The brand and quality of reeds is VERY important.  We recommend Vandoren 2.5 or 3.  Never Rico in the orange box, and I will explain why.

For example, today in class we were working on a high note passage with the 7th grade clarinet players.  A student was on an inferior reed and just could not play the passage.  I gave the student a Vandoren 2.5 and suddenly there was instant success!  The reed the student was on before was just not allowing the notes to play.  This happens over and over again with students who do not have the correct reeds.

*A NOTE FOR 6th GRADERS – 1 box of size 2’s in any brand is OKAY to start because they will go through them quickly in the first month learning how to assemble the mouthpiece and take care of the reeds.  Anything after that 1st box should be Vandoren 2.5. 

A better quality reed is a bit more expensive, but the improvement in playability, pitch, and tone is priceless.  I highly recommend going online for them where prices are often cheaper.  For example, http://www.amazon.com/Vandoren-CR1025-Clarinet-Traditional-Strength/dp/B0002E1OZY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440716787&sr=8-1&keywords=vandoren+reeds+2.5.  

If a student still has brands we don’t recommend, they can leave those at home and use them for practice or emergencies. 

Teaching the students to care for these reeds is important so money is not wasted.  Here are some tips that I share with the students at school:  

• Remove reeds from mouthpiece after practicing to prevent mold growth
• Wipe excessive moisture from reeds and store in a “reed saver”
• Rotate between 4 reeds at all times
• Never touch the tip of the reed!
• Use the mouthpiece cap when laying the instrument down for breaks during practice
  
• This WikiHow article has more great tips!

Thanks so much for you attention to this matter!  I appreciate everything you do for your musicians and hope these tips can help our reed players  sound better and have more success!

Check the band web-site often www.cmsmustangband.com

Attend our band parent Booster Meetings at 6:30 p.m.  These informational meetings cover the details for rehearsals, performances, and fundraisers and are the place to come and get involved with your child’s musical education!
o    Tuesday, Sept 1.
o    Tuesday, Nov. 17
o    Tuesday, Jan. 19
o    Tuesday, Mar. 1
o    Tuesday, May 3

Sign up for Remind messages
o    6th Grade - Text @cmband6 to 81010
o    7th Grade - Text @cmband7 to 81010
o    8th Grade - Text @cmband8 to 81010

Add the band calendar to your computer and mobile device by going to www.cmsmustangband.com/calendar.html and clicking +GoogleCalendar at the bottom of the page or by using this address on any Apple device: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/katiecodina%40aol.com/public/basic.ics

Encourage your child to sign up for tutoring/private lessons!  Students can sign up on my office door for 20 minute [free] tutoring slots with me or Mr. Hochkeppel.  For more in-depth lessons on a consistent basis, sign up with one of our private lessons instructors (fees vary by instrument)!

And don’t forget:
o    $35.00 Band fee due by Sept 1
o    6th Grade Deadline to have instruments is Sept 1

We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Ashley Kelly, a recent doctoral graduate from LSU in saxophone performance, will be available to teach private saxophone lessons at CMS.  The quickest and best way to improve on your instrument is private lessons and Dr. Kelly is highly recommended!  Please speak with Dr. Kelly or Ms. Codina to set up private lessons.

We are so excited to welcome all of our new 6th graders into the Mustang Band Family!  After several days of mouthpiece testing, we have our official list of bandsmen for the 2015-2016 school year.  Great care was taken to make sure the kids were placed with instruments that they were able to get great sounds on.  

6th Grade Parents, please attend the meeting on Thursday, August 20th at 6:30 p.m. to get information on how to obtain an instrument.  Getting a quality instrument is the key to success!  Alison's World of Music will also be there to rent instruments.  If you are unable to attend the meeting, please carefully review the Instrument Supply List and be sure to e-mail Ms. Codina with any questions.  All students need to have their instruments and supplies by September 1st, however, the sooner they can start bringing it the better!  After this deadline, we will change electives for any students that have NOT obtained an instrument.  


Please review the list carefully as many students may have a band day/schedule change now.  All brass (trumpet, trombone, french horn, tuba, baritone) and percussion instruments meet on A day and all woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone) will meet on B day.


Once again, please e-mail with any questions or concerns.  It has truly been a pleasure watching the students’ excitement for trying the instruments.  I am looking forward to a very musical year!   

Monday was a great kick-off to the 2015-2016 school year as the Central Middle Band welcomed in new and returning students.  If you weren't able to stop by the band room, here's what you missed:

-Handbooks - Please sign and return receipt by August 14 (can be done online)
-Important Dates - Please add the important dates to your calendars and download the google calendar available online.
-Band Fees - $35 check made to CMS Band Boosters or pay online through the APSB system.
-Uniform Orders - $20 band polo used for performances and optional sweatshirts and hoodies that can be worn to school.  Order form attached.
-Flip Folders & Lyres - All 7th & 8th Graders are required to have one (exceptions: cheer & dance)!  Can be purchased at a local music store.
-Remind information - Sign up to get updates about the band!
   For 6th Grade - Text @cmband6 to 81010
   For 7th Grade - Text @cmband7 to 81010
   For 8th Grade - Text @cmband8 to 81010
-To get involved with our parent support club, the Band Booster Club, please visit their page
-6th Grade Parent Meeting - Thursday, August 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the CMS Bandroom.  This meeting will discuss your child's instrument selection and how to go about getting an instrument!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this school year, please do no hesitate to e-mail the band director at katie.codina@apsb.org!