The Band:
Welcome to Rock Band at Bloomfield Elementary. For the upcoming school year you will have many new responsibilities, make some new friends, have lots of fun, learn many new skills and most of all MAKE MUSIC!
Band practices will start on a weekly basis during big recess on Wednesday and possibly Monday. Any other day of the week you are welcome to come in during big recess to practice or for some extra help on your instrument. If I am busy, I will tell you but you can still come in to practice on your own. If there is not enough time to rehearse, students may be required to stay after school until 4pm to practice once a week. Depending on the amount of interested students, there may be two rock bands, a junior band and a senior band.
The Instruments:
If you have little to no skill on your chosen instrument, don’t worry. I am willing to teach you the basic skills you will need to be successful in a rock band setting. However, you will be required to do a lot of work at home on your instrument. Here is a list of equipment you may need at home:
Guitarists: A guitar (acoustic or electric), a tuner, at least one pick, an amp and instrument cable (if using electric guitar)
Bassists: A bass, a tuner, an amp, an instrument cable, a pick (optional)
Keyboardists: A keyboard or piano at home
Drummers: Drums at home or a practice pad, drumsticks, a metronome. The Rock Band video game equipment for drums is actually very close to the real thing. If you have a set or can get one, it is a good way to practice.
Vocalists: Your voice, a microphone if possible to practice singing into
We may accept other instruments such as violin or banjo if students can play them already.
Your Job:
You will be required to practice at home on your selected instrument. I will be checking this on a regular basis so make sure you practice at least 4 days a week for at least 20 minutes each time. I can and will provide the materials that you will need to learn (sheets). You may play more than one instrument in rock band if you are doing well on your main instrument.
I can provide some basic teaching for all the instruments but it is your responsibility to improve on your instrument. Some ways you can improve include:
-Using a website
-Youtube video lessons
-Finding a private teacher: Most guitar teachers can teach bass as well.
*Remember, you must come to most rehearsals. If you miss two in a row you will have to have a meeting with me to discuss your continuation in the band. I also require your best effort during regular music classes to continue in the band (singing, playing, participating in all activities).
*This year, if you decide to sing in Rock Band, you must also join all choirs during the school year. The Rock Band rehearsal time can be very busy and singing with the choir will give you a chance to learn any special singing skills that might be missed during Rock Band time.
There is a Rock Band blog where you can access youtube videos, files, sheet music, and check for upcoming dates.
Visit:
Equipment purchases:
If you do not have any equipment at home, you can purchase it. I recommend Long and McQuade in Summerside, kijiji.ca or usedPEI. Before you buy any instruments, please come see me and show me what you are looking at. I can usually tell if it is a reasonable price or quality equipment just by seeing it.
Websites with Lessons:
Basic guitar lessons
Many drum lessons
“Bass”ic bass lessons
*For vocals and keyboards, please come see me for more info
