Here is the flyer with all of the details for students and families to plan for next week’s concerts. All students will receive a physical copy of the flyer during classes on Thursday, May 26th. I am very much looking forward to hosting our first real concerts in over two years!
Playing Masks
IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD DO NOT PLAY A WIND INSTRUMENT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO IGNORE THIS POST/DELETE THIS EMAIL.
Recently I’ve gotten many questions about the disposable playing masks used by wind instrumentalists and whether there are any better options for this purpose. If you or your child play a wind instrument and you or they would like to explore a more permanent solution for a playing mask that can be worn during classes, I have shared some links below to various online vendors that make playing masks. These masks are obviously much sturdier than the disposable masks wind players currently use, and I have several colleagues that strongly recommend masks such as these for better protection and increased ease of use by students. The links below are not the only playing masks available on the market, but just a list of some recommended products. Feel free to search the web for one that suits you or your child best. This is an entirely optional purchase, and free disposable playing masks will still be made available to students.
American Band Accessories (flutes should be sure to purchase the flute version)
National Educational Music Company
McCormick’s Group (Minimum order of 12 masks in case any families would like to “band” together on an order. Sorry, for the bad pun. I couldn’t help myself!)
Flute masks by SkyeGraphics84 on Etsy
Food for Musical Thought
If you find yourself bored and needing a good article or two to pass the time, here are a few from my good friend, Dr. Noa Kageyama, a.k.a. “The Bulletproof Musician.”
What to Ask Yourself After a Failure or Setback
8 Things Top Practicers Do Differently
“Perfect” Practice May Be Preventing You from Learning that Tricky Passage
Why Listening to Reference Recordings is an Important Part of Practicing
The Importance of Writing Notes in Your Music (one of my favorites!)
For more delightfully thought-provoking articles about music and becoming a better musician, feel free to browse Dr. Kageyama’s blog, and feel free to email me with any articles you don’t see above that you found to be applicable to middle school musicians.
Marshall Middle School Instrumental Music 