BENTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Visual and Performing Arts Magnet 

15709 E. Olive Branch Dr., La Mirada, CA 90638 | (562) 943-1553 | Fax: (562) 947-3861 | www.bentonms.org

Fall, 2019

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Hello! My name is Geoffrey D. Summers and I am the Instrumental Music Director at Benton Middle School.
I am honored to have the opportunity to be your child’s band or orchestra teacher this coming school year!
In band or orchestra, through learning to play a new musical instrument, your child will learn patience,
teamwork, responsibility, listening skills, diligence, self-confidence and so much more. Most importantly,
students will have fun while learning to love and appreciate music!

I am a firm believer that hard work and dedication are more important than talent. Someone with less
talent who works hard, practices regularly, and truly wants to be the best they can be will always
outperform someone with more talent who lacks dedication and who does not practice regularly. With hard
work, perseverance, and a little guidance from their teachers, parents, and peers, anyone can become an
accomplished musician!

Class Website: Please bookmark MrSummersMusic.weebly.com where you can review the syllabus,
homework / practice assignments, important dates, and other pertinent information.

Back to School Night is Thursday, August 22nd. There will be a voluntary orientation meeting for music
parents in room 91 at 7:30 or immediately following the conclusion of Back to School Night.

More Information About Band & Orchestra: Check out BePartofTheMusic.org for videos about Band,
Orchestra, and all the different instruments your child can learn at Benton, especially if they are not sure
what instrument they want to play yet! See reverse of this letter for additional info.

Remind: Please sign up for Remind by texting @mrsummersc to 81010. I will be using Remind throughout
the year to share timely info and updates.

Musically,

Geoffrey D. Summers
Instrumental Music Director
Benton Middle School
Visual & Performing Arts Magnet

gsummers@nlmusd.org
(562) 210-2500 x 406191
 BENTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Visual and Performing Arts Magnet 
15709 E. Olive Branch Dr., La Mirada, CA 90638 | (562) 943-1553 | Fax: (562) 947-3861 | www.bentonms.org

Choosing an Instrument:

In general, students get to choose their instrument. It’s important that your child loves their
instrument - if they do not, they will not practice. However, there may be some instances where a
student is asked to play their second or third choice instrument. Band is a “team sport” and, just as
a baseball team with 17 pitchers and no outfielders would not win very many games, a band with
17 percussionists and no flutes would not sound very good. Here are some helpful guidelines if you
or your child are not sure:

● Characteristics of a woodwind player:

○ careful with fragile items and equipment
○ good posture
○ agile fingers
○ thoughtful

● Characteristics of a brass player:

○ strong sense of pitch
○ can produce a decent tone on a brass instrument almost immediately
○ strong work ethic
○ intelligent

● Characteristics of a percussionist:
○ highly-organized
○ strong ability to focus for extended periods
○ solid sense of rhythm
○ patient

Renting an Instrument:

It is strongly recommended that students rent instruments from a local music vendor such as
Imperial Band Instruments or Morey’s. High-quality student models are available at a very
reasonable price, often with an option to “rent to own.” Most music vendors also offer free repair
services. Please confer with Mr. Summers prior to renting to make sure you are renting the correct
instrument!

Percussionists are expected to provide their own percussion kit including a practice pad (or snare
drum) and a bell kit for home practice (approximately $15-30 monthly rental or $150-300 to
purchase).

Woodwind players (except flutes) are expected to provide their own reeds (approximately $10
for a three-pack, which should last all year if taken care of).