Please feel free to look below to see the most recent model
of how Summer Music runs. The information was from the
Summer Music of 2019. Click the link above for newer information.
A lot has changed about Summer Music since 2 years ago. Please watch
this very
short video (less than 2 minutes) if you plan to sign your child
up
for Summer Music.
Who are you, and what program should you join???
1. I want to learn a brand new instrument.
Answer = You should join Summer Music - Beginners
More info - Please check out the Summer Music Schedule to
find out the specific time you should come for your lesson.
2. I am a STRING player who already knows how to play.
Answer = ALL experienced string players should join
Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced
More info - If you played for just 1 year (Intermediate), your time will
be from 10:00 to 11:00. If you played for 2 or more years (Advanced),
your time will be from 11:00 - 12:00.
3. I am a BAND player who has played for just 1 or 2 years* .
Answer = You should join Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced*
More info - Your time will be from 11:00 - 12:00.
*IMPORTANT - Anyone who has played for 2 years should ask
their band director if they should join Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced,
or if they are ready to join the New Summer Band Academy.
4. I have decided to join Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced,
but I
also want to learn a brand new instrument.
Answer = You should join Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced PLUS
More info - Your advanced time will be from 11:00 - 12:00, but
your beginner lesson will be earlier in the morning. Check the Summer
Music Schedule to find out the time for your new beginner instrument lesson.
5. I am a BAND player who has played for 2 or more years* .
Answer = You should join the new Summer Band Academy*
*IMPORTANT - Anyone who has played for exactly 2 years, (entering
6th grade next year),
should ask
their band director if they should join
the new Summer Band Academy or if they should join Summer Music -
Intermediate/Advanced.
Click Here to get the 2019 Summer Music Schedule & Expectations document.
It is still strongly recommended you continue to read this webpage as
there is very important information regarding our program.
Summer Music has 3 sessions. Beginner classes are offered at
various times between 8:30 - 11:00, and Intermediate/Advanced
groups are offered at various times between 10:00 - 12:00*.
*The most advanced band or string players will attend from 11:00 - 12:00.
Summer Music - Beginners is for beginners, and those
students wishing to learn a new instrument.
Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced is for students
who already
play an instrument*.
*Exception - Advanced band players should join the new Summer
Band Academy.
Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced PLUS is for students
who have
joined Summer Music - Advanced, but who also wish to learn
a
new instrument. (It is both of the above sessions combined.)
Summer Band Academy is for advanced band players.
***VERY IMPORTANT - This is a completely separate
Parks & Rec program
from Summer Music.
Click here for more information about Summer Band Academy.
Summer Music will begin on Monday, July 1st.
The Concert is on Wednesday, July 24th, and Fun Day is
Thursday, July 25th. Summer Music will be held at Wallace
Middle School. There is no class on Thursday, July 4th.
Parks & Rec Brochure - CLICK HERE to download
the entire Parks & Recreation's Summer 2019 Brochure.
Print Page 2 for the Parks & Rec
Registration Form*.
Summer Music information is on Page 14.
*NOTE - There is no on-line registration for Summer Music.
Summer Music Registration Form - CLICK HERE to register,
or go to the Parks & Recreation Department to register in person.
Summer Music Schedule & Expectations - Click here
to download
the schedule to see what time your child
will attend Summer Music.
Summer Music Flyer - Click here to download and print the Flyer.
If your child is going to Summer Music, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Click on a topic, or scroll down to read everything:
What is Summer Music?
Which Summer Music should my child join? Beginner or Intermediate/Advanced?
Can you explain Summer Music - Beginner a bit more?
Can you explain Summer Music - Advanced a bit more?
What is Summer Music - Advanced PLUS, and who should take this?
What about the new Summer Band Academy? Who should join that?
Parents - please pay close attention to the next question:
How long does my child stay at Summer Music each day?
What instrument can I take if I am a beginner?
What if my family is going away for vacation?
When is the concert, and what is Fun Day?
What happened to Kickball Day?
I am a beginner, and I am still not sure which instrument to
play. How can I get help deciding?
How do I get an instrument for my child?
How do I sign up?
Will there be Summer Music T-Shirts this year?
Will I need to buy anything else?
Where is Summer Music being held this year?
What if I still have more questions?
What is Summer Music?
Summer Music is a place where kids can go to learn
and
play a musical instrument.
You will learn how to play a new instrument,
OR you can play in a band* or orchestra right away
if you already know how to play an instrument!
You also
get to play
in a concert, and then there is
FUN DAY!!!
This 4-week Summer Music program
is part of the
Newington
Parks & Recreation Department.
Summer Music is a TON OF FUN!
*NOTE - Advanced Band players should join the
new Summer Band Academy.
Which Summer Music should my child join? Beginner or
Intermediate/Advanced?
Anyone* who is entering 4th grade or higher in
the fall
is welcome to join Summer Music.
Please watch the video at the top of this page and
view the information labeled "Who are you, and
what program should you join???"
*NOTE - Advanced Band players should join the
new Summer Band Academy.
Can you explain Summer Music - Beginner a bit more?
Summer Music - Beginner is for LEARNING how to play
an instrument. Students who are entering 4th grade in
the fall can get
a "head start" on learning their instrument.
Older students who already play an instrument can also
join Summer Music - Beginner if they want to learn a
NEW instrument.
They should read the section about
"Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced PLUS".
Summer Music - Beginner lessons take place at varioius
times from
8:30 - 11:00.
There are beginning
instrumental
lessons for Band & Orchestra instruments. Download the
Summer Music Schedule and Expectations document for
more details.
Beginning Band and Beginning Orchestra both start on
Week 2
of Summer Music.
During the first week, while students are still learning
the basics of their new instruments, students are strongly
encouraged to attend "Music FUNdamentals" at 9:30.
Music FUNdamentals is a class geared towards students
who are entering 4th grade in the fall and will cover topics
such
as Rhythm Counting, Music Reading, and other
music concepts.
This class takes place only in Week 1 of
the program.
It will be FUN!
Can you explain Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced a bit more?
Simple version:
I have played my instrument for 1 year (usually students entering
5th grade in the fall): This is the "Intermediate" part
of Summer Music.
You should be in the Concert Band (11:00 - 12:00) or Intermediate
Orchestra (10:00 - 11:00).
I have played my instrument for 2 years (usually students entering
6th
grade in the fall): Ask your music teacher what
is best for you.
Here are the possibilities:
I have played my instrument for 3 years or more (Advanced):
Download the Summer Music Schedule & Expectations to see the times.
What is Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced PLUS, and
who should take this?
Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced PLUS is for older
students
who
want to be in the Band* or Orchestra AND they also
want to
learn a new instrument.
*NOTE - Advanced Band
Students
with at least 2 years of experience
should join the new Summer Band Academy.
IMPORTANT: Older students wishing to take a new instrument
should not be joining ONLY Summer Music - Beginner. If they do,
they are
missing out on the most fun part of Summer Music! The
BANDS
and ORCHESTRAS in the late morning are the most fun
part of Summer
Music! Don't miss this!!!
Are older students allowed to join only Summer Music - Beginner
if they want?
Yes, but it is strongly discouraged. Again, these students
will be
missing out on the best part of Summer Music if they are not
part
of the fine Bands and Orchestras only found in Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced.
What about the new Summer Band Academy? Who should join that?
The new Summer Band Academy is for advanced band students who
have played for at least 2 years. If you have played for exactly 2 years,
ask your band teacher if the Summer Band Academy is right for you,
or if you should attend Summer Music - Intermediate/Advanced.
***VERY IMPORTANT: The new Summer Band Academy is a completely
separate program from Summer Music. Summer Band Academy will be
held at Newington High School. (Not Wallace Middle School where we are.)
Click here for more information regarding Summer Band Academy.
How long does my child stay at Summer Music each day?
IMPORTANT: Your child should ONLY be at Summer Music during
the
times
they are in a lesson or in a performing group. Check the
schedule to see the specific times for each lesson and group.
Almost no student will ever wait longer than 1/2 hour
for their next
lesson
or group to begin. Any wait time must be spent with the
instructor!
There is nobody in the hallway to monitor students.
Students who must wait 1/2 hour are strongly encouraged to bring along
a book to read or a quiet game.
To be extra clear, no student should be dropped off in the
morning and stay at Summer Music for the entire 2-hour session.
Click here to view the Summer Music Schedule.
What instrument can I take if I am a beginner?
Beginner instrumental lessons are offered on the following:
Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Baritone Horn*,
Percussion,
Violin, Viola, Cello, & Bass.
If you are unsure what to take, CLICK HERE for guidance.
*Note - Baritone Horn players will come at the same time as Trumpet.
Back to topWhat if my family is going away for vacation?
Our "rule of thumb" on vacations is this:
If a musician
misses ONE week of Summer Music,
it is OK.
When they come back, they can catch up
to the
other students with help from our instructors.
If a musician misses TWO weeks of Summer Music,
it is
most likely not worth the cost of joining this 4-week
program. Parents should
use their discretion. Yes, students
are still allowed to
sign up for Summer Music if they are
going to miss 2 weeks. Advice - let the instructor know.
When is the concert, and what is Fun Day?
The concert will take place Wednesday evening, July 24th
at 6:00 P.M. Everyone in Summer Music is invited to play
in the concert. The concert will be held at John Wallace
Middle
School.
Fun Day is on Thursday, July 25th - the day after the concert.
There is an egg toss, a Kickball game, a movie,
and a pizza party.
(We do collect money from people who want
to eat the pizza.
Everything else is free on Fun Day.)
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What happened to Kickball Day?
Kickball Day has been replaced by a special concert opporunity
at the
end of Week 3 of Summer Music. We hope we can get
everyone in Summer Music to join us at Newington High School
for the new Summer Band Academy's final performance!
More details will be shared during Summer Music.
I am a beginner, and I am still not sure which instrument to
play. How
can I get help deciding?
CLICK HERE to read some questions and answers
about choosing an instrument. Pay close attention to
Question #5 and click where it says "Orchestra" and
"Band" to learn about various instruments.
How do I get an instrument for my child?
If your elementary school child** signs up for summer music,
he
or she
might be able to rent an instrument from their
elementary
school. Please send a written note to your child's
music
teacher stating that your child has signed up for Summer
Music, and that you wish to rent a specific instrument.
**Middle School and High School String players may be
able
to rent their string instrument
from their middle or high school
music teacher. Check with
that teacher for availability. Some
Band instruments may
be available as well.
The fee is $20.00 for the summer rental, but do
NOT send
money with your
note, please. Your child's music
teacher
will send
home a rental form
if that instrument is available.
Elementary Schools have a limited number of the following:
Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass for Orchestra.
Clarinet, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone,
and Baritone Horn (and maybe flute) for Band.
Sorry - no drum equipment, and very few flutes.
E-mail Mr. Kemp if you want information on buying
percussion equipment for beginners.
Another option is to go to a local music store and
rent the instrument. The benefit to this is that
your child will get a new instrument to use if it
comes from a music store. It does, however, cost
more money.
Here are just some local music stores:
Musical Expressions, Berlin: (860) 828-4886
Please let Mr. Kemp know if you have other
reputable music stores that should be added
to this list. E-mail Mr. Kemp (Parents only!)
How do I sign up?
CLICK HERE to see and print the Summer Music flyer & Schedule.
CLICK HERE (COMING SOON) to download the Summer Music Registration Form***.
You MUST fill out this form AND the Parks & Rec Form included
in the brochure on page 2.
CLICK HERE (COMING SOON) to see all of Parks & Rec's summer
offerings.
You can see Summer Music on page 14, and you can print
the Parks & Rec registration form
from page 2 of this brochure***.
***Parks & Rec registration forms AND the Summer Music
Registration Forms
should be mailed to
the Parks & Recreation
department at Newington's Town
Hall. Do not send registration
forms to your child's music
teacher.
***EASIEST WAY to register - CLICK HERE (COMING SOON) to be redirected to
the Newington
Parks &
Recreation's new on-line registration page!
Will there be Summer Music T-Shirts this year?
Yes. Summer Music T-Shirts are available for a cost of $6.
You will need to fill out a Summer Music T-Shirt Form by
Friday, July 1st in order to receive one. That's the FIRST
Friday of Summer Music! CLICK HERE for the form.
The $6 payment must accompany the Form - cash only, please.
Bring the Form and the $6 cash to any of the Summer Music staff.
Summer Music T-Shirt Forms will be available at Summer Music,
or CLICK HERE to print it yourself.
***NOTE - If your child is going to miss the first week of Summer
Music, please e-mail Mr. Kemp if you want him to order your
child a Summer Music t-shirt.
Will I need to buy anything else?
If you are taking a new instrument, you will need to buy a
lesson book*.
The Summer Music staff will make these books
available for
purchase to save you a trip to the music store;
however, if you
wish to purchase the book ahead of time,
here is the information
you need:
All BAND players, (Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Saxophone,
Trombone,
Baritone Horn and Percussion), will need the
Standard of Excellence
Book 1. (The RED book.)
This book
will be available through the
Summer Music staff for $8.
All ORCHESTRA players, (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass),
will need the
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1. This book
will be available through
the Summer Music staff for $10.
* There might be a small amount of used books that can be
borrowed,
but parents should not count on this.
NOTE: There will be other items for sale. Any item bought
in Summer
Music is sold at cost or very near cost. Our goal
is to provide some
important items for young musicians -
not to profit from them.
Music Stands: These are the "wire" style folding music
stands for
beginners. We have a limited number available
at $15 per stand. Click Here to see what the stand looks like.
Plastic Folders: These music folders made from plastic
will last for a very
long time. The regular reinforced paper
folders fall apart within months.
The plastic folders come from
Staples and cost $2.00. Click Here to see an example of the
folders. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Reeds: Clarinet players and Saxophone players need reeds.
It is
recommended
that all players have at least 3 or 4 new
reeds handy.
Even if they are
careful, reeds still can get broken.
Clarinet and Saxophone
reeds are available
for $2.00 each*.
(4 reeds for $8.00 would be recommended to start.)
Percussion Equipment: Percussion players need certain items
in order
to learn how to play. Here is what they need to get started:
Any money sent to Summer Music for purchases should be sent in an
envelope with your child's name clearly printed along with the item
you
wish to purchase. (Cash only, please.)
Where will Summer Music be held this year?
Summer Music* will take place at John Wallace Middle School.
String lessons are held in the cafeteria, and band lessons
are held in either the Chorus room or Band room.
There likely will be air conditioning where your
child takes their
lesson, but they are allowed to bring water if they wish. (No other
food or beverage, please.)
*NOTE - the new Summer Band Academy is completely
separate from Summer Music. The Summer Band Academy
is taking place at Newington High School.
What if I still have more questions?
PARENTS ONLY may e-mail Mr. Kemp with questions about
Summer Music*. CLICK HERE to e-mail Mr. Kemp with your
computer's
e-mail program. The address is MrKemp@PatersonMusic.net.
*NOTE - Summer Band Academy questions should be
directed to Mr. Kenneth Bell: kbell@npsct.org.
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