What is Solo Contest?

Solo Contest is an opportunity for your child to study, practice and perform a piece of music on their own. They play their music before a judge (music educator) who gives them a score based on musical criteria such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, etc.

Do I have to play before a bunch of people?

Students do no play before a large audience. Most students invite their parents and family to listen to them perform their solo. If they are nervous, they may request to play the solo alone.

Is this a competitive event?

Students do not compete against one another. Students are competing against themselves to achieve their personal best. Every student receives an award for participating in the Solo Contest.

Is my beginning band student ready for solo contest?

Yes! All beginning band students receive a solo that we practice and learn together in class. Preparing for solo contest motivates students to practice and helps them become better musicians.

What are some other reasons for my child to participate in Solo Contest?

There are many musical benefits to participating in Solo Contest. There are also many benefits that support your child’s growth and development as a person. Solo Contest helps to instill in your child the value of hard work and a sense of pride. It also builds self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect in your child’s life. This is a common goal for teachers and parents alike.

• Free delivery to your school.
  Why go through the hassle and expense of traveling to a music store and haggling with a salesman when we can deliver the instrument right to your school.

• Ease of one monthly bill.
  Band For Today will bill your credit card monthly. No bills, no late charges and very convenient

• Fast repairs and loaners.
  In the event your instrument needs repair, Band For Today will pick it up and repair it within a week or bring your child a loaner. Again, no hassle, no worries and very convenient.

• Rent to own
  Band For Today offers a rent to own policy. For more information please contact us at info@bandfortoday.com

• Free pick up at the end of the year*
  No traveling back to the store for the return.
  *Instruments need to be given to the instructor on the last day of band class.

1. Instrument Demonstration

Our demonstration is designed to give students an overview of the band program and a detailed view of the instruments available to them. Each instrument is assembled, and demonstrated to all students in a group setting. On each instrument we discuss assembly, the production of sound, size and then play the instruments. Students are informed that they will each get a chance to try two instruments of their choice. By demonstrating first, students can make a better decision on instruments picked for trying. After the demonstration, they now know what a particular instrument sounds like, how it is assembled, how big it is and what it takes to produce a sound.

2. Instrument Matching

After our demonstration, students are now given a choice of two instruments to try. Band directors work with each student to help facilitate the testing process. We are striving for a student to produce a quality sound on an instrument in hopes of students choosing an instrument that fits their physical characteristics along with our rccomandation. Without testing, a student may chose to play an instrument that isn’t physically right for them. Consequently they may struggle and lose interest. We strive to have each child pick and instrument that feels good for them. Students may not receive their first choice in order to ensure a balanced and.

3. Parent Sign-Up

Parents can attend a band sign up at their school or may chose to register by phone. In either case, questions can be answered at the time of sign up.

Throughout the recruiting process, flyers and letters are sent home with each child giving parents information they need regarding the program.

This class is available to Kindergarten through third grades and is a great compliment to the band program. Students participating in the piano classes learn rhythms, pitches, note reading, and more.

All classroom materials including keyboards, student method and theory books are provided.

Click here for more information about piano education.

Group band lessons are taught using “Sound Innovations.” This method book comes with a DVD giving the student a visual guide to help in the early stages of development. This book also comes with a Play along CD. Using this CD to practice with will enable a student to improve aspects of their playing such as rhythm, pitch, range, and overall musicianship. Plus, it’s just fun to play along with a band at home. As students progress, music (full band arrangements) is added to further the development and to prepare for performances.

Click here for educational articles and videos for your instrument!

Concert band is made up of intermediate and advanced students. More emphasis is put on ensemble playing and a wide variety of band arrangements are used to achieve a higher level of musicianship. In addition to a winter and spring concet, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of performances opportunities throughout the year.

Click here for more information about performance opportunities!

]]> http://www.bandfortoday.com/band/feed 0 http://www.bandfortoday.com/welcome http://www.bandfortoday.com/welcome#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:00:07 +0000 admin http://www.bandfortoday.com/?p=1 Click here to continue reading.]]> Band For Today has been providing Chicago area schools with band and piano programs for twenty five years. Band For Today teachers have instructed more than twenty thousand students during that time. We offer schools a full range of music education services including band lessons, concerts, solo contests, honors ensembles, jazz ensembles, field trips, and Kinderkeys piano lessons.

Please take a moment to browse through our site:

• Explore educational resources, articles and videos for each instrument.
• Learn how to help your child succeed in music.
• Stay up to date with news and information about upcoming concerts and events.

We are members of the Music Educators National Conference and support the American Music Conference.