Band Parents,

Practice makes perfect right?  Do you ever find yourself thinking:

• "There has to be a way to make practicing more fun."
• "Oooh, something doesn't sound quite right, but I'm not sure how to help."
• "Is my child practicing as much as she says she's practicing?"
• "Ouch!  There's that same wrong note.  When will he start to sound better?  He will sound better, right?"

This year we are beginning to incorporate an exciting, interactive software program into our band program.  This software is called SmartMusic, and it provides great values for students at all levels.  For example:

• Students practice with background accompaniment and get visual and audio feedback on each assignment, which makes practice more meaningful and productive.
• SmartMusic motivates students to continue practicing to improve their scores, similar to the video game, which makes practice more fun.
• I can provide more individualized attention for your child with SmartMusic's assignment features.  This will be used when students begin to "pass-off" individual musical objectives starting in January.
• Parents have access to their student's progress 24/7.

Although a SmartMusic home subscription is not a requirement, I want to highly encourage you to get a subscription.  I believe your child will enjoy practicing more and improving faster.  Please purchase a SmartMusic subscription for your child:

• Place your order at www.smartmusic.com by clicking on the Order Now button. All you will need is a PC or Macintosh with an Internet connection.  Complete system requirements are listed at www.smartmusic.com/support.
• To get started, just follow the on-screen instructions for installation and activations.  Your e-mail address is required to activate SmartMusic, and so that I can send your child assignments and lesson reminders.
• An annual subscription is $36, plus a one-time cost for a microphone ($19.95 for Windows and $29.95 for Mac).  The SmartMusic microphones are more sensitive and responsive, which makes the assessment and recording features work better.

SmartMusic is set up in our practice rooms for students to use when they don't have SmartMusic at home although we have found that students with a home subscription receive the most benefit.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me at mitchellb4@k12tn.net.  I'm looking forward to a great year working with your student. 

www.smartmusic.com