How does band work?
Once a week, I will be pulling the band students of class to participate in a 30-minute group lesson on their instrument. If, for some reason, they miss their lesson (test, project, presentation, absent, etc.), there will be make-up times available. A 50-minute large ensemble rehearsals will also occur once a week, and will encompass one twenty minute recess along with thirty minutes of class.
4th Grade Beginning Band is Tuesdays, 11:35-12:25
5th/6th Grade Beginning Band is Fridays, 12:10-1:00
5th Grade Advanced Band is Wednesdays, 12:10-1:00
6th Grade Advanced Band is Mondays, 12:40-1:30
Where do I rent an instrument?
Most students rent their instrument from the Music Box, which is right behind the Roderick School in King Philip Plaza. The instruments are of good quality and the rental comes with rental insurance, which means that if something happens to the instrument, they'll repair it for free and let you borrow an instrument until it's fixed.
When is my/my child's lesson?
Forgot your lesson time? No worries! Student lesson times are listed by the phone number of their registering guardian. Just click here!
Something is wrong with the Instrument. What should I do?
Even the most taken-care-of instruments sometimes need repairs. A spring can pop loose, a pad can leak, or a screw can unscrew. It's all completely normal. Next lesson, let me know there's a problem and I'll see if it's a quick fix. If it's not a quick fix and I can't fix it myself, the Music Box does excellent and affordable repairs. I have used them for my personal instruments multiple times and highly recommend. If the instrument is rented from the Music Box, all the better because their rental insurance covers the cost and they will provide an instrument until it's fixed.
The instrument's still at home and it's lesson/ensemble day! What do I do?
First thing is to not panic. Forgetting the instrument happens to everyone at some point. Usually, the school has enough extra instruments to accommodate those who do forget, but in cases where I don't have enough, the musician should still attend the lesson or ensemble to gain the information.
Is it possible to change instruments during the school year or between school years?
Yes! Absolutely yes. There's always a best match for a student and their instrument, and sometimes the student's first pick isn't the best match. Students are completely welcome to switch instruments with the approval of their guardian.
If you find yourself in this situation, please use the contact form on the right to let me know.
Do you teach chorus?
I am not the chorus teacher. The fabulous Ms. Mariotti is the one in charge of chorus. For questions or concerns about chorus, you can go to her website, linked here, or you can email her directly at mariottim@wrenthamschools.org
Is it too late to join band?
It is never too late to join band. New players are always welcome! Use the contact form to let me know:
- Student's name
- Student's teacher
- Student's instrument of choice
- Guardian's name
- Guardian's email
- Guardian's phone number
Does Roderick Band include any instrument that a student could play?
Unfortunately, no. The band is limited to flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, glockenspiel, and percussion. We do not have any program in place for string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar) or piano.
Are there private lessons available?
Due to it being a conflict of interest in the state of Massachusetts, I am not able to offer private lessons to students. However, there are lesson teachers the high school program utilizes, and most likely some high school students who would love to make some extra money and teach some lessons. If you have any more questions about this, use the contact form on the right to let me know and I can get you in touch with someone who can certainly help.
The orthodontist said braces are in the near future. What does that mean for band?
Nobody panic! Braces and band go together just fine. When I was in sixth grade, I was a saxophonist and got braces. My mouth was sore for a couple weeks and it's a bit of an adjustment, but overall it's not the worst thing in the world. Being in band will not damage the braces nor will the braces damage the instrument. If you're going the reverse direction and getting them off, it'll be another adjustment, but we'll get through it!
You keep using the term "ensemble." What does it mean?
Ensemble is a word that English stole from French. It means "together." While the students have their small group lessons with those who play their same instrument, they will also have an ensemble rehearsal with the other people at their playing level (beginner or advanced) who play different instruments so we can rehearse together.
![The_Instrument_is_too_loud!_Is_there_a_way_to_make_it_quieter? Card Icon]()
The Instrument is too loud! Is there a way to make it quieter?Top of Page
Trumpet
Fortunately, you are not the first to deal with this struggle! Brass instruments can be incredibly loud and for those living in apartments, small houses, or even just those who want a break from the noise, there's a solution:
A practice mute will dampen the sound of the trumpet while still giving the musician the feeling of actually playing.
Trombone
Fortunately, you are not the first to deal with this struggle! Brass instruments can be incredibly loud and for those living in apartments, small houses, or even just those who want a break from the noise, there's a solution:
A practice mute will dampen the sound of the trombone while still giving the musician the feeling of actually playing.
Snare Drum
Fortunately, you are not the first to deal with this struggle! Percussion instruments can be incredibly loud and for those living in apartments, small houses, or even just those who want a break from the noise, there are two solutions:
1) If you are renting the instrument from the Music Box, the drum came with a dampener. It's a large rubber circle that's meant to sit on top of the drum while the musician is playing to dampen the noise. If you do not have one and would like one, let me know.
2) A practice pad is a great way for the musician to get in some practice without needing to play on the actual drum itself.
![Instrument_Care Card Icon]()
Instrument CareTop of Page
Flute
Flutes need to be swabbed so spit does not collect inside and damage the pads. Flautists should have a cleaning rod and a cleaning cloth. You can get these items in any music store or you can order them online.
Flutes, like all instruments, should be kept in a climate-controlled area, which means that it's at a steady and comfortable temperature without any threat of damage. For example, they should not be left in a car overnight or on a porch in the rain.
Clarinet
Clarinets need to be swabbed so spit does not collect inside and damage the pads. The corks on the clarinet should be greased when they start to dry out. Clarinetists should have a cleaning swab and cork grease. You can get these items in any music store or you can order them online.
Clarinets, like all instruments, should be kept in a climate-controlled area, which means that it's at a steady and comfortable temperature without any threat of damage. For example, they should not be left in a car overnight or on a porch in the rain.
Saxophone
Saxophones need to be swabbed so spit does not collect inside and damage the pads. The cork on the saxophone neck should be greased when it starts to dry out. Saxophonists should have a cleaning swab and cork grease. You can get these items in any music store or you can order them online.
Saxophones, like all instruments, should be kept in a climate-controlled area, which means that it's at a steady and comfortable temperature without any threat of damage. For example, they should not be left in a car overnight or on a porch in the rain.
Trumpet
Trumpeters need to keep their valves oiled and give their trumpet a bath every few months or so. This is an important but delicate process. Please do not do this without following along with this video: Give Your Trumpet a Bath. All cleaning items are available in music stores or online.
Trumpets, like all instruments, should be kept in a climate-controlled area, which means that it's at a steady and comfortable temperature without any threat of damage. For example, they should not be left in a car overnight or on a porch in the rain.
Trombone
Trombones need to keep their slides creamed and give their trombone a bath every few months or so. This is an important but delicate process. Please do not do this without following along with this video: Giving Your Trombone a Bath. All cleaning items are available in music stores or online.
Trombones, like all instruments, should be kept in a climate-controlled area, which means that it's at a steady and comfortable temperature without any threat of damage. For example, they should not be left in a car overnight or on a porch in the rain.
Glockenspiel
Glockenspiels, like all instruments, should be kept in a climate-controlled area, which means that it's at a steady and comfortable temperature without any threat of damage. For example, they should not be left in a car overnight or on a porch in the rain.
Snare Drum
Drums, like all instruments, should be kept in a climate-controlled area, which means that it's at a steady and comfortable temperature without any threat of damage. For example, they should not be left in a car overnight or on a porch in the rain.