Dear Future Band Parent,

							                                   Ben E. Hanika, Director
                                http://sites.keareneypublic.org/horizonbands
Dear Future Band Parent,

Greetings! I hope that you and your child are having a great spring, and are looking forward to registering for 6 th
grade at Horizon Middle School. With this, I would like to provide information on signing up for band when you
enroll for classes at Horizon. If your child would like to be in band, please guide them through the following items:

1. Make sure they are registered for band. This is done by enrolling in band and listing the instrument that you
have selected on the Horizon class registration form. The completed registration form will be turned into the
guidance counselor.

                           _X__ Band, Instrument: trombone
         EXAMPLE:          ____ Music (chorus)
                           ____ Orchestra

2. Attend summer band camp during the times listed below. This is a great way to get off to an excellent start on
your instrument! There is a $12.00 fee to cover the expenses of the band camp (checks payable to Kearney Public
Schools)
                           6th GRADE SUMMER BAND CAMP SCHEDULE 2008
                   Monday, July 21-Friday, July 25 @ Sunrise Middle School Band Room

                   8:30-9:00 a.m.             Flutes, Oboes, Bassoons
                   9:00-9:30 a.m.             Clarinets, Bass Clarinets
                   9:30-10:00 a.m.            Saxophones
                   10:00-10:30 a.m.           Trumpets, French Horns
                   10:30-11:00 a.m.           Trombones, Baritones, Tubas
                   11:00-11:30 a.m.           Percussion

3. Get an instrument and book. Each prospective band student has had a brief assessment, and knows which
instrument choices will be most suitable. Percussionists must have a minimum of 2 years of piano lessons—no
exceptions! Please refer to the enclosed instrument selection sheet for more information.

Instruments may be rented or purchased at Yanda’s Music, Stelling Brass, or Pallas Music. Horizon Middle School
owns a limited number of instruments available for students to rent, including: oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet,
tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, trombone, baritone, and tuba. The rental fees are $40.00 per semester or $75.00
for the entire school year. Please contact Mr. Hanika ASAP if you wish to pursue this option.

You will also need to purchase Standard of Excellence Book 1 (red cover) for your instrument, which may also
be purchased at Yanda’s or Pallas Music. A ½” 3-ring binder is required for storing your book and music.

Finally, I would like to thank you for supporting your child’s music education. Your child is about to begin an
exciting journey of learning to play an instrument in band. Research has shown that students who participate in band
are likely to be more successful in school, have stronger social skills, and be more successful in life.. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. A copy of this information will be posted on the Horizon Middle
School Bands homepage (listed above). I look forward to working with you soon!

Musically Yours,



Ben E. Hanika, Director of Bands
915 W. 35th Street                                                                    Kearney, NE 68845
PHONE (308) 698-8120                                                                 FAX (308) 698-8143
                                        ben.hanika@kearneypublic.org