The Official Home Page of the
Eastwood Band Program
Directors
Brian Myers Jonathan Roode
bmyers@eastwoodschools.org jroode@eastwoodschools.org
419-833-3611 x432 419-833-3611 x436
2022-23 Band Calendar
Click here for the current 2022-23 District Band Calendar. The Google Calendar is always available on this web page in the left menu bar. Add this calendar to your Google Calendar to follow all band events.
Little Caesar's Pizza Sale
The annual Little Caesar's Pizza Sale will be October 24-November 21. Delivery will be the week of December 5. A separate online sale will be held the November 16-December 16.
Honor Bands
Congratulations to our first honor band members of the year!
Brenna Payne, Capital University Honors Band, Nov. 11-12
Jennifer Russell, OMEA NW Region Honors Orchestra, Nov. 13
First Responder Salute
It was an honor to host many local first responders at our only home performance of the First Responder Salute Halftime Show. We are indebted to their service and dedication to keeping our communities safe.
Final performance at Maumee - September 2
6th Grade Beginning Band
All student who were interested in band were tested on instruments at the end of 5th grade.
Instrument Rentals/Procurement
In most cases, parents rent an instrument through Rettig Music for their middle school years. Rettig offers a wonderful rent-to-own program and is an established music retailer throughout Ohio. Of course this is not required. Oftentimes parents may have an instrument (either their own or a relative's) that their child will use. We highly recommend having the instrument looked over by Rettig to make sure it is in good working order, especially if it's been sitting in its case for an extended period of time. Finally, if you decide to purchase an instrument on your own, please consult with Mr. Myers or Mr. Roode before doing so. You may be tempted to get the $100 instrument from Amazon or eBay, but don't! Poor quality instruments are the biggest cause of frustration for young musicians. AN INSTRUMENT, BOOK (Tradition of Excellence, Book 1) AND INSTRUMENT CARE SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. DO NOT WAIT TO RENT OR BUY AN INSTRUMENT UNTIL AUGUST WHEN DEMAND IS HIGH.
If there are concerns of the financial impact of renting or purchasing an instrument, please look at the Be Instrumental Foundation in Toledo. They are a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities, mentoring, and financial resources to young musicians.
Student/Parent Contact Form
If you have not done so, please take a minute to fill out the following 6th Grade Band Information Form. The parent contact information is so we easily can add you to our mailing lists for communication during the school year.
If you have any questions, please contact me by email at jroode@eastwoodschools.org.
Jonathan P. Roode
Assistant Director
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; or if you are closer to Bowling Green try Nick Dian, 815-298-4587, ndpercussion@gmail.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.
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.
AmazonSmile
Shop anytime at http://smile.amazon.com/ch/34-1270498 and AmazonSmile donates to Eastwood Band Boosters. Thanks for your support!
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 will travel 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 will perform in the Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy pre-parade for a park full of spectators. The band was able to visit four Disney parks, Typhoon Lagoon water park, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Trip arrangements are with Noteworthy Tours, Sandusky. Trip payments of $250 are due on the 15th of August, September, and October. The balance is due November 15. Send to Eastwood Band Booster Treasurer, P.O. Box 101, Pemberville, OH 43450 or give to Mr. Myers.