Next Year's 6th Grade Band!

Eastwood 5th Grade Parents,

I write to you with great anticipation. This is the beginning of what will be a life changing experience for your son or daughter. Everything to do with being a member of the Eastwood Band Program is in front of them. This is very exciting because they have the opportunity to embark on a 7 year journey that will give them the gift of music, change with friends with whom they socialize and teach them how to be active members and positive leaders in the largest school organization.

Some of you were in band, but some of you have no idea about band, or what value it holds in your son or daughter's education. Here are some comments from current Eastwood Band parents.

"All three of my kids have been in band and in each of them I saw growth and development from a leadership role.  I know they all learned the value of each doing their part for the benefit of the whole.  It has also been a great experience to see each of them excel in their musical talents in their own way and to develop true friendships and memories that last throughout high school." 

Denise Bolton - Melissa '13, Tony '15, Emily '19

"Being in band allowed my daughter to become part of a big family of high schoolers which made her transition to her freshman year so much easier.  She has made awesome, quality friends through band."  

Sarah Ramirez - Melinda '21

'"Being in band has given my son and daughter so much. Not only the knowledge of music but confidence, friendships that typically wouldn't happen, leadership opportunity, structure, learning how to depend on others, pushing themselves because knowing others count on them, experience in performances, endurance, how go beyond what they thought they were capable of."

Diane Trabbic - Avery '17, Sheldyn '19

This video showcases parents talking about the first year band experience. I highly recommend you watch this, especially the ending. Here is a slide show

During 5th grade general music class, your son or daughter will hear demonstrations in general music class about the different instruments they can play in band. They will have the opportunity to tryout any instruments they would like to play in 6th grade band in March or April. After they have chosen an instrument that best fits them, we will host a parent meeting where you can learn how to get an instrument so they are ready for next year. This meeting will be May 15, 2023 at 7pm in the Eastwood MS Cafeteria. A representative from Rettig Music will be at this meeting to present their rent-to-own program and answer questions.

Throughout this process, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you in the coming weeks, and being a part of this amazing opportunity for your son or daughter.

Sincerely,

Brian Myers                      Jonathan Roode

Director of Bands         Assistant Director of Bands

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. It also is the next thing down on this web page. The parent contact information is so we easily can add you to our band 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