Practicing and Improvement

There are important practice tools for all band members to use for personal improvement. 

Tuners and metronomes can be found for free online, as apps, or you may have an electronic device (HS winds have a school provided Korg TM-50/60). For Android apps, try Metronome Beats and Sound-corset tuner (both free). In 2021, we will start using the Tonal Energy Tuner app at school which is available for $3.99.

Individual Practice System in the Tradition of Excellence

The 6th & 7th Grade Tradition of Excellence (TOE) method book comes with a free 1 year subscription to the Individual Practice System (IPS). This computer program or app contains playing examples, accompaniments, and much, much more! This is a very valuable practice tool. Directions for installing the IPS can be found on the inside back cover of the TOE method book (Note: It cannot be downloaded to the 6th Grade ChromeBooks. Please use another device.)

Solo Instrument Books

Themed solo instrument books (sometimes called play-along or folios) have the melody written for your instrument, and include a recorded accompaniment. Solo books can be purchased through Rettig Music (1-800-52-MUSIC) or online. Be sure the difficulty level is appropriate by viewing sample pages. Check out the numerous styles of pop, rock, Disney, country, musicals and more at the Hal Leonard website.

Method Books

These are not the red, blue or green books we use in MS classes, but rather instrument specific method books that work progressively on playing techniques. There are many to choose from, so ask a director for recommendations. If you take private lessons (next paragraph), your teacher will probably ask you to purchase a few method books. If you are going to use more than 1 book, it may be more affordable for you to purchase a yearly SmartMusic subscription. This gives you access to numerous method books, band pieces, professional reference recordings, and a host of practice tools. One of the most useful tools is immediate feedback on performances.

Lessons

Any private lessons are great for individual growth, even if you cannot meet every week in the summer. A great place to start for wind players is Howard Williams, the retired Woodmore Band Director. He is closeby in Woodville, experienced and affordable ($15/30 min.). He can be reached at BandMan7@amplex.net or 419-575-4658. For percussion, Mike Czeczele, Terra Tech. Percussion Instructor who lives in Woodville, 419-707-3133, mike.czeczele@frontier.com. There are many other teachers, so please contact Mr. Myers if you need additional recommendations.

Piano Lessons

If you are looking for a new challenge, playing piano has theory and musicianship benefits that apply to every instrument. Click here for a list of Eastwood area piano teachers.

Sight Reading Factory

Your school Sight Reading Factory subscription is good throughout the summer, so please continue to use it as a part of your practice routine.

BGSU CMA Events 

The BGSU College of Musical Arts offers numerous diverse performances throughout the fall and spring semesters, many of them free to the public. Listening and imitating is an important part of becoming a great musician.

The BGSU CMA calendar can be found at: https://events.bgsu.edu/group/college_of_musical_arts/calendar

Don't forget the Falcon Marching Band on game days! They give a Pre-Flight concert usually on the south end of the stadium.

College Camps

Most Ohio colleges and universities offer summer camps for specific instruments, band and jazz. Many were not offered this summer, or went online due to COVID, but will be back in 2022.

  YouTube Channel

Performances of the Eagle Marching Band will be posted on our YouTube Channel. 

High School Band Florida Trip

The Eastwood High School Band traveled to Orlando, Florida from April 9-15, 2022. The band has been taking this trip every 4 years since 1986. In Disney's "You're Instrumental" Performing Arts Workshop, the concert band sight reads, prepares and records a polished performance of special Disney music selections, including a pairing the band with a clip from a Disney film. The marching band performs in the Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy pre-parade for a park full of spectators. The band visits four Disney parks, Typhoon Lagoon water park, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Trip arrangements are with Noteworthy Tours, Sandusky.