Michael Blackburn, Director

Phone: 503-649-5518

Email: michael.blackburn@tualatinvalleyacademy.org

Tualatin Valley Academy offers 5th-6th grade band and 7th-10th grade band.

Band is about more than learning to play an instrument. It builds a sense of community among students and helps them develop discipline and a strong work ethic. Students who participate in music typically perform higher in many other academic areas.

In Band, Students will:

  • Recognize notes and rhythms

  • Learn fingering for musical notes

  • Learn how to play their instrument

  • Learn how to play as a unit

The focus of band is to learn to play together as a team. Individual instrument instruction during class time will not be provided, though instrument-specific curriculum is used. Private lessons are encouraged, but not required.

Note: For the success of the group, all students are required to attend the Christmas and Spring Concerts. If a student is ill or if there is an emergency, please contact Mr. Blackburn.

Materials

Music and Class Materials:

All music, folders, and curriculum books will be provided to students and must be returned at the end of the school year.

Instruments:

Percussion:

Students studying percussion will be provided with a practice drum pad and drum sticks. These must be returned at the end of the school year.

Woodwinds and Brass:

There are three options for providing an instrument for your student:

  • Personally owned instruments may be provided by the student/family; instrument must be in good working order.

  • Instruments may be rented from TVA on a first-come first-serve basis. These will be rented the evening of September 6 and as needed thereafter.

  • Instruments may be rented from a band store. We highly recommend Beaverton Music Services. For your convenience, Beaverton Music Services will be at the school the evening of September 6 to rent instruments and sell supplies.

Students and families are expected to provide reeds and supplies for the care of the instrument. The following supplies are required, brands are flexible with the exception of reeds:

Concert Attire

Students will be performing at the Christmas and Spring concerts and grades 7-10 will be participating in the Oregon Conference Band Festival. The following attire is required.* All attire must meet school dress code guidelines.

  • Men - Solid white or black dress shirt or sweater (no prints), black dress pants (no jeans), black shoes

  • Women - Black dress or solid white or black dress shirt/blouse or sweater (no prints), black dress pants (no jeans), black shoes

*Students participating in handbell choir should wear their handbell concert uniform instead.

Instruments Available to Rent from TVA

We are blessed to own a number of instruments for use by our students. The following are available to rent from the school on a first-come, first-served basis:

  • Baritone

  • Bass Clarinet

  • Clarinet

  • Cornet

  • Flute

  • Oboe

  • Saxophone - Alto

  • Saxophone - Tenor

  • Trombone

  • Trumpet

  • Tuba