Instrumental Music Program c/o UC High School Kaleen Baldwin Drive Kaleen ACT 2617 Ph (02) 6205 8265 Fax (02) 6205 8268 e-mail :imp@imp.act.edu.au	Principal: Denis Dickinson

Excellence in Instrumental Music Education since 1973

Dear Parents/Carers,

It is my pleasure to welcome you and your child into the Instrumental Music Program’s classes. This Program offers instruction on brass, woodwind and percussion instruments as well as fife, ukulele and recorder to over 1,700 students in 52 government primary schools across the Territory. The Program is a continuous one and I hope that you and your child will honour the commitment to remain with us until the end of their chosen program so you all will get the full benefit of the instrument and tuition that we provide.

All beginning classes will soon be under way and I'm sure that you will be given a “performance” at home - be assured it will get better! Our itinerant teachers are qualified classroom teachers who have the added expertise and experience to draw the best from your budding musician. They can’t do it without your support and I have provided with this letter a number of ways you can help - whether or not you are a musician.

During the first several weeks of the class the main emphasis will be on developing good playing position and posture. Failure to master these concepts can hamper a student’s ability and progress for years to come. It cannot be overemphasised! Recommended practice time right now is around 10-15 minutes per day and will increase later. Regular daily practice is needed to develop the co-ordination and strength necessary to play the instrument and should be a part of each child's daily routine. All students should practice with the music at EYE LEVEL. Please do not allow the student to put the music on the table or a bed – sloppy practice defeats our purpose. Perhaps Grandma or Aunty Jean could be persuaded to supply a music stand for the next birthday?

Encourage (but don’t force!) your child to perform for you at every opportunity and be generous with your praise and encouragement. Ensure that the instrument and music goes to school on the required days and that your child takes pride in being a part of the group and in learning to play WELL.

If any questions or problems arise feel free to contact your child’s school-based teacher or me. We sincerely hope that this is the beginning of a life-long love affair with music for your child.

Naida Blackley

Principal - Instrumental Music Program

Musical success needs three ingredients;

Parents - Pupils - Teachers.

How you can help your child.

At home:

Show an interest in the music study of your child - be generous in your praise and encouragement. Take a positive attitude towards your child’s efforts - never make fun of the strange sounds that are produced; they will improve!

Arrange a regular time for practice in a quiet place with good light and a music stand. Try to keep practice times free of interruptions by the TV, by outdoor play, or by brothers and sisters. Help with practice as much as possible - for example, by counting.

Help the student keep a daily practice record and sign it at the end of each week to help show the value that the family places on regular practice.

Ensure that your child has a safe and secure place to keep the instrument where younger brothers or sisters will not “play” with it.

Encourage your child to be sure to take the instrument and music to school on the required days.

Encourage (but do not force!) your child to play for others when the opportunity arises in the home.

At school:

Keep a record of the child’s various music activities - try to attend as many performances as possible.

Ensure that your child takes the instrument and music to school on the required days (see below).

Teach your child to be punctual at lessons.

Be sure that other classroom studies do not fall behind!

Visit instrumental music classes occasionally - see how it’s done and find out how you can help.

Help with parent activities and fund-raising.

For your information:

Your child’s school-based band teacher is:

Your child’s Itinerant Instrumental Teacher is:

The instrument and music should be at school for regular lessons/rehearsals on:

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