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Handbook and Parent Information
Handbook
The Cario Bands Program 2008 - 2009 Handbook is THE WAY to familiarize yourself with the Program guidelines, recommendations, and requirements. Revised and updated for the new school year, it contains a wealth of information that is critical to successful participation in the Program for both students and parents. Please review it carefully and refer to it frequently; it is "bookmarked" for your convenience in finding exactly what you need as questions arise regarding the Program.
Grading Rubric
Playing tests and assessments are an integral part of the classroom work. Pop playing tests will also be given from random pulls of student practice charts. The grading rubric is used by Mr. Scott and Mrs. DuPuis to assign numeric values to specific components of assessments.
Parent Checklist
The Parent Checklist is a quick reference tool to assist in preparing yourself and your student for the coming band year. When you have successfully checked off each item on the list, you may consider yourself an official expert on the policies and procedures of the Cario Bands Program!
Top Ten for Incoming Band Parents
A collaborative effort among active band parents from each grade level, some with lots of band experience and others with practically none prior to last school year... Top Ten for Incoming Band Parents hopefully addresses the most critical and confusing components of the Program, sort of like a "FAQs" page. You've read the handbook, you're making your way through the checklist - now, how do you become an effective band parent, and who do you ask when you're lost? Top Ten should help!
Preferred Instrument List
A good-quality instrument is important! The Cario Bands Program offers the Preferred Instrument List as a guide to those instruments that are of excellent quality and lasting value. You won't be disappointed if you stick to the list.
Private Instructor List
Weekly private instruction is the very best way to ensure your student's progress as a budding musician. The Private Instructor List is a roster of local area musicians who offer private instruction on the various band instruments. From members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, to local area band directors, to seniors with the Wando Bands Program, the right instructor for your student is on this list. Your student is already enrolled in a top-notch program, you've purchased or rented a good-quality instrument... private lessons are the next step in supporting your student's commitment to "excellence through music."
SmartMusic Subscription
Mr. Scott recommends the SmartMusic system for at-home practicing. SmartMusic is an award-winning, computer-based interactive practice system that makes practicing fun! It has over 30,000 titles to choose from, a built-in tuner and metronome (you won't need to purchase these separately if you subscribe to SmartMusic), and recording and assessment of practices.
School sponsored home subscriptions are available for $20 with an additional $10 for the microphone that allows recording and assessment. With shipping & handling, the total should be about $38.95 (by using the school-sponsored subscription, you will save $70 over the regular home subscription rate). Click for instructions for ordering SmartMusic.
Local Music Stores
A list of Local Music Stores for your convenience. Before you head to one of the area music stores, it's a good idea to give a call first to see if they have what you need. If not, they can order it for you, and you will have just saved yourself the unnecessary trip. Most orders arrive in a very reasonable amount of time -- usually in just a few days.