Music
Welcome to the Suffield Public Schools Music Department web page! Click on the tabs below to explore individual ensemble and school information.
SHS Band
Supply List
Click the button below for a supply list for each instrument, complete with links directly to recommended supplies. All wind players should have a tuner with contact microphone, which is linked at the top of the supply list.
Band Handbook
This document contains all of the important information regarding participation in the SHS Band program, including grading procedures, performance dates, honors credit, and details about what to wear for performances.
Questions or Concerns? Contact Corey Killian, Band Director.
SHS Chorus
Welcome to the homepage for all things chorus! Here you will find syllabi, information about our concerts, resources for at-home practice, and festival/extra-curricular singing opportunities. Our performance dates and times are listed in the calendar section.
If I cannot fly, let me sing. Stephen Sondheim
Concert Dress
Unless otherwise noted, concert dress will be as follows:
- Black Robe (provided)
- SHS Stole (provided)
- Black shoes
Resources
https://www.musictheory.net -- an excellent resource for all things music, including ear training
https://www.teoria.com -- Practice your sight-singing abilities!
Questions or Concerns? Contact Anthony Ferreira, Director of Vocal Music.
SMS Band
Supply Lists
Need reeds, valve oil, new drum sticks, or other supplies? Click the SMS Band Supply List button below to access our recommended supply list with links to purchase each item! These are the essentials students need to start the year:
- Oboes and bassoons need at least three reeds at all times.
- Clarinets and saxophones need a box of ten reeds.
- Trumpets, french horns, baritones, trombones, and tubas need the lubricants for their respective instrument.
- Percussionists will need drumsticks and mallets.
Band Handbook
This document contains all of the important information regarding participation in the SMS Band program, including grading procedures, performance dates, and details about what to wear for performances.
Student Resources: Practice, Listen, and Learn
Performance and Skill Building
Learn
- Musical Instrument Museum - See over 7,000 cool and unique instruments!
- How It's Made - Learn the science behind how your instrument is made!
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Questions or Concerns? Contact Rachel Rubino, Band Director.
MIS Band
Concerts
Fifth graders will perform in three concerts:
- January 15th at 6pm Suffield Middle School ("dress to impress")
- February 3rd at 6pm Suffield High School (report at 5:45pm, "dress to impress")
- Three tickets per household (these will be provided to your child prior to the concert day and are free of charge.)
- June 4th at 7pm at Suffield Middle School (report at 6:45 - "dress to impress")
Fourth graders will perform in one concert:
- June 4th at 5:30pm at Suffield Middle School (report at 5:15 - "dress to impress")
Instruction
- Students receive a weekly private or small group lesson on their instrument.
- Fifth grade students also participate in a weekly ensemble rehearsal on Wednesday afternoons.
Rentals
Please be sure to rent an educator-approved instrument from a reputable music company such as Gerry's or Music & Arts. Your child's instrument will be delivered directly to McAlister School with the recommended accessories. All band students are required to purchase the method book as well, Measures of Success book one.
Recommended Instrument Repair Facilities:
The Music Lab, LLC: 860-426-1961
Gerry's Music Shop: call the store directly to coordinate pick up of your repair at 1-800-724-7402 during the school year.
Music & Arts: You can contact Jennifer Martocchio to coordinate pick up of your repair during the school year.
(All three of these companies service our schools weekly and can pick up and drop off repairs, or you are welcome to drive them to their locations yourself. Students who have rental instruments from a music store should have all repairs done through the store from which they are renting and should request a free loaner instrument while the repair is being completed. Please do not bring any instrument to Suffield Music for repair as they do not have an on-site repair shop. If your child is renting from Suffield Music, Music & Arts will handle the repair of the instrument.)
Supplies
- If your child plays clarinet or saxophone, please be sure to purchase Rico, Rico Royal, Juno or Vandoren reeds ONLY. Please do not purchase other brands on Amazon, or other websites, as their quality will cause challenges for your student. When in doubt, purchase from musicarts.com or have Gerry's deliver a box.
- Reeds can also be purchased from Mrs. Wilson if a student runs out and has not had time to order a new box.
- Clarinet: $1.50 per reed
- Alto Sax: $2.00 per reed
- Brass players should have a bottle of valve oil and a tube of slide grease for their instrument stored in their case.
Questions or Concerns? Contact Amy Wilson, Band Director.
Summer Music Camp
Beginner Band Track
This track is designed for participants who have never played an instrument before. At camp, all beginners will:
- Receive small group instruction from an expert teacher on their instrument.
- Participate in an ensemble with others who are starting new instruments.
- Receive recreation, snack time (parent provided), and free time throughout the day.
- The hours for the beginner program are 8:30-12:00. Beginners who would like to stay until 12:30 will participate in the aftercare recreation program from 12-12:30.
Advanced/Intermediate Band Tracks
This track is designed for participants who have at least one year of experience playing their instrument. They will:
- Participate in a large ensemble.
- Receive daily instrument-specific instruction and small ensemble coaching from an expert teacher on their instrument.
- ALSO OFFERING: Elective sessions such as jazz, ukulele, hand drumming, audio production, and more!
Leadership Opportunities
Participants entering grade 10 or higher are eligible to serve as camp counselors. This is a great opportunity for students who are considering careers in music, education, or childcare. They will:
- Participate in the advanced large ensemble.
- Mentor participants in the intermediate and beginning ensembles.
- Assist camp staff with logistics, camp events, rehearsals, and simple teaching tasks.
Non-Music Activities
Every day, all participants will receive snack time (parent provided), recreation time, and flex time.
Field day and pizza party on the final day of camp.
Performances
All participants will perform in the Camp Concert on Thursday, July 16th at 6:00 pm in the Suffield Middle School Auditorium.
Participants will also have the opportunity to perform in a more casual recital setting during the second week of camp.
Cost of Camp
$200 (beginner student who does not need aftercare, 12:00 pickup)
$225 (beginner student with aftercare, 12:30 pick up)
$225 (one participant - one or more years of experience)
$425 (two participants)
$600 (three participants)
Enrichment
Suffield's location between Hartford and Springfield puts ample opportunities for musical enrichment beyond what is offered in the traditional school setting just a short drive away. We encourage you to check out performances near and far!
Private Lessons and Ensemble Programs
The Hartt School's Community Division, located in West Hartford on the campus of the University of Hartford, is known as one of the premier community music schools in the United States. They provide private instruction, large ensembles, and summer programs to students throughout the greater Hartford area year round in the areas of music, theater, and dance.
The Springfield Community Music School, located in Downtown Springfield, provides private lessons and ensemble programs in the greater Springfield area.
Additionally, there are a number of private teachers in the area. Please contact your child's music teacher for a list of recommended teachers in our area.
Listening
The Hartford Symphony: Performs a wide variety of orchestral music in and around the Hartford Area.
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts: Home to the Hartford Symphony, and also hosts traveling musicals, theatrical performances, and other musical events.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Performs a wide variety of orchestral music in the Springfield area.
Springfield Symphony Hall: Home to the Springfield Symphony, also hosts traveling musicals, theatrical events, and other musical events.
The Hartt School: Hosts solo, small group, and large ensemble performances by college students and professionals in the areas of music, theater, and dance. Many events are free.
The United States Coast Guard Band: One of the finest concert bands in the world, offers free concerts throughout the year in New London, Connecticut, and in other locations across southern New England.
The Hartford Stage: Hosts theatrical productions in Hartford, Connecticut.
Instruments
Recommended Retailers and Repairs
Click the images below to visit websites, or call the listed phone numbers to arrange for instrument repairs.
Repairs: (413) 534-7402
Repairs: (860) 568-0692
Repairs: (860) 426-1961
