School is Coming!

Here we go! The first day of school will be here before we know it. Here are things to help you be ready for the first day...

Welcome and Welcome Back!
Welcome to our new 6th grade families and welcome back to all our returning 7th and 8th grade families. This begins my 14th year teaching band at Ray-Pec and I can't wait to make this year more fun, engaging, and musical than ever before!

If you child is a 6th or 7th grade percussionist, you will receive additional communication from Mr. Houston, our percussion instructor.

Please read through this newsletter to make sure you are ready for the school year. 

Thanks,
​Dillon Jarrett

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Handbook

The Band Handbook goes through procedures, grading, event calendar, and more. Several things have changed from past years, so make sure to check it out. 

Download the Band Handbook

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Returning Families 
Repairs
Now is a good time to have your child test their instrument to make sure it is in good playing condition. If it needs maintenance or repair you should get it into the shop right away. It will take the shop 1-2 weeks minimum since it's a busy time of year for instrument repair. You can contact Meyer Music for repair questions at 816-228-5656.

Supplies
It is also a good time to make sure your child has all the extra supplies they will need. The Meyer Music online school store recently updated and doesn't have all of our normal supplies. I recommend calling Meyer Music and requesting to purchase over the phone. They can deliver your items to school on their next visit. You can also pick items up directly from one of their locations. 

What supplies do we need?

• ALL Brass and Woodwinds
  • Tuner with contact mic
• Flute
  • Cleaning rod and swab
• Oboe
  • Jones Oboe Reed (Medium Soft)
  • I recommend always having 3 reeds at all times. Well cared for oboe reeds can last many months. 
• Bassoon
  • Jones Basson Reed (Medium Soft)
  • I recommend always having 3 reeds at all times. Well cared for bassoon reeds can last many months. 
• Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
  • Vandoren Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, or Alto Saxophone Reeds (Strength 3)
  • I recommend starting with a box of 10. When you get down to 3 reeds, order more. 
  • Clarinet reeds typically last many weeks. 
• Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba
  • Valve Oil
• Trombone
  • Yamaha Trombone Slide Lubricant (the white/purple bottle)
• Percussion
  • SD-1 Snare Sticks
  • Same mallets from last year. 

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New Band Families

​Still need an instrument and supplies?
Most families use the rent-to-own program through Meyer Music. It helps you get the right equipment quickly and easily. Go to www.meyermusic.com and click Rentals. You can take care of everything online. If you have questions about the program, contact Meyer Music at 816-228-5656. In most cases, your instrument and supplies will be ready and waiting for your child on the first day of school. 

Meyer Music will also be available from 5:30-7:00pm on August 19 at South Middle School. You can set up your rent-to-own program at that time. 

Required Equipment List
Required Equipment List for Percussion

Already have everything?
If you set up your rental through Meyer Music online or back in April at our Instrument Night, your equipment will be at school ready for your child. 

Getting equipment on your own?
Have your child bring it on their first day of band. Check the Required Equipment Lists linked above to make sure you have everything.

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A little inspiration...