Grade 5 Band Camp

Each year, the Music Department at Queen Margaret’s School organizes a Band Camp before classes begin. For Grade 5 students, this camp provides an introduction to their musical instrument, an opportunity to make connections with each other, and with our band teacher, Mrs. Alison Hounsome. This year, Band Camp has been scheduled for Thursday, August 28. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

As parents of Grade 5 students, you will be required to provide an instrument for your child. Instrument rentals can be arranged in person at the Long & McQuade’s new Duncan store located at 5871 York Street, their phone number is 250-748-7625. Alternatively you can use the link below to arrange the rental by completing the online form. The rentals can either be dropped off at the school or picked up in the store. The band camp workshop begins at 8:30am in the music hall in The Learning Centre. A detailed schedule is provided below.

Long and McQuade Online Rental Link

• Select the appropriate instrument.
• Choose a basic or premium rental which refers to the quality and value of the instrument.
• Select reed strength 2.0 for clarinet or saxophone. Select medium strength reed for oboe.
• Select the Standard of Excellence Book One. (It will automatically choose the right one for their instrument.)
• Complete the Parent and Student Information Page *please make sure you choose the Duncan location of Long & McQuade and ship to School. (This allows the instrument and book to be brought to QMS for Band Camp and allows the student to take it home.)
• If you do not complete the online rental in advance, the instrument may be delivered in time if you have communicated with Mrs. Hounsome, Music Director, regarding your selection, but it will be deemed to be a loaner and may not be taken away from school until the rental agreement is set up.

If your child already has an instrument please let me know. Please feel free to contact us to discuss instrument options. Your child is also welcome to attend and observe before making a final decision. Please note that private lessons are available after school hours during the academic year.  These lessons are very beneficial for students who have no previous music instruction. Further information on optional music lessons will be forthcoming.

Please let me know if your child is unable to attend band camp or if you have any questions, my email is ahounsome@qms.bc.ca.

It is recommended that all students bring a pencil, a water bottle and wear sunscreen/a sunhat if the weather is warm. Students do not need to be in uniform.