HARWINTON BAND PROGRAM

PRACTICE DAILY:

All good musicians need to practice everyday to be successful.

Practicing builds and strengthens the muscles and reflexes

necessary for playing an instrument. Practicing is the band's

homework. It will reinforce new notes and rhythms that you will

learn in your lessons. You should always review the previous

songs and lessons too.

ASSIGN A PRACTICE TIME:

Find a time during the day that will be your special time for

practicing your instrument. Make it the same time everyday. Get

into the habit and stick with it even though there may be times when

you are tempted to stop.

FIND A PLACE TO PRACTICE:

It is important to find a place that is quiet and free from distractions.

(Turn the TV off!) Sit or stand with good posture. If possible,

practice with a music stand.

PRACTICE FOR 20 MINUTES:

Practice your lesson assignment first. Isolate hard sections and

practice them slowly, over and over. Once you master an exercise,

repeat it several times. The more you practice, the better you will

sound. It is recommended that you practice for 20 minutes everyday.

Many of the best musicians at Harwinton practice even longer, about

30 minutes.

PRACTICE TIPS:

1. Say the note names out loud.

2. Say the note names while you finger the notes.

3. Practice slowly, many, many times.

PLEASE TELL YOUR FOLKS:

In the beginning of learning an instrument, you might sound a little

squeaky, loud, and out of tune. However, with time and with daily

practice you will sound better and better. If you are willing to work

hard at practicing, you will learn many songs while having fun

becoming a musician.