Instrumental Music
With Mr. Proszkow
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Table of Contents
A little about Mr. Proszkow:
This is my 19th year teaching, 15th in Montgomery County Public Schools and this year is the first time I am only teaching elementary band & orchestra!
I am a brass specialist with tuba as my primary instrument. I am a string player as well starting on cello in 5th grade then moving to bass. I can play woodwind instruments - just not quite as well as the other instruments. ;) I have a bachelor of music from Michigan State University (Go Spartans!) and a master of arts degree from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa (unfortunately all online!)
You will see me with coffee, soda, or water most of the time. Stay hydrated!
Aside from music, I am a technology and space enthusiast and I also enjoy building and creating things. I love the outdoors and support both Cub Scouts and Scouting America!
I am happily married (20 years!) with two boys - Elliott in 8th grade and Andrew in 6th grade. Both of them went through the music program at Stonegate Elementary and are still playing! Elliott plays the bass clarinet after starting on clarinet and Andrew just switched to tuba after starting on trumpet. Mrs. Proszkow is an astrophysicist, and studied how stars are formed!
Mr. Proszkow’s Contact and Schedule
Main form of contact from me will be through email.
Please email me at Nicholas_J_Proszkow@mcpsmd.org or send a message on ParentSquare.
Weekly Schedule:
Make sure when sending an email to put your child’s first and last name and the school. This will help me answer specific questions for each school.
3 things to know about instrumental music
Steps to the first lesson
First Lesson
Grading
Students are graded on two measurement topics:
Performing on an instrument & reading and notating
Returning Student Expectations
Rent the instrument (if you haven’t already) and make sure you have the book from last year. Purchase a music stand if you need to. String students will need to be re-measured. Start practicing the following:
Band students : String students :�Essential Elements for Band, book 1 Essential Elements for Strings, book 1
Review pages 6-13 Review pages 4-20
Requirements
Performing music is not a “check-box” event : FAMILIES must make a commitment for the year and set aside a time and place to practice, just like a sport!
Basic Supplies
These are materials that ALL instrumental music students need to be successful:
Instruments offered
The instruments offered in school are:
Any instruments not listed are not offered at school in the program. Please contact me with any questions if the instrument of interest is not offered.
NO piano, harp, guitar, ukulele, banjo
Woodwinds
Flute
Supplies
Woodwinds (continued)
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Supplies for both instruments:
High Brass
Trumpet
Supplies:
French Horn
Supplies:
Low Brass
Trombone
Baritone / Euphonium
Supplies:
Strings
Violin/Viola/Cello
Supplies:
Percussion
Students who pick percussion will learn both snare drum and bells / mallets.
Bells / mallets
Snare drum
Kits can be expensive to rent. There is a version where the snare drum is included, but drum pad is acceptable for classroom purposes.
All supplies needed are included in the kit!
Renting
Check and compare prices at different music stores. Key points to consider:
A limited supply of school instruments are available for loan. Contact me for more information.
Other ways to acquire instruments
Family members : Have it inspected by a professional before the student plays it. Parts could be in need of servicing if the instrument has been in storage (cleaning & disinfecting as well as replacing some parts).
Pawn and secondhand shops : Purchase the instrument if the store representative is willing to make a written agreement that the instrument can be returned upon inspection by a professional. The instrument could be a great deal, but if it isn’t in playing condition, it could be a financial loss.
Avoid purchasing a “CHEAP” instrument online!
* Although the price (& sometimes the color) may be tempting, some instruments purchased online are poor quality.
* Can be assembled at your own risk.
* They come with numerous problems that sometimes even instrument repair shops cannot fix. Many are build with non-repairable parts.
* Quality of the instrument is what to look for.
* You can purchase instruments from approved vendors online!
* Contact me if you want a second opinion before purchasing.
Stores to Rent from / Private Lessons in our area�(Click on Name for Rental information - translations in bottom link)
All these stores listed can repair and sanitize the instrument on site.
These are stores that parents have used in the past. Some stores offer online rental and home delivery!
This is in no way an endorsement of these stores
Final Slide
Registration form : Sign up for the program!
Mr. Proszkow’s Website : Demonstration videos and list of music stores to rent from, supply list, instrument tips and music games.
FAQ’s : A list of frequently asked questions. Preguntas frecuentes en Español. Please send me an email if your question is not addressed in this document. Please include your student’s name and school with your question.