WELCOME! Thank you for becoming part of the music program at Michell K-8 School. You are about to embark on a musical journey that might become a part of your life for years to come. I look forward to working with you and hope you gain a greater appreciation for music.

Schedule: Beginning music students (6-8th grade with no middle school experience) attend music before school (7:35-8:21 am) on “White” Days.

Selecting an Instrument: Students will prioritize their choice of instrument and will have the opportunity to try several of these during the first few day of class (an instrument “Petting Zoo”).  This gives me a chance to foresee any issues that may hinder a student’s progress and gives the students a chance to try several instruments. I want the students to be successfull.  Students are welcome to come in before school to try other instruments.  Based on their success and interest, the teacher and student will determine which instrument that student is best suited for and would like to play.

Band students may receive instruction on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or tuba.  Orchestra students may receive instruction on violin, viola, cello, or bass.

Instrument instruction/offerings: We make every attempt to provide instruction to students on their first choice of instrument. However, for beginning students to be successful learning music in a mixed instruments environment, the number of each instrument must be balanced for the size of the class, which may mean limiting the number of students on a particular instrument.

Renting/Buying Instruments: In most instances, students are expected to provide their own instrument, but should not rent one until we have finished exploring the different instruments.  I strongly recommend renting an instrument for the first 3 months. Do not be tempted by “Great Deals” over the inter-net, on-line auction sites, or large discount stores. The prices are cheap because the instruments are cheap. Go to a quality music store! I will provide a list of reputable stores once we decide on instruments.

Private Lessons: Students studying privately are encouraged to continue on that instrument.

School Instruments: The school does provide certain large and expensive instruments (i.e., tuba, baritone, French horn, string bass, etc.). The types and number of these instruments offered is based on class size and progress, financial need, the needs of the ensemble, and school inventory.

We generally do not provide flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, or viola. The district does have a couple of these instruments but they are intended for families in need. If need exceeds inventory, school instruments will be allotted via lottery.

Logistics: The music building is opened from 7:05-7:35 am in the morning for instrument drop-off or for help.   Music rehearsal is from 7:35-8:21 am. The music room will open immediately after school for a short while for instrument pick-up.

Instruments can stay in the music room all day. Instruments should be picked up after school and should go home daily unless arrangements have been made with the music teacher.

Mr Divita, Music Director, Michell K-8

Phone 925 606-4702, #6510 (Christensen MS phone)

Email mdivita@lvjusd.org

Music Web-site https://www.livermoreschools.org/Page/8217