In 2012, the Big Rapids High School Band applied for and received a $500 grant from the Big Rapids Student Success Fund to purchase SmartMusic, Finale 2012, and a new computer station. This $500 was also matched with the same amount from the Band Parent Association. With the funds, we were able to purchase both pieces of software, a new HP laptop computer and a practice SmartMusic station subscription.
Smart Music is an interactive practice tool with on-screen music examples, assessments, practice tools as well as access to hundreds of solos, band music and recordings, exercises, method books and sight-reading examples at many different levels. The band started to incorporate the new program into the curriculum, and we will go even further with it in the 2013-14 school year.
Students may purchase their own subscription to SmartMusic for home practicing for just $36/year! This gives the students access to everything SM has to offer including much of their concert music, a tuner/metronome and online recording device, and access to some of the most challenging music for their instrument. The only requirements are internet access and a microphone.
With a subscription, students may access any assignments given to them by the director through the school's classroom gradebook set up in each student's account and they can practice anything at home that they would at school. Each exercise includes an on-screen assessment tool that instantly give the students feedback on note/rhythm accuracy. Assignments may be done at home and sent to the director (and you can play as many takes as you would like before you have one that is your best work!).
We hope all families consider purchasing this valuable piece of software each year their student is in band. The students will WANT to practice once they know what it is and what it is capable of.
Smart Music is an interactive practice tool with on-screen music examples, assessments, practice tools as well as access to hundreds of solos, band music and recordings, exercises, method books and sight-reading examples at many different levels. The band started to incorporate the new program into the curriculum, and we will go even further with it in the 2013-14 school year.
Students may purchase their own subscription to SmartMusic for home practicing for just $36/year! This gives the students access to everything SM has to offer including much of their concert music, a tuner/metronome and online recording device, and access to some of the most challenging music for their instrument. The only requirements are internet access and a microphone.
With a subscription, students may access any assignments given to them by the director through the school's classroom gradebook set up in each student's account and they can practice anything at home that they would at school. Each exercise includes an on-screen assessment tool that instantly give the students feedback on note/rhythm accuracy. Assignments may be done at home and sent to the director (and you can play as many takes as you would like before you have one that is your best work!).
We hope all families consider purchasing this valuable piece of software each year their student is in band. The students will WANT to practice once they know what it is and what it is capable of.
