Welcome

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Rock Lake Band program!! This web site has been created to familiarize you with the many aspects of the program, and to ensure an enjoyable and educationally rewarding musical experience. I realize you are deluged with reading material from the school at the beginning of the year, but PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO EXPLORE THE WEBSITE!!

Band is an ELECTIVE and SELECTIVE course. It differs from the general music class, or any other course on the enrichment wheel, in that we seek to develop greater proficiency over a longer period of time.

It involves learning math concepts and applying them (rhythm); learning and applying a new system of notation; developing fine motor skills; developing the ability to listen critically; and becoming sensitive : to the sounds we make, to the conductor, to the sounds others make, and to the musical demands of the music. It requires cooperation with a conductor and a large team of musicians working together toward a common goal. And of course it also requires practice at home, occasional after school rehearsals and performances, and investment in and proper maintenance of an instrument.

Band involves responsibility to the group. The sound each student makes changes the sound of the entire group. Most students possess the musical and mental skills necessary to be good student musicians. Success is most likely if the student has the desire to learn to play; the parents and students understand what is required for success; and the parents share responsibility for the music education of their child. It is hoped that this handbook will be a guide that will lead you and your child to a successful experience in band.

If you have heard the Rock Lake Bands perform, you probably realized you were listening to a very special group of people. They have developed skills and have had learning experiences that will be useful in any endeavor they pursue. And perhaps most important, they experience the unique joy of making music. I sincerely hope your band experience will be as rewarding and enjoyable as mine has been.

Sincerely,
David Hedgecoth
Band Director
david_hedgecoth@scps.k12.fl.us
phone: 407-746-9385