last minute questions.....

Hi everyone!

I would like to start by saying that I am very proud of the turn out that we had for the instrument show on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Many parents and students were present for answers to concerns and questions that they have had. I hope that everything was much more clear after you left the meeting.

If you missed the meeting and need to purchase an instrument please contact Gadsden Music at 1-800-264-7228 or call Ms. Todd in the bandroom at Zora Ellis for additional information.

There have been a few questions that keep resurfacing. I will answer these below .... hope this helps.

1.Can I buy an instrument online? You are more than welcome to explore options for instrument purchase. Keep in mind three things as you do this.

• You get what you pay for?
• If you don't recognize the brand there is probably a reason. (If you have questions about brands of instruments please contact Ms. Todd.)
• Check out repair options. (Students will at some point have a repair issue. Local dealers will not work on some instruments. If you have to send an instrument in to an online company and have it repaired it could take a long time to get it fixed; instruction time that your child misses.)

2. How much is a band book? Books can be purchased the first week of school during classtime. Books are $11 for all instruments except percussion which is $16. We use Standard of Excellence (enhanced edition) *checks should be made out to ZEJH

3. When can I pay band fees and how much are they? Band fees are $30.00 and the uniform fee is $60.00. You may pay this at the beginning of school or when the due date approaches. Students will receive an additional handout with this information on the first day of school?

4. Where do I put my instrument on the first day of school? Each band student may put his or her instrument in the bandroom daily upon arriving to school. On the first day however students will report to the lunchroom or Auditorium for a brief assembly. Students should report directly to their area and bring instruments to the bandroom afterwards. More information will be given on the first day of class.

5. What if band is not on my schedule? If band should be on your schedule and is not. Please call the front office at ZEJH and let them know ASAP. If on the first day your schedule is still not correct please let Ms. Todd and your homeroom teacher know. We will take care of this as quickly as possible.

6. When are Ellis Emerald try-outs? Young ladies that are in the band will receive information the first week of school regarding clinic and try-outs, which will be held in August. *in order to audition and join the Ellis Emeralds students must be in the band. For more information regarding this group please visit their blog (click here)

7. Where and how do I purchase reeds? We do not sale individual reeds. Students must purchase an entire box. The cost of Clarinet reeds is $25.00 for a box and Saxophone is $30.00. In the beginning students will go through reeds rather quickly, but as they find out what to do and how to care for them they will last long. Students should have four reeds in their case at all times. I recommend keeping the remainder of the box at home.

I hope you find this information useful. As always, if you have additional questions please contact me via phone or email.

Ms. Todd