Blue Ridge Beginning Band

Christopher Mitchell- Director

Who is Mr. Mitchell?
1990 Graduate of Parkland College in Vocal Music
1993 Graduate of EIU in Music Education, Trombone Minor
Originally from Champaign, IL
Attend Champaign Central and was Drum Major, Bass Trombone, and member
of both the award winning Concert band and Jazz Band
Been involved with Blue Ridge Music Department since 1989 as; Low Brass
instructor, Student Teacher, and Director of Music since 2000
Has taught for 23 years in Marshall, Barry, Pittsfield, and Blue Ridge
Married to Angela, Father of Bailey (20), Jack (17), Luke (14), Henry (11), and
Sophia (4).
Avid Illinois fan since 1976 (although thinking about changing to Wisconsin
after these last 5 years!). Cardinals baseball fan, and lover of winter sports,
skiing and snowmobiling.
Master of Music Ed. Work from VanderCook College of Music and Illinois State
University.
What is the Blue Ridge Band Program?
Blue Ridge Band department is an all inclusive instrumental program.
We cover all aspects of instrumental music; beginning lessons, cadet band, JH
band, and High School Band.
Membership is open to all that have a desire to learn, practice and improve
on an approved instrument. All students no matter of background,
educational level, learning abilities, or financial standing will be found a
place in the program.
All that is needed is a desire to get better every day.
Experiences in the program include (but are not limited to); Concert,
Marching, Pep, Jazz, Solo & Ensemble, Honor Bands, Percussion ensemble,
Flag Line, & Winter Guard.
We strive to teach lessons beyond the music. Teamwork, leadership,
problem-solving, acknowledging opposing opinions, performance, and travel
are all issues we deal with almost daily.
Advantages of Blue Ridge Music Department
Everyone is a starter! There is no one that practices everyday and then does not
get to perform because they are not best. We work together and we perform
together. Everyone in the program has a contribution to make at all times.
Small group lessons to begin learning your instrument.
Opportunities to continue to work in small groups throughout your school days.
Opportunities for leadership.
Largest team in Blue Ridge Schools
Small program atmosphere. We all look after each other and help each other to
succeed.
Instrument assistance if needed (more information later)
Most successful program in school history.
Only Blue Ridge program to have won a state championship.
Overnight trips, and every four years a major trip for high school students.
ALL students are encouraged to be involved in other activities. I work closely with
all of our coaches so that students can be involved in everything. Close to 80% of all
band students are in involved in at least one sport each year!
Advantages of Being involved in
Instrumental Music
Students learn kinesthetic brain function they cannot get anywhere else.
Students involved in instrumental music typically score an average of 5 points
higher on the ACT. (Geimenhardt report) IF I WAS NOT A
PHYSICIST, I WOULD
The College Entrance Examination Board found that students involved in PROBABLY BE A
public school music programs scored 107 points higher on the SATs than MUSICIAN. I OFTEN
students with no participation. THINK IN MUSIC. I
U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school LIVE MY
students found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement DAYDREAMS IN
in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show MUSIC. I SEE MY LIFE
significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12. IN TERMS OF MUSIC.
-ALBERT EINSTEIN
Blue Ridge Band: An Overview
FIFTH GRADE:
Student will receive 1 half hour lesson each week. These will be coordinated to take place during
non-core curriculum times during the school day.
Starting about late February (depending on where we are in the book) we will begin having 1 half
hour full band rehearsal each week. This will be in addition to the weekly lesson.
Students will perform in concert in mid-May for the first time. All students are expected to be there
for the pay-off.
Students will be assigned 4-6 exercises that they will be expected to practice for the next lesson.
Practice times will vary, but students should set aside 15-20 a day for practice.
CADET (SIXTH GRADE) BAND:
Students have a daily band class for half an hour. This begins the first full week of school in the fall.
Students will also receive once a week sectional lessons for half an hour.
Students will finish the beginning band book during the first few months of the year. Then they will
progress to full band sheet music.
Cadet band will play on the spring concert in May. All members are expected to be in attendance.
Students may have the opportunity to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest if they would like.
Blue Ridge Band: An Overview (cont.)
Junior High School Band
7 & 8 Grades are combined. This gives the younger players an opportunity to
learn from the older in addition to the director.
Class meets every day within the Junior High School curriculum.
Students will prepare a patriotic march for the Monticello Veterans Day
Parade.
Students prepare winter & holiday music for the winter concert in December.
Students prepare more serious type concert band literature for the Tri-School
festival in early May and the Spring concert.
Students may have the opportunity to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest
if they would like. This contest is held in late March/early April.
Cont.
High School Bands
High School Band is all 9-12 instrumentalists
August/September/October- Marching Band
4-5 Marching Contests each year.
Home football games
Pre-Season practice in early August
Major trip to bowl game every four years. We play in front of about 100,000 people
these years.
November/December/January/February- Pep Band & Concert Band
5-6 Boys Basketball games
5-6 Girls Basketball games
Winter Concert
March/April/May- Concert Band
Fine Arts Expo in March
Organizational Contest in April
Spring Pops Concert in May
December to May- Jazz Band for those interested
December to March- Percussion Ensemble for those interested
SoWhat have we done so far, and how
do we sign up our child?
SO FAR
August and September; met with 5th grade classes to introduce all the
instruments of the band. Also administered an aptitude test. This test is not
to determine if a student can do band, but what instrument is best suited to
them.
October; brought students to the band room 3-4 at a time to try them out on
their first, and sometimes second, choice of instruments. This was to be sure
that they could handle the basics of playing that instrument and that
physically they could manage.
Sent info home about this power point, and about what instrument your child
and I have selected together.
What now?
Purchase or Rental
Purchase or rental is for all Flute,
Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet,
Trombone, & Percussion players
Rental or Purchase is recommended
through The Music Shoppe in
Bloomington or Champaign
Other avenues are available for
purchase such as private sellers,
eBay, other music dealers. You need
to be careful when purchasing in this
manner. You should also get a copy
of the BRIJHS Approved Instrument
list. This is a list of approved brands
of instruments that we use to protect
you in purchasing an instrument.
Some families may have attic gems.
Instruments that the family may
already own. In some cases these are
great instruments that just may need
a little freshening up.
School Owned
Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn,
Baritone are school owned
instruments that can be borrowed
from the school for as long as the
student is in the band program.
In these cases minor purchases of
mouthpieces or reeds, book and
stands will be necessary.
There is no rental cost, but
damage to the instrument would
need to be taken care of by the
family.
While all instruments are not
available through loan, all students
can play in the band if they are
willing to play an instrument that
we do have for loan.
What Instrument Do I Get?
Just as every good football team has to have players at all the positions, so
does a band in order to have all the parts covered and have good balance.
Just as you would not go to the toy store to by a Fisher-Price helmet for JFL,
you should not get just the cheapest instrument you can find on-line.

All students in 5th grade this year that are interested in band have gone
through the process of picking an instrument that not only do they like, but
that works well for them and the band.
You should have received from your student a letter that tells you what
instrument that is. On the first week of lessons I will expect that is the
instrument your child will show up with. Please do not make changes without
consultation with Mr. Mitchell.
If you would like to contact me about concerns with the instrument that has
been selected for your child, or about instruments that you may already have
in the family, please feel free. There is the ability to adjust the
instrumentation, if I am aware of it. You may contact me at BRIJHS by calling
489-5291 or at cmitchell@blueridge18.org
Rental or Purchase
The Music Shoppe in Champaign or Bloomington is always available to talk to
about the option of rental or purchase. You may go online at
themusicshoppe.com or call at (217)356-8005 or stop by to talk to them with
no obligation.
They will lay out the options they have available and the costs involved. Be
sure to tell them that you are with Blue Ridge Schools so that they get the
right equipment and books for your child.
You may also do the rental on their website. If you do, you will need to order
the Tradition of Excellence Book 1 and a music stand. Drummers should get
the Drum Kit NOT the Bell Kit.
Any family owned instrument that you would like looked at for repair can also
be taken to The Music Shoppe. Or you may send it in with your child to me
and I will get it to the shop. They will call with an estimate before any
repairs are completed.
Closing Thoughts:

I look forward to a long and beneficial relationship with you and your child.
PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
All students need to have instruments arranged by November 18.
Instruments bought through The Music Shoppe can be taken home, but please
do not let your student try to play until their first lesson. This can save on
many repair costs.
Do not keep your child from playing due to financial restraints. We can
ALWAYS find a place for them in the band through the use of school
instruments.
I cant wait to get started teaching your children this life-long skill!!