Mid-August Update
Health Guidelines for Safe Music-Making
Guidelines
Due to the way we use and move air in band and choir, music classes fall under special COVID safety guidelines.
At Eich we will be following the most up-to-date guidelines for making music. I am working with the District Office and closely following both the state guidelines and the scientific research as it is becoming available. My goal is to keep our bands and choirs making music in the safest manner possible.
What does that mean for us?
All Band and Choir rehearsals will be:
- Held out doors
- Socially distanced at 3 feet - this is more than what the current guidelines state.
**No masking is required at this time due to us being outdoors
If the guidelines change I will let you know!
Weather
We are working on getting a semi-permanent shade structure for our outdoor classroom. This will allow us to be as comfortable as possible while also protecting equipment. If the weather is too hot, cold, rainy, windy to be outdoors then we will stay inside for the day/class period. While we are inside we will work on our theory and composing. We will not be playing or singing while indoors at this time.
Resources
If you are interested in the State Guidelines or the Music Aerosol Study you can find links below.
- Current Guidance from CDPH:"During activities when increased exhalation occurs, such as singing, shouting, band, or sports and exercise. Move these activities outdoors or to large, well-ventilated space, when possible." https://www.cdc.gov/
coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/schools-childcare/ operation-strategy.html - International Coalition Performing Arts Aerosol Study
"Outdoors: Outdoors remains the safest space No mitigations needed depending on the level of local and state transmission rates" https://www.nfhs.org/media/4717034/international-coalition-performing-arts-aerosol-study-july-2021-update-final.pdf
Band Instrument Assignments
The kids have been sorted! We have explored the instrument options and the musicians have chosen their top three instruments. With the exception of percussion, students have been assigned to their band instrument. When assigning instruments I kept 3 things in mind:
1. Student preference
2. Balance - we want a varied selection of instruments for our band to sound the best
3. Instrument Inventory and Availability - this is especially a consideration for the larger instruments
As I mentioned at Back-2-School-Night, some families may need to provide a band instrument. The school has a good selection of the larger instruments to loan to students. However, our smaller instruments are used for the Beginning Band wheel classes. Please chat with your musician to find out what instrument they will be playing and then check the list below for more information
**If your musician is playing an instrument that needs to be rented/purchased and you cannot afford one, please reach out to me. We will come up with options.
Percussion
As is common, we had too many musicians choose percussion as their top instrument. We have 4 percussion spots and 8 students interested. Tomorrow I will ask those 8 students if any would like to play their 2nd choice. If more than 4 students remain interested we will have an audition.
**Several of you reached out to let me know that your musician is already taking drum lessons. This will be taken into consideration as well.
Flutes
Good news, flute is an amazing instrument (some might say, the best). Unfortunate news, we do not have any school flutes left. So if your musician is going to play flute, you will need to rent or purchase one. Rental information is listed below. There are no accessories needed for the flute.
Clarinets and Alto Saxes
I have a very limited number of clarinets and saxophones left. If you are able to, I would ask that you look into renting an instrument.
Rental information is listed below.
Both instruments require reeds to play. They are small pieces of shaved bamboo wood. The school will be able to provide a couple of reeds to get you started. After that, you will need to provide your own. You can purchase reeds at a music store or at online venders like Amazon.
Reed Info:
Brand: Rico or Vandoren
Style: Eb Alto Saxophone OR Bb Clarinet
Size: 3
Trumpets Instruments
I have a very limited number of trumpets left. If you are able to, I would ask that you look into renting an instrument.
Rental information is listed below. There are no accessories needed for the trumpet.
Other
Oboe, Tenor/Bari Sax, F Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euph, Tuba can all borrow from the school. I will assign your student a school instrument to use for the year. There is a one time suggested donation of $30 to cover maintenance fees. The donation is optional and not required in any way.
Rental Information
There are many wonderful music stores in the greater Roseville area. They all rent and sell quality instruments and I would recommend any of them. There are a few stores that school regularly does business with and I have listed them below. These are not your only choices, just the ones I have the most personal experience with.
The Music Yard - online rental form
Located on Lonetree Blvd in Rocklin. Offers a great rent-to-own program. If you complete the rental form online they will deliver the instrument to the school for free(or you may pick it up from the store at any time)!
Tim's Music - online rental form
Located on Fair Oaks Blvd in Carmichael. You can complete the online form and pick up the instrument in-store or pay a $15 delivery fee for drop off at the school. **You DO NOT need any of the additional accessories that are offered. Clarinets and Saxophones may want to purchase the reeds.
Tague Music - online rental request **Excellent Repair Shop!!!!**
Located on Greenback in Citrus Heights. You can request an instrument online or call to confirm availability. You will need to pick up the instrument in-store.
Instrument Puchasing
If you choose to purchase an instrument for your musician I highly suggest you do so from an actual music store that specializes in band instruments.
It is tempting to purchase an instrument from popular online vendors but I do not suggest it. With instruments, you get what you pay for. A low cost instrument will not be able to stand up to the regular playing we will be doing. Often when these lower cost instruments break, our local repair shops will not work on them. They are too fragile to repair.
Quality band instruments will cost around $300-500 on the low end. If an instrument is advertised for less then that, it may not be worth the investment.
I am happy to look at any instrument advertisement or link and let you know what I think. I am also happy the give recommendations on brands, models, and vendors. Please reach out if you have questions.
I am happy to look at any instrument advertisement or link and let you know what I think. I am also happy the give recommendations on brands, models, and vendors. Please reach out if you have questions.
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