-
September 21- Registration is now closed. Thank you for being a part of the School Band, I am looking forward to making music with the students!
If you have not done so (and your child is registered for band), please make sure they have an instrument and book to use for the year- our rental provider is Coles Music.
How to Be Successful In Music
Students must understand that there is only one way to be successful with a musical instrument- through practice! Practice can be fun, and the more you do it, the better you will become on your instrument. As your music teacher, I expect you to:
- Be prepared for each lesson in school. That means bringing your instrument and music to each and every lesson.
- Practice! Each student will learn their instrument at their own pace, but a general rule to follow is to practice at least 3 times a week. ONE practice session should last at least 10-15 minutes (even five minutes is better than nothing- it's all about getting in touches with the instrument- almost like playing a sport).
- Try to set aside a dedicated “practice time”. Just like we have times for eating, sleeping, or practice for a sport – if music has a specific time, we are less likely to forget to practice, and it will become part of the daily routine-that’s a good thing!
- Make practicing fun. You should always practice your assignment, but put aside some time for creativity! Try and create your own song, try to figure out a song you like, improvise and play anything you like!
Parents: you can help your child become a better musician, even if you know nothing about music! Here’s how:
-Listen to what your child is practicing, and have them teach you what they learned in music class!
-Help your child set aside a specific time to practice each day (3 or more times a week), and help them set up a space that is away from other activities so they can really concentrate.
-Talk about what your child is learning, and once they can play some songs, have them do a small concert for you!
-encourage them to become a better musician. No praise is worth its weight in gold quite like praise from a parent or grandparent. Always give your child praise for taking on this musical challenge, and praise them for even the smallest of accomplishments.
If you only accomplish one goal:
simply be better than you were the last time you practiced.
***Deadline is Friday, September 20th - registration will close that night. Please register early so we can get scheduling and lessons up and running as quickly as possible - thank you!
September 1st, 2024 - Welcome Back!!
Soon, all 4th and 5th graders are eligible to play an instrument in the school 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 Tuesday, September 10th. 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
Hello band families!
Thank you so much for a wonderful year of music and a great concert!! I am so proud of the students. Here is some info regarding your instruments, if you use Coles music as your rental company, and also some general info:We wanted to thank you for a wonderful year of making music in Voorhees this year! We had a great series of concerts from each of our schools, and we can not thank you enough for your support and dedication to music in Voorhees. We wanted to pass along a couple of important dates/notes for the upcoming end of the school year.
Coles Music is offering a new incentive for families currently renting an instrument on the 10 month contract. If you plan on renting again in September, Coles is giving you the months of July and August for free if you call them 856-848-2122 and let them know you will be re-renting again in September. This would put you back into a new 10 month contract for September through June 2025. This would allow you to simply keep the instrument, and not have to go through returning it, and then re-renting it again in September. Otherwise, If you keep the instrument but do not let them know, payments will go to month-month.
If you plan on continuing to use a rented instrument again next year, Eastern High School has a summer music camp opportunity. Directed by Eastern High School music teacher John Stanz, “Viking Prep Band” is a great way to continue playing over the summer months. If you are interested, please email Mr. Stanz at jstanz@eccrsd.us
For those that know they are returning the instrument, we ask that you have it dropped off at school by Tuesday, June 11th. Coles will be coming to the schools to pick up rentals on June 12th.
Thanks again for a wonderful year! We look forward to seeing everyone again in September to start making music together again!
May
What a great evening for our concerts! Thank you all so much for your support of the Voorhees Music Program!
October 3
Registration for Band/Orchestra is now closed - be sure that your young musician has an instrument and lesson book to use for lessons- if you still need to rent an instrument, click here:
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:
