Granada Middle School Band and Orchestra - Whittier, California
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Student Materials

All students are required to have a metronome and a tuner. I require all students to use a metronome during their practice at home at all times! (Most metronomes have an earphone jack. Students can practice with an earphone in!)
A metronome is a device that clicks beats for musicians to play in a steady tempo. The tempo (speed of the beat) can be changed depending on what your child is practicing. A metronome will aid in developing your student's sense of musical pulse. 
A tuner is a device that will inform a musician if they are in tune, flat (slightly under the pitch), or sharp (slightly above the pitch). The musician will hold a note and the tuner will let them know what adjustments they need to make. 

The best "bang for your buck" is purchasing a metronome and tuner combo, both devices in one. The Korg TM-40 (picture to the right) is one good example.

While there are tuner apps available on cell phones and iPads, it is more preferable to have an actual tuner in hand, especially during a performance (no cell phones are allowed during performances!)

You may find online metronomes and apps to use at home for FREE. Here are a few:
Tonal Energy - Available on the App Store
https://www.metronomeonline.com/
http://a.bestmetronome.com/
Infinite Guitar
Gieson

Picture

Click here to purchase online.

Maintenance/Care

Depending on what instrument your child plays, he/she will need the following items to ensure that their instrument will work properly and will be properly maintained. This will also ensure that our school-owned instruments will last for many more future years to come.
Woodwinds:
FLUTE: Soft cleaning cloth, tuning/cleaning rod.
OBOE: Soft cleaning cloth, 6 reeds (med-soft), cork grease.
CLARINET: Cleaning swab, 6 reeds (Rico brand, size 2 1/2 for beginners), cork grease, reed holder, instrument stand (optional).
SAXOPHONE: Cleaning swab, 6 reeds (Rico brand, size 2 1/2 for beginners), cork grease, reed holder (optional).
BASSOON: Soft cleaning cloth, 6 reeds (med-soft), cork grease.
Brass:
TRUMPET: Small bottle of valve oil, soft cleaning cloth, cleaning snake. slide cream, instrument stand (optional).
FRENCH HORN: Valve oil, soft cleaning cloth, cleaning snake. slide cream.
TROMBONE: Slide cream, small (6” size) spray water bottle, cleaning snake, soft cloth.
BARITONE: Valve oil, soft cleaning cloth, cleaning snake. slide cream.
TUBA: Valve oil, soft cleaning cloth, cleaning snake. slide cream.

Percussion: Vic Firth SD1 General drum sticks, practice pad (some are available for check out from school).

Strings:
VIOLIN/VIOLA: Violin or viola Rosin, shoulder rest, soft lint-free cleaning cloth, tuner, 1 extra set of strings.
CELLO: Cello Rosin, soft cleaning cloth, tuner, strings.
BASS: Bass Rosin, soft cleaning cloth, tuner.
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  • Home
  • Parents
  • For Students
  • Class Syllabus
  • Student Requirements
  • Ensembles
  • Meet the Director
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Why join?
  • Program Needs