BEGINNING BAND
GOLETA VALLEY JR HIGH

Welcome  to  the  Music  Department!

You are now a member of the 2008-2009 Beginning Band class.  This is one of three different music classes offered at Goleta Valley.

Every person can learn to play an instrument and be successful! You will find that the study of music is fun and rewarding.  There are many benefits that come from participating in a music class.

√ Self discipline
√ Develop motor skills
√ Teamwork skills
√ Critical thinking
√ Personal responsibility
√ Problem solving
√ Creativity and appreciation of the arts


Students in the Beginning Band have little or no musical training, ( a few students may be learning to "double" on another instrument).

During the first week, students will be introduced to the instruments of the Woodwind, Brass and Percussion families.  These are:

    Brass                Woodwind              Percussion
* Trumpet          * Oboe                      *snare drum
* Trombone       * Flute                       * bass drum
* Baritone          * Clarinet                   * timpani
* French Horn   * Saxophone              * auxilliary percussion
* Tuba

After having an opportunity to listen to live and video taped performances of these instruments, students will take a listening test.  Using all this information, students and Mr. Peterson will select one instrument that they will play for the school year.  Students are welcome to use their own instrument or a school instrument may also be used.  Parents and students must sign and return the instrument loan agreement before instruments may be taken home.

Students will perform in three major performances and one parade.  Performance dates are December 18, March 19 and May 13at 6:30 pm in the GVJH auditorium.  The beginning band marches with the advanced band in the Big Dog Parade on Saturday morning, June 6, 2009. 

Major concert performances are mandatory.  These include the Holiday Parade, winter, spring and end-of-year concerts and the Big Dog Parade.  Students are expected to attend these performances except for illness, religious obligations and compelling family business.  Any other absence, must be approved at least two weeks ahead of time with Jeff Peterson.  Unexcused abences result in loss of two grades for concerts and loss of one grade for parades. information about these performances will be sent home at least one month before each performance.

If you have not heard from me via email by the end of the first week of school please send me an email (jpeterson@sbsdk12.org) so that I may put you in my address book.  I sent out emails blind copy so your address is not shared with others without your permission.