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September 12
Registration for Band/Orchestra is now live! Please read both pages of the registration form before you click the link to sign up:
September 8, 2023
We will be having a live demonstration for 4th grade students on Tuesday, September 12th. They will be able to see and hear all of the band/orchestra instruments available to take lessons on this school year! Students can pick one instrument, and will have lessons all year long. Many 5th graders are already in the program, but any 5th graders wishing to sign up for band/orchestra are also welcome. There will be a registration form link on this site soon, and a link will also be sent home from the building principal- keep an eye out for that next week.
**Note- even if your child played last school year, and they want to continue playing, you still have to register them via the link to have them enrolled for lessons this school year.
September 2023 - Welcome Back!!
Soon, all 4th and 5th graders are eligible to play an instrument for band! Here are the band instruments that are available to choose from- and remember- you should always pick an instrument that YOU like the sound of. Once school starts, we will update this site with a Google form to sign up to take lessons.
We will also be having a live demonstration for all students in 4th grade to introduce them to the program on September 12th. I have also attached a short video introducing the instruments available to choose from at school. Each instrument name has a demo video about each instrument, just click the name:
Students are pulled for 30 minutes once a week for lessons. Later in the year, students are pulled for an additional 30 minute BAND period, which is when the school band rehearses as a full ensemble to prepare music for the concert.
Dear Band Parents - A big thank you!!
As this school year comes to an end, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for all your support and dedication to our instrumental music program. Your commitment has been instrumental in making this year a huge success for our young musicians.
Thank you for being there for our performances. Your presence in the crowd has motivated our students to an exceptional level of musicality. Moreover, your unwavering support and generosity have fueled the fire of the students to work harder and put out even better performances.
I’m incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic set of band parents as part of our music family. Your contributions have made this school year a joyous journey filled with unforgettable memories.
Thank you again for your commitment, support, and generosity towards our instrumental music program. I know next year will be even better, and we can’t wait to continue making music with you all!
Sincerely,
Mike Farrell
March 2022
Concert time will be here before we know it! Please help your young musician practice a few times a week, especially on their band music!
Concert Dates:
KRESSON- Thursday, May 18 - 7:00 PM (Students report to Kresson at 6:30)
OSAGE - Tuesday May 23 - 6:30 Start (Students report to Osage at 6:00)
November, 2022
Students should be practicing a few times a week- please help your young musician have a set time and day if needed, to help get a consistent amount of practice each week! Have them play for you!
September 28, 2022
Lessons are now underway!! If you attend Kresson, lessons will be this week on Wednesday/Thursday (come to the stage in the lunch room for your assigned day/time). If you attend Osage, lessons start on Monday/Tuesday (come to the stage in the Watson Center at your assigned day/time). If you ordered an instrument through Coles Music, and it has arrived, your child will receive the instrument on their first lesson. Please visit the "Beginning Band Help Videos" tab on the left side for some great videos to help you assemble your instrument, get sounds out, etc...)
Of course, if you attend VMS, you know lessons are already underway in the music room on Fridays.
September 20, 2022
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Since I work in 3 different schools, I will have a google meet open from 6:45-7:45 with any questions or concerns about Instrumental Music/Band.
Google Meet code: BAND
September 19, 2022
Registration for Instrumental Music is now closed- we are looking forward to a great year of music! Make sure you have rented an instrument (or already have one), have the lesson book, or are in the process of getting these materials- this is so no one falls behind from the start of lessons!
Rentals: https://www.colesmusicservice.com/
Book: Essential Elements for Band, Book 1, then choose your instrument.
Please e-mail me with any questions or concerns:
Sept 1
Soon, all 4th and 5th graders are eligible for playing an instrument for band! Here are the band instruments that are available to choose from- and remember- you should always pick an instrument that YOU like the sound of. Once school starts, we will update this site with a google form to sign up to take lessons. We will also be having a live demonstration for all students in 4th grade to introduce them to the program on September 8th. I have also attached a short video introducing the instruments available to choose from at school. Each instrument name has a demo video about each instrument, just click the name:
Students are pulled for 30 minutes once a week for lessons. Later in the year, students are pulled for an additional 30 minute BAND period, which is when the school band rehearses as a full ensemble to prepare music for the concert.
June 22, 2022
School is officially out- have a great summer- we'll see you in September!!
Rentals have been picked up, so if you missed the deadline you will need to drop off your rental at:
Coles Music Service
471 Main St, Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 848-2122A couple of updates for June:
1) Thank you to everyone involved in the concert process!! Students, parents, teachers, custodial staff, administration, fellow music teachers and specialists- it was wonderful to see the bands get to perform!
2) Rental return (if you are returning) is due by June 10th
3) If you are keeping your instrument over the summer, or own your instrument already- Eastern High School has a wonderful summer music camp that runs in July in the evenings- I highly encourage anyone who can make that to do so! I will post info on here and send that home as well.
4) Visit the Rental Returns/VPB link on this page on the left.
CONCERT INFO for Kresson and Osage Schools-Please read
Kresson School -Wednesday May 25th-7:00 PM
-Student arrival is 6:30
-Band students to gym, Orchestra to Library, all others to homeroom
-Each student is permitted to bring 2 guests
-Wear bright, spring colors!__________________________________________________________
Osage School - Thursday May 26th - 6:30- vocal portion of concert outside (playground area), immediately followed by band/strings concert inside
-Student arrival is 6:00
-Orchestra students to music room, Band students to the library.
-Each student is permitted to bring 2 guests
-Wear Bright, Spring colors!The students are very excited about having a live concert- and so are the music teachers!
The bands have had GREAT rehearsals this past week- lets keep it going right up to the concert- just a few weeks!!!
Students can practice "reading" the notes on the staff with game linked on the left side of this page labeled "Reading Music"
I will ba available on Tuesday 9/21, on google meet, from 5:30-6:30 if you have any questions regarding the band program at Kresson or Osage schools. I can also answer any questions pertaining to percussion lessons at VMS as well.
Google Meet Code: Band
*****Thank you! If you have any further questions please e-mail me!****
Online registration for instrumental music lessons is now closed- please e-mail me if you need any other information:
Mfarrell@voorhees.k12.nj.us (for band instruments)
Grippi@voorhees.k12.nj.us (for string/orchestra instruments)
Starting now, all 4th and 5th graders are eligible for playing an instrument for band! Here are the band instruments that are available to choose from- and remember- you should always pick an instrument that YOU like the sound of. Each instrument name has a demo video about each instrument, just click the name:
