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Dear New Band Parent,
Congratulations, your child has just made one of the biggest and most impactful
steps in his or her young lives. In choosing to be a member of the Master’s Academy
Band program, he or she will be a team member in a rigorous yet rewarding group.
Research has shown that children involved in music tend to excel in all areas of
academia, along with that band will teach valuable lifelong skills, and allow for
expression through music.
Students should have their instruments, instrument accessories, and method books
for the first day of classes and should expect to continue through the year. As
outlined in the band handbook, we expect a commitment to success in band. They
will be required to practice at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week and practice
record that is turned in weekly.
INSTRUMENTS, MOUTHPIECES, ACCESSORIES
It is important for each student to play on a good instrument in order for him or her
to have the best chance at success. A good instrument is one that can be played in
tune without reasonable effort, and is capable of producing a good and
characteristic tone quality. Instruments that are not capable of the above
requirements will only cause the student to become frustrated and could limit the
student’s progress. Also, each student will need some type of mouthpiece that is also
capable of producing sounds that are characteristic of the instrument and in tune.
The mouthpiece is where the sound begins, and therefore, is the most important
component of any instrument. The following instruments and mouthpieces are
recommended for their quality and value. CHECK WITH THE DIRECTOR BEFORE
BUYING OR RENTING AN INSTRUMENT OR MOUTHPIECE THAT IS NOT ON THIS
LIST!
Band Requirements:
 Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 (every instrument has a specific book)
 Foundations for a Superior Performance
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Metronome/Tuner (you can buy a combo metronome/tuner)
1 inch 3 ring BLACK binder (in which to keep music, practice records, and
notes)
Pencil
Smart Music (will set-up through the school, not a music store)
Portable music stand for home practice (strongly recommend, not required)
Instrument Requirements:
Flute: Instrumental Cleaning Kit will include cleaning rod, and a cleaning cloth
Clarinet, Saxophone: Instrumental cleaning kit will include cork grease, cleaning
swab (good quality swab), neck strap (should be included with the instrument), and
at least 5 reeds at all times (reed strength 1-11/2)
Trombone, Trumpet: Instrumental cleaning kit will include Valve/Slide oil, slide
grease, mouthpiece brush, and a cleaning cloth
Percussion: Bell kit (including snare pad and stand), drum sticks (SD1 General, Vic
Firth), and bell mallets
List of Approved Instruments:
Flutes: Brand Buffet, Gemeinhardt, or Yamaha
Mouthpiece: the better flutes have solid silver head joints
Clarinets: Brand: Buffet E-1 1, Leblanc 7812, Selmer CL200, or Yamaha YCL 34
Mouthpiece: Dolce with Luyben Ligature
Reeds: 7th and 8th Graders: Vandoren (grey box) 3 or 3 1/2
5th Graders: Vandoren (blue box) 2 1⁄2
A. Saxophone: Brand: Keilworth, Selmer, or Yamaha YAS23
Mouthpiece: Dolce with Luyben ligature
Reeds: 7th and 8th Graders: Vandoren (grey box) 3 or 3 1/2
5th Graders: Vandoren (blue box) 2
Trumpets: Brand: Bach, Holton, or Yamaha
Mouthpiece: Bach 5C
Trombones: Brand: Conn, Bach, or Holton (Recommended Bach TB200)
Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2 AL
Percussion: Bell Kit: Brands: Pearl, Yamaha, CB (includes bells, stand, drum pad,
bag, mallets, Vic Firth SD1 general snare sticks
Recommended Vendors
Below is a list of local music vendors; we currently supply a list of recommended
instruments, instrument accessories, and materials to Melody Music but please feel
free to speak with any of the other stores that might be more convenient for you.
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Lastly, we urge you to rent, many of these store have great rental systems, until you
and your child have decided to
Melody Music
466 21st Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960-0950
Nixon Music
1680 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL.
772-562-7272.
Academy of Music
218 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce
(772) 882-9055
Treasure Coast Jewelers, Music
1126 21St St, Vero Beach, FL
1-772-567-3185
Jams Music
1692 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL
34952
772-337-1188
Music Man Too
3940 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce
(772) 466-8764
The Horn Section
1408 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 255-4676
Music Man
2309 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL
33407
1-800-785-5367
Private Lessons
One of the most important ways to develop as a musician is through private lessons.
There is no substitute for weekly sessions of individualized instruction by an
instrument specialist. Private instrument lessons are a small investment that helps
insure your child's success. I currently have a studio of various wind players and if
you are interested in setting up lessons, have questions or would like
recommendations in finding a private instructor, please do not hesitate to ask.
I am looking forward to a great year of instrumental music here at Master’s
Academy and introducing your children to a lifelong appreciation for music.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at Master’s
Academy, (772) 794-4655 or email me at [email protected].
Student:
Instrument:
Musically Yours,
Roger Phelps
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