Banda, Shannon
- Mrs. Banda's Homepage
- Mrs. Banda's Bitmoji Music Room
- Mission For the Class
- Report Card Information and Grading Procedures
- Sixth Grade Chorus
- NYSSMA solo festival
- Mrs. Banda's Music Schedule
- Announcements
- Music Links
- Concert information
- Kindergarten
- First Grade
- Second Grade
- Third Grade
- Fourth Grade
- Fifth Grade
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sixth Grade
- 6th Grade Musical
- Gayhead Elementary School
- Frequently Asked Questions
-
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- When are the concerts this year?
- What are students learning in music?
- How early should children have music instruction?
- Where can I buy musical instruments, books, videos, CDs, and musical toys?
- How can I help my child in music if I didn't have a music education?
- My child doesn't like singing. Is he/she going to fail music?
- My child wants to learn how to play an instrument. How do I get my child started?
- My child is very theatrical. Are there performing opportunities for my child?
When are the concerts this year?
See the calendar page for a full list of musical activities.
What are students learning in music?
Click on the appropriate grade level on my home page to see the district
music outcomes.
How early should children have music instruction?
There is no such thing as too early. In the womb is a great time to start. Get
your child involved in an early childhood music program before his/her first
birthday. Music is just like language - the earlier the child hears music,
the better rhythmic and pitch vocabulary your child will have. If you
would like more information about early childhood music classes please contact me.
Where can I buy musical instruments, books, videos, CDs, and musical toys?
There are several great websites/catalogs to purchase music products.
1. www.musicmotion.com 2. www.friendshiphouse.com 3. www.westmusic.com
4. www.musiciselementary.com www.interstatemusic.com
How can I help my child in music if I didn't have a music education?
Please call me or e-mail me if your child is frustrated with a subject we are
learning in music. I can teach you how to help your child even if you haven't
had a musical education. Most of the time children struggle with reading
music during the xylophone and recorder units. That is when we combine rhythm
and pitch. I can give you the basics to help your child become a fantastic
reader!
My child doesn't like singing. Is he/she going to fail music?
No. Although, I would want to know why your child doesn't like to sing. Most
children sing from the day they can speak. Just listen to children on the
playground or when they are by themselves; often they will be singing. It is
a very natural way for children to express themselves. We do many things in
music (see outcomes). Singing is just one aspect of what we do. Ask your
child on a weekly basis what he/she is doing in music. I am sure that your child
will have a lot to share with you. Ask your child to write you a rhythm or
sing you a song that he/she has learned.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________My child wants to learn how to play an instrument.In general music, your child will learn how to play manydifferent percussion instruments throughoutelementary school. In 4th grade, every child learnshow to play the recorder. At the end of 4th grade,every child will have the opportunity to choose an instrumentto play in the 5th grade band or orchestra.Information is sent home in the spring regarding sign ups.If your child had expressed interest inplaying the piano or guitar, I can recommend manywonderful teachers. Please send me an e-mail andI will send you back a list of all the teachers I recommend!______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________My child is very theatrical. Are there performing opportunities for my child?There is an after school theater program offered throughWappingers. Sometimes the program is offered right hereat Gayhead. We have a very special tradition here at Gayhead.In the 5th grade, every student can audition for the 5th grade musical.We do a full length musical. Students canparticipate on stage or backstage. Every child thatwants to participate gets a part! It is truly magical.We perform the show for the entire school!There are many opportunities for children as young as4 to be in a show or to take theater classes.We have so many local children's theaters. Please e-mail meand I will send you a list comprisingof many wonderful programs for your child! I highly encourageevery child to have a theater experience.I have done shows with several of our kindergarten teachers!