme from Beethoven's 9th Symphony very well. (Ode to Joy) He's

also good at Amazing Grace, America the Beautiful, and so many more. We are

really proud of him and how hard he is working at this.

It's a wonderful activity and helps our kids feel included in school. But be

prepared to spend lots of time helping them practice.

Let me know what you decide to do about Caty and the drums, .

Barbara

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I have a 5th grader with poly that is especially active in her hands and wrists.

She would like to be in band and has chosen trumpet as her instrument of choice.

What experience have any of you had with your kids and playing a band

instrument? She takes piano lessons and they do not bother her too much, but

holding up a horn while manipulating the keys/valves of an insturment concerns

me. Please let me know if any suggestions and advice you all might have.

Thanks!

Anne Bacon