Mr. Nicholson
Band
Contact Information
I can be reached via phone between 2:30 and 3:30. If I am unavailable, please leave a voice mail message that includes your phone number and the best time to call. My extension in number 20.
I can also be reached via e-mail. In an efffort to reduce "spam", staff e-mail addresses are not published on our websites, but it is listed in the school directory and is available on request if you don't already have it.
General Information
Broadmoor Elementary School
BAND OF BEARS
Gary Nicholson, Director
My goals for teaching:
•To help all of the children I work with become more noble human beings through their positive experiences with music.
•To help parents understand that it is the process, not the product, of the educational experience, that is important.
•To enjoy the opportunity to be a part of the lives of these incredible human beings.
•To inspire young people to become an inspiration to others, to become a positive role model for those around them.~
My teaching priorities:
•Teaching proper posture and position for making music with their instrument
•Teaching accurate rhythm
•Teaching excellent tone
•Teaching excellent intonation
•Develop a music knowledge base that will allow the student to be an independent musician and listener
Philosophical Statements
Every child is talented. The~environment, rather than genetic background, will determine the success and failure of the student. We are most successful when we break each new skill into the smallest possible steps, affirming and supporting each attempt with positive reinforcement.
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Students know exactly what they are doing. They’re just testing to see if we know what we are doing.
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If it is important to the parent, it will be important to the child.
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When faced with disappointment~and frustration we have two choices - to become better or to become bitter.
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Children are not capable of~assuming responsibility for~their education.~ Education is the responsibility of the parent.
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Music Skills List
The act of playing a musical instrument combines many skills into a single activity. The list below represents some of the skills that will improve through playing an instrument.
reading
writing
math
history
foreign language
creative writing
creative thinking
listening skills
gross motor skills
fine motor skills
multi-cultural awareness
problem solving
self assessment
critical thinking and analysis
social skills
self discipline
goal setting
team skills
delayed gratification
pursuit of excellence
persistence
public presentation
job interview skills
confidence
BROADMOOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BAND OF BEARS
INSTRUMENTAL SUPPLY LIST 2008-09
1” - 3 ring binder with pockets
resealable pencil holder
two #2 pencils with erasers (sharpened)
green, blue, pink highlighters (all three)
1 pack of 8 subject tabs
50 sheets of notebook paper
12 plastic sheet protectors
appropriate supplies including valve oil,
extra reeds, cleaning utensils
Folding music stand for home practice (important!)
Daily practice routine (very important!!)
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for 4th grade
Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 & 3 for 5th & 6th grade
And a
clean instrument in good working condition
4th graders will be counseled as to which instrument is appropriate for them: there are physical considerations to picking an instrument that is right for the student. 4th graders should not purchase any instrument without first checking with Mr. Nicholson. There are a number of very cheap instruments on the market right now (on the internet and in large chain stores) that should be avoided. Many of these instruments are of inferior quality and are not the ‘great deal’ that they appear to be.
Private lessons are highly recommended, but not required, for band participation. See Mr. Nicholson for private teacher recommendations.
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