Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year! We would like to take this time to welcome all new and returning music families and give a brief overview of the music program (please click on the tabs for individual classes above or on the homepage under "courses offered") and how we are transitioning to Distance Learning to start the 2020-2021 school year. Creating a rewarding and comprehensive learning experience for our students is one of our top priorities and we look forward to building on past successes, building new relationships, and exploring the creative ways we can continue to create music on these new educational platforms.
Google Classroom, Zoom, and a music-based program called "Smartmusic" will be used for class instruction, assignments, assessments, and communication with students/parents. Information for each specific class (Google Classroom codes, Smartmusic class codes, etc. can be found under your child's specific class on this website).
Please make sure to review the syllabus for your student's class (see the syllabus link under your student's class on this website) where you will find all the information regarding Distant Learning as it applies to band and orchestra as well other important details regarding our music program. Additional information, links, and resources are provided in the virtual handbook that has been posted in Google Classroom.
A list with links to our local music shops can be found below. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email (email links below). Thank you and we look forward to a great year! Mrs. Deems and Mrs. Jamieson
Beginners- Beginners will start out the year with instruction via Zoom and Google Classroom introducing them to the various instruments in each performing ensemble. Once we have completed instrument demonstrations, students will complete a survey indicating their top three choices and depending on instrumentation/balance/instrument availability, they will be assigned one of these top three. Once they have been assigned an instrument, they will need to complete an instructional unit, including an exam, covering proper care and maintenance and instrument assembly for their assigned instrument. Once these steps have been completed, they will receive clearance to rent or check out an instrument. NMS has a limited supply of school instruments that can be checked out for the year but it is preferred that students rent (rented instruments are in top notch condition, repair turn-around time is much faster, and each store has a great rent-to-own program). More information will be given at a later date regarding instrument rentals and check out procedures.
Advanced Ensembles- We will begin the year with review of instrument care and maintenance as well as music fundamentals. Once these units have been completed, we will send out more information regarding instrument rental/checkout and will begin instruction and playing assignments with Smartmusic.
Contact Information EMAIL: Megan Deems(email is the best way to contact us) Michelle Jamieson Local Music Shops - rentals/supplies/lessons/instrument purchases Got A Gig Music (North Natomas) Kline Music (South Sacramento) For more specific information for your scholar's class, please click on the class link. ***Please do not purchase instruments from Costco, Amazon, Sam's Club, Walmart, or Target. While many of these instruments appear affordable, they are not good quality and often times lead to a very frustrating experience because they often break easily and are unable to be repaired by instrument repair technicians. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.