Description:
Would your child enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band? Compass hosts the only homeschool concert band in the region. The spring clinic is an 8-week introduction to a specific instrument so students can become comfortable and confident with their instrument choices and get a taste of group music instruction before committing to a semester of band.
Students in the Band-Ready Clinic will learn to play Woodwinds [flute or clarinet (5th-8th grade) or alto saxophone (7th-8th grade only)]; Brass [trumpet, trombone, or euphonium (5th-8th grade) or French horn or tuba (7th-8th grade students only)] or Percussion [snare drum, cymbals, tambourine, and mallet instruments such as bells, glockenspiel, and xylophone].
They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position or correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). The class will practice audiation skills and learn to play in an ensemble and independently.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the spring clinic. See the attached list by instrument. Mark your calendar for an Instrument Test Drive event on Thursday, February 5, from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm at Compass. Representatives from a local store, Music & Arts, will be on hand with instruments for students to try. They will explain rental and purchase options to parents and will sell some of the supplies that students will need for the spring clinic and the homeschool concert band.
Participation in a spring clinic is neither a prerequisite nor a commitment for the fall concert band. Students will have an additional opportunity to improve their comfort level and proficiency on their instruments at the one-week Dulles Summer Band Clinic that will be held at Compass in late July.
