Kitsilano Secondary School Music Program
Dear guardians of the Kitsilano Grade 8 Music Class,
Thank you (or rather, your student!) for choosing music at Kits! This year for Music 8 we will be learning about Rhythm through drumming and Melody, Harmony and Composition through playing a wind instrument.
On Wednesday February 12, students will be receiving their instrument assignments. Please plan for a trip to the music store that week. In assigning instruments, I considered student interest, previous experience, and class needs. Just like how a soccer or hockey team is unable function with 10 goalies, a band will be unable to function with 20 tuba players!
Students are expected to have their assigned instrument by
Tuesday February 20
Instrument Rental
Your student will need their instrument, various accessories, and a cleaning kit (as well as a binder and a pencil) in order to be successful in class. CLICK HERE and find the checklist for the instrument your student will be playing
Recommendations
Smaller instruments are rented from the music store. There is an extremely limited supply of these at the school and these are reserved for students who need financial assistance. The music store is also able to affect repairs faster or offer a loan if the instrument you rent needs maintenance, though this is highly unlikely.
Larger instruments are available through the school - in some cases, a home practice instrument can be provided as well so that transportation issues are reduced.
Some Stores have a deliver to school function - please note that this will take a few business days and ask the salesperson if the instrument will arrive on time. In most cases I can loan an instrument to bridge the gap if I know it is temporary
If cost is an issue, please contact Ms. Lo ASAP as we have several options. There is a limited number of school instruments available, but we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Everyone should be given the chance to experience music making, regardless of financial circumstances!
For those concerned about COVID-19, we will be following all of the guidelines as written in the BC Music Educators’ Website. Our room is also quite large and we are able to space out.
My policy is usually to communicate directly with the students, in order to build a sense of responsibility and self direction, however, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email.
I look forward to 10 weeks of transformative music making!
Pauline Lo
Music Director, Kitsilano Secondary
M.Mus. UBC, B.Mus, UVic.