Instruments
Recorders
Also known as "Flutophones," the recorder is a fantastic introductory woodwind instrument. Jackson School District now uses recorders for 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students.
One recorder will be supplied to each student by West Lane Elementary. If you wish to purchase extra recorders, they will be available for $3 each, as well as the optional neck strap for $2 each.
Harmony by West Music 3 Pc Recorder
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to consider buying a second recorder for their child to have to practice at home. The school-provided recorder will be stored at school with the child's name on it in their teacher's tote so that they always have it weekly for music class.
Guitars & Ukuleles- String Club
During the first and fourth quarters, students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade may choose to be in String Club for Choice Day, which is on Fridays. Descriptions of each instrument are below:
Ukuleles
West Lane Elementary has half a class set of baritone ukuleles. Students new to string instruments find this easier than guitars because they typically only have 4 strings instead of 6, and they have a warm sound. Playing the ukulele helps children develop fine motor skills, as well as recognizing and transferring chord visuals to finger placements.
Guitars
West Lane Elementary has half a class set of guitars (two are 1/2 size, and the rest are 3/4 size), all of which have 6 strings. These instruments, although of different sizes, have exactly the same fingering chart. Playing the guitar helps children develop fine motor skills, as well as recognizing and transferring chord visuals to finger placement.
**Many students have let me know that they have guitars at home. If students are given parental permission AND have a case to transfer it to and from school safely, students are allowed to bring their acoustic guitars from home to play/practice. Acoustic guitars have hollow bodies, and some come with an electric output option, which is fine!
**All students transferring instruments to and from school are required by the Bus Department to have their instruments in cases, and guitars are not an exception. Even if students do not ride the bus, a case is required to help protect it from damage at school.
West Lane Elementary is not responsible for damage incurred on instruments brought to and from school.
Bucket Drums
During the second quarter, students in 3rd and 4th grade may choose to be in Bucket Drumming on Fridays.
Bucket drumming is exactly what it sounds like! Thanks to generous donations from Chik-Fil-A (Cape Girardeau), and drumsticks from a grant received from SERTA (Southeast, MO), West Lane Elementary now has a full class set of buckets and drumsticks!
**Hearing protection is required during all rehearsals; please send either noise-canceling headphones or fitted earplugs!
A letter will be sent home describing these details and answering more questions if your child is signed up!