Instrumental Band Program
Birchwood's Band Teacher is Mr. Ron Murphy
- to provide an opportunity for students to play a music instrument
- to develop and enhance musicianship through performance
- to allow the student to experience the rewards of working together in
pursuit of a common goal
- to develop the music playing/reading ability of each student
The importance of practice cannot be overemphasized. This is where the
concepts and skills introduced in class are perfected. Without regular home
practice, sufficient skill development rarely occurs.
 Birchwood Intermediate School offers grade level performing groups as an
added feature to the Instrumental Music course. Rehearsals are twice weekly
and may be early morning, at lunch and after school. Attendance at
rehearsals is mandatory in order to realize a quality performing ensemble.
Students missing practices regularly or showing less than consistent effort
will be removed from the ensemble.
Birchwood's Band Program consists of three performing groups: Grade 7 Band,
Grade 8 Band, Grade 9 Band, Honours Band, and Jazz Band. The Grade 7 Band
usually has a chance to perform four to five concerts or shows a year including
the Maritime Music Festival at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in
Charlottetown and the PEI Beginner Band Day in Summerside, PEI. The Grade 9
Band, Honours Band, and Jazz Bands, in addition to playing at the Maritime Music
Festival and various school concerts, usually make an off Island trip each
year. In the past, the group has toured as far as Montreal, Quebec, to
partake in the Festival Des Harmonies.
Care of the instrument is the sole responsibility of the student.
Students are instructed as to proper handling of their instrument. In the
event that the instrument develops a problem when away from school, please
DO NOT attempt to repair it yourself. Often the problem can be easily solved
by the band director.
Parents/Guardians and students should be aware that this Instrumental
Program is a THREE-YEAR COMMITMENT. Your son/daughter must seriously
consider this commitment before enrolling in this fun educational program.
This program involves regular work at home and parental involvement is very
important. Encouragement is the most effective kind of support.
Parents/guardians are also invited to be active in the band organization by
assisting in organizing fund-raising activities and concert events.
Students are required to pay a yearly instrumental rental fee. $60 for
the first family member in the program, $50 for the second, and $40 for the
third. Make cheques payable to the Eastern School District. This fee is due
on September 28, 2007 and can be paid at the office at Birchwood.
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