Hello Parents and Caregivers, 

We are reaching out to families of our music students district-wide to introduce you to the SCASD Music Boosters. The Music Boosters have worked side by side with all levels of music instructors and ensembles providing a number of services with the goal of support, promotion and advocacy for our excellent Music program. In years' past we have provided the following to benefit the elementary and middle school levels: 

• Coordinate Family Fun Music events to promote a district-wide continuation of music education. 
• Facilitate a Used Instrument Sale to provide a lower cost option for purchasing instruments. ● Operate a popular clothing sale promoting SCASD Music education. 
• Provide funds for music education materials at teachers' request. 
• Advocate for the Music curriculum to be a core value in the district. 
• Provide concert refreshments to all the concerts. 
• Coordinate a Music Teacher Appreciation program during Music Teacher Appreciation month each year. 

In the high school level, the Music Boosters expand their role to provide a bridge and roadmap to the many music ensembles and activities offered in the high school. In addition to the activities above, we also offer support in the Marching Band, Ensemble group trips, fundraising and social activities that benefit all students in the music program. 

In these unusual circumstances, we are not able to assist the Music program in the same capacity, but we are doing all that we can including advocacy at the school board level, Clothing Sale and Music Teacher Appreciation. We are encouraging all parents to consider supporting the Music Boosters and we are looking to be ready with a force of volunteers willing and able to serve as needs arise in the District. You can join Boosters with a membership fee of $5.00 per family (elementary) or $10.00 per family (Middle School and High School) based on the age of the eldest child participating in the music program. Please click on this link to activate your membership and pay the fee: https://www.scasd.org/Page/23058. Please note that you can pay by credit card or paypal on the website, or you can mail a check to the address listed on the website. 

In addition, our next monthly Zoom meeting is on December 7th at 7pm. If you'd like to receive the link for this meeting and learn more about Music Boosters, you can email Terra at 

scasd.music.boosters@gmail.com. 

Thank you for your time and feel free to email any questions to scmbpresident@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Janie Schaumburg, SCASD Music Boosters President 

Maureen Jones, SCASD Music Boosters Vice-President 

Terra Deyo, SCASD Music Boosters Secretary 

Deb Anderson, SCASD Music Boosters Treasurer

Hereis the tutorial for getting SmartMusic:

SmartMusic Directions and Class Codes

Tutorial in brief:

Go to this web address:  https://admin.smartmusic.com/join . Then put in the code for your level:

• First Year: LVRU3-YUYRA

• Second Year: RDWJT-LMDUE

Please let me know if you have any questions. I'll see you next week!

10/8/2020 Anouncement.

I have a new tab to help you acquire SmartMusic In short: Once you purchase it through My School Bucks with SCASD, go to this web address:  https://admin.smartmusic.com/join . Then put in the code.

• First Year: LVRU3-YUYRA
• Second Year: RDWJT-LMDUE

***A Smart Music License can be purchased through the district via MySchoolBucks. Families can use the following link and sign in to their MySchoolBucks account. They will need to select a student when purchasing the license. https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZH55D7KO5082LP_ZZMCC9UYQ3DOGZL

10/1/2020 Announcement:

Please order SmartMusic through your MySchoolBuck account. It will take several days for SCASD to process it through with the company so you may have to wait to put in the codes below. When you do have access to my classroom it iwll not make you pay. If it asks you to pay more, then the SCASD request has not been processed yet and you'll need to just wait a couple days more. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

Past announcements:

Dear Parents and Guardians of 4th and 5th grade students, 

Each year at this time, students eagerly await their turn to join our music program.  The study of music could be one of the most valuable components in your child’s education.  Current research shows that playing an instrument increases brain development and—along with developing responsibility, mental discipline, teamwork and self-esteem—will provide enjoyment and fulfillment while fostering a lifelong appreciation of music. 

 While working within the limits of our SCASD Music K-12 Health and Safety Guidelines we are planning to proceed safely with instrumental music lessons for the 2020-2021 school year pending board review.  In-Person playing will not exceed 30 minutes in groups of 2 or 3 students with bell covers and face masks with slits and six-feet distancing (or nine-feet for trombone) pending board review. In-Person band lessons with NO playing will be in groups of 2 or 3 students who are wearing face masks with six-feet distancing.  Students will receive instruction for music reading, fingerings on the instrument with no mouthpiece, rhythm reading, and perform rhythms.  Any opportunity to play outside will be taken to provide even more fresh air exchange.  Remote students will have the opportunity for lessons, as well, during the school day via zoom.  String instrument  and percussion lessons will proceed in person and remote and will play during every lesson.

 Our instrumental music teachers will hold two online parent meetings:

Tuesday, August 18th at 7:00pm https://scasd.zoom.us/j/7472082815

Thursday, August 20th at 7:00pm https://scasd.zoom.us/j/7472082815

 During these meetings, a brief video will be shown to demonstrate the instrument choices, explain our instrumental music program, and how to register.  There will also be time for families to ask questions.  The elementary instrumental music video is fun to watch with your child so that they can decide what instrument to play and can be found here.  We understand that you have a busy schedule, so the meeting will be short, but informative.  

 The State College Area School District believes that every child should have the opportunity to participate in music-making, to develop an appreciation for it, and to tap into their hidden talents through the study of it.  All instruction is free and all that is necessary is for you to obtain an instrument for your child. A quality instrument is the most essential piece of equipment needed for your child’s success.  

 We deeply believe that every student deserves the opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program, regardless of his or her life circumstances.  Please reach out to your instrumental music teacher if you have any concerns about affordability of an instrument or supplies.  The school district has a limited supply of loaner instruments for students of need.

You can learn more about the district instrumental music program by visiting our website. The address is https://sites.google.com/view/elementaryinstrumental/

If you have any questions, email me at cag16@scasd.org

The elementary instrumental music department is looking forward to an exciting year!