Russia 4th Grade Students and Parents

Beginning Band Information for 2018-2019 School Year

I hope everyone has had a great year of school!  As we near the end of another school year I would like to share how 4th grade students can choose to enroll in Beginning Band for the 2018-2019 school year.  Please read the steps below to inform yourself about the enrollment procedure.

Step One: In April the grade students were introduced to the band instruments at school, participating in our instrument petting zoo! They also got to hear the Russia Junior High Band perform several selections on Monday, May 7th during school.  

Step Two:  Make sure you share this letter with your parents! Let them know to look for this info sheet in their email and on the school’s website.  

Step Three: With the help of your parents, select a Fitting Date and Time. Copy and paste the following link into your browser <www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a44a4a82cabf58-russia>   If you are not able to schedule a fitting online, please call the school, 526-3156 x 132 and leave your name, phone and the best time to return your call so we can work out a date and time to accommodate your busy schedule.  During the fitting process, your student will get an individual time slot to try their favorite band instruments. Mr. Fulk will evaluate your child’s natural inclination on each instrument and provide parents with an instrument recommendation.  The goal is to provide students with an idea of how to make a sound on each instrument and to help them choose the best instrument for their success. Most often, students learn and play just fine on the instrument of their first choice, but there are instances where a certain instrument may be recommended for your student.    

Step Four: If you have an instrument in the family, please bring it to the fitting if possible.  Most of the time Mr. Fulk can evaluate your instrument’s condition, but if a second opinion is required it can be sent it in for a repair estimate at no cost.  Just make sure the instrument case is clearly labeled with: School, Student Name, and Phone Number.  Also, please provide a short note explaining that you would like the instrument looked at for no charge by one our school music service partners if Mr. Fulk feels that he cannot fully evaluate the instrument or feels repairs may be necessary.   

Step Five:  Attend the Beginning Band Parent and Student Meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:30pm in the band room.   During this meeting Mr. Fulk will distribute and briefly cover the 5th Grade Band Handbook, which will outline all of the expectations, grading system and class fees. He will also explain how to acquire and instrument and provide the form necessary for parents to fill out in order to be entered into the lottery drawing to rent a school instrument.   

Step Six: Turn in Your Band Contract, last page of the band handbook.  A signed contract is officially enrolling your son or daughter in band for the 2018-2019 school year.  This can be done at the meeting, it can be dropped off at the school office, or it may be scanned and emailed to Mr. Fulk <mfulk@russiaschool.org>  

Step Seven:  Turn in your school band fee to Mr Fulk. 15.00 for brass and woodwinds and 20.00 for percussion.  Please make this check payable to Russia School and clearly label (band fee) along with your son or daughter’s first and last name in the check memo.  Payments are due no later than Tuesday September 4th, 2018.   

Step Eight: Band class will begin the week of August 27th with instruments.