6th Grade Band
Dear Students and Parents,
On behalf of the LaGrange Middle School Band Department, we want to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year. We are looking forward to a great year of making music here at LMS & Arlington! The Arlington bands have long been recognized for a tradition of excellence. You are a part of that continuing tradition. This tradition of excellence has been the result of hard work by teachers, administrators, parents, and mostly the students.
One of the key elements of success in any music program is communication between the directors and parents. We will do our best to keep you informed of all of the band’s performances and events, as well as your child’s individual progress. The purpose of this website is to provide each parent and band student an understanding of the policies, procedures and expectations of the LMS 6th Grade Band. Parental support is the most important factor in the success of any band student. If you ever have any questions, you may either email me at mtiskowitz at acsdny.org or call/text (845) 232-1256. Most importantly, we hope we will see you at your child’s performances!
I look forward to an exciting and successful year!
Michael Tiskowitz
6th Grade Band Director
About the Teacher
Mr. Tiskowitz is thrilled to be starting his 23rd year teaching band at LaGrange Middle School. He conducts the 6th grade band program and is director/conductor of the Arlington Summer Band Program. He previously directed the 8th grade band, jazz band, flute ensemble, and also served as the assistant director for the Arlington Admiral Marching Band. Prior to teaching in Arlington, Mr. Tiskowitz directed the MS band program for the Beacon City School District.
Mr. Tiskowitz is an active Guest Conductor for all-county bands around the Hudson Valley. Most recently, he had the pleasure of conducting the Suffolk County (Long Island) Division II East All County Band and Connecticut Middle School Western Regional Honor Band. He’s also conducted the Ulster County Elementary All County Band, has been invited twice to guest conduct the Putnam County and Columbia County Middle School All-County Bands. From 2005-2014, Mr. Tiskowitz had the honor of conducting the Symphonic Band at Western Connecticut State University’s Summer Music @ West Conn.
Mr. Tiskowitz served two terms on the Executive Board of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as Hudson Valley Zone Representative. In 2007, Mr. Tiskowitz was fortunate to be a presenter at the International Conference for the Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS,) in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Tiskowitz lives in Poughkeepsie, with his orchestra director wife Alexis and their children Abigail, a violinist and flautist, and Benjamin, a cellist and trombone player. His daughter Amanda is also a new mom to son Oliver. Two-year-old Oliver just got his first Vtech piano, so should be playing the Für Elise any day now.
Things YOU Need to Know About 6th Grade Band
COURSE GOAL - The purpose of this class is to prepare students for individual and ensemble performance on their instruments. Our goal is to encourage lifelong music making.
DAILY ROUTINE - We rehearse everyday for 42 minutes. Students are expected to be in their seats at 2 minutes after the bell; quiet & ready to begin the day’s rehearsal. All students must have their music binder everyday, along with a pencil.
LESSONS - All students will receive group instruction on their instrument on a weekly basis. It is crucial for students to be at all lessons. Any missed lesson is expected to be made up before the next scheduled lesson so that students do not get behind the rest of their group. These lessons make up a large part of each student’s grade.
GRADES - Lesson attendance, home practice, quizzes and tests, lesson performance, and participation are all factored into students’ grades.
HOME PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS - Students are expected to practice at home for at least 15 minutes on a daily basis, 5-7 days a week. Students will be asked to submit practice videos 2-3 times per quarter.
SUPPLIES - All students will need a ½ inch Binder, as well as their own lesson book. Please do not purchase a new lesson book until asked to do so by Mr. Tiskowitz. We are using a new book this year.
Woodwind players will be using a new reed this year.
Clarinets - Mitchell Lurie Reeds - Size 2 ½
Saxes - Rico Royal Reeds (blue box, not orange) Size 2 ½
Brass players may be asked to purchase a new (more advanced) mouthpiece during the year.
Percussionists will need to have a complete set of percussion mallets. These will ordered as a group, usually in October. These sets will be used throughout middle school and high school.
CONCERTS - Concerts are a culmination of months of rehearsals in school and practice at home. The best part of playing an instrument is performing for other people. We have THREE concert experiences for every student participating in the band program at LaGrange Middle School. They include the Winter Concert, March (Pops) Concert, & our Spring Concert.
2023-24 CONCERT DATES:
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Students are expected to dress appropriately, following these guidelines:
ARLINGTON MUSIC T-Shirt; BLACK pants or Long BLACK skirt.
If a student is unable to attain any of the above items, we are always able to help, with proper notice.
EXTRA HELP – Students are encouraged to come to Mr. Tiskowitz with questions or for extra help. The best times to do this are during lunch or the rotating make-up period. After School help is available on occasion if scheduled in advance.