Welcome    

to the

 Beginners Page!

This page is designed to guide interested students through the process of beginning their instrumental music adventure at

Hooper Avenue Elementary School. 

Just follow the steps below.

I.            If you haven’t already, view the Powerpoint Presentation that is on this website and can be accessed by clicking on “Introduction to Our Band Program Powerpoint Presentation”.  This presentation will be given to all third grade classes in June. (If you don't have PowerPoint or PowerPoint Viewer you can download if free here. This is found on the navigation bar which is on the left side of this page. After you do, please return to this page and continue to follow the remaining steps

II.      Choose the instrument that you would like to play.

    You can read about the instruments that you can learn to play by clicking on the links below. Again, after you do, please return to this page and continue to follow the remaining steps.

III. Decide how you will obtain an instrument.

    You could rent at a local music store (this will be discussed by Mr. Marowitz and Mrs. Luppino shortly after school begins), buy new or used, or borrow from a relative or friend. Beware of cheap brands of instruments since they break easily and some repairmen will not repair them because of their frailty. Usually they do not produce a pleasant tone as well.

Recommended Instrument Brand List

Oboe: Renard/Fox, Vito, Yamaha issued with 2 medium  

       soft reeds cane reeds and 1 plastic reed.

Flute: Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Armstrong,Selmer, Artley,

        Emerson

Clarinet: Vito, Yamaha, Buffet,Conn, Selmer       

           Armstrong, Noblet,Normandy, Artley, 

           Vito/LaBlanc. Vandoren B-45 mouthpiece,

           Rovnerligature, Vandoren #2 (beginners) #2½ - #3

           (concert & symphonic)strength reeds.

Alto/Tenor Sax: Vito, Yamaha, Selmer/Bundy, 

               Armstrong, Jupiter.Padded neck

               strap, Selmer C* mouthpiece, Rovner

               ligature, Vandoren #2 ½ strength reeds.

French Horn: Holton, Yamaha, Conn, Bach,Selmer/Bundy,

              Jupiter.Bach 11 mouthpiece.

Trumpet: Bach, Yamaha, Holton, Conn, Getzen, King, 

          Selmer/Bundy, Besson.

          Bach 7c mouthpiece. Older students upgrade to

          a Bach 3c mouthpiece. All trumpets must have

          a working 3rd valve throw ring/slide.

Trombone/ Baritone/ Euphonium: Yamaha, Bach, Besson

   Holton, Selmer, Conn, King, Getzen. Bach 6 ½ AL 

   mouthpiece.

Tuba: Miraphone, meinl-Weston, Yamaha

       Mouthpiece Conn, Helleberg 17

Percussion: Recommend Vic Firth drum stick (SD1 Jr.) and mallets. Yamaha, Pearl, Vic Firth, Ludwig. Please label all sticks and mallets with a black permanent marker.

       There are a limited number of school-owned instruments (orchestra bells, french horn, mellophone, baritone horn, tuba, cello, bass) available for loan to students at no charge.

IV.      You will need to bring your instrument to your first lesson

     which will be in mid-September. Students will be informed as to the day and time of their first lesson and should time the procurement of your instrument accordingly.

V.            BEFORE YOUR FIRST LESSON learn how to assemble and disassemble and care for your instrument.

    Click below on the link representing your instrument to learn how. Students should be supervised by an adult or person experienced with their instrument when doing this.

  VI. You Can Get a Head Start On Your Instrument Before Your First Lesson.

Click on the link below Which corresponds

                to Your Instrument to learn some important fundamentals such as how to produce a sound:

V.      Fourth and Fifth Grade students will have a meeting with Mr. Marowitz (Band Instruments) and Mrs. Lupino (String Instruments) shortly after school begins.

     At that time a presentation will be made and you may ask any questions that you have. You will receive an application and upon receipt of that application you will be scheduled for a weekly thirty-minute lesson time. Lessons will take place in the instrumental music room during the school day in a group setting with others in you classroom that are playing the same instrument.

VI. In addition to your weekly lesson, you will have a weekly after school band rehearsal.

    The date of the first will be announced in the near future.