Sample letters to parents Example 1 Dear Parents, As you may have heard, Class 3 have begun learning the recorder this term. They are making great progress and enjoying their learning. This exciting new opportunity has come about because under the new ‘National Plan for Music Education’, children are being offered access to playing a musical instrument for 10-12 weeks. It is all happening in Rutland thanks to a programme of work led by the Rutland Music Hub. As there are some spare instruments at school, I have said that they may, if they wish, borrow a recorder to bring home to practise each week. There will be no cost for the loan of the instrument; however, should the recorder be lost or broken, we will need to replace the instrument and would have to ask you to pay for the replacement. If your child is keen to bring a recorder home to practise, could you fill out the form below which confirms that you understand that in the unlikely event of the recorder being lost or broken you will be asked to pay for a replacement. (For your information; a replacement instrument will cost approximately £5.) We are working through the book ‘Red Hot Recorder Tutor Book 1’. While we have a class set for classroom work, we are unable to send these books home. However, this book, by Sarah Watts, is available on Amazon for £8.50 (and sometimes less) should your child wish to have their own copy. This book comes with a CD with the accompaniments on, which makes playing more fun, and easier on the ears for parents! Maybe a Christmas present idea! If your child is playing the recorder at home, do encourage them to blow gently and to cover the holes so that they have ‘bobbles’ on their fingers, as this will help make a more pleasant sound. Do catch me after school if you have any questions. Happy music making! ...................... Teacher’s name I, the parent of _______________________________ am happy for my child to borrow a school recorder to practise at home. I understand that should the instrument be lost or broken, I will be liable for the cost of a replacement instrument. Signed: Print name: Date:
Example 2 Dear Parent, During Terms 5 and 6, Class .................................. will take part in weekly whole class recorder lessons with ......................................... on .................... (Day of week) This is an exciting new opportunity that has come about because under the new ‘National Plan for Music Education’, children are being offered access to playing a musical instrument for 10-12 weeks. In Rutland it is made possible under a programme of work led by the Rutland Music Hub. We are planning further ‘continuation’ opportunities after the 10 weeks and your child will be offered these in accessible ways, post this initial phase and in 2013/14. It will really help pupils to get a flavour for playing and have more fun with the instrument if we allow them to take an instrument home between the lessons. They can practise, explore, try out and have fun. They can play for you! We really do want to encourage this as we know it makes a difference to the overall experience. To do it in a way that works best for all, we need your assurance as parents that they will look after the recorder with care and responsibility, bring it in on the lesson day and return it at the end of the 10 weeks. We will be inviting you in during Term 5 or 6 to hear them making music and we will tell you more about the programme and what will follow, then. If you have any queries at all about the plan and the ‘Bring me home’ recorder loan idea, do not hesitate to contact me (at school)( on..................................) We are all very excited about this new opportunity for all the class to be musicians. Thank you and best wishes, XXXXXX Class Teacher ================================================================== I...........................................(parent/carer) agree to ..............................(Child’s name) taking a recorder home between recorder lessons on a ......................... each week, during Terms 5 & 6 I/we agree to ensure that the recorder will be kept safe, in good order and be returned at the end of Term 6. I agree to pay a fee of £5 if the recorder (due to loss/damage) needs replacement at any time during or at the end of Terms 5 & 6. ..............................................................................(Signature) rutlandmusichub@gmail.com
March 2013