As a 5th grader, your child will have the opportunity to participate in the school’s Beginning Band. Band is a lot of fun! And it provides social interaction while strengthening general skills. Making music together and developing a critical ear can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience for your child for many years.

Here’s what 4th graders and their families will experience before the end of this school year and into next year:

1. School Assembly: Students learn about band instruments and how band works.

2. Instrument Petting Zoo: Students will casually look at and hold the band instruments during the school day. It is a fun day, but much more time will be needed to truly understand if an instrument is a good fit before the final decision is made about what instrument to play.

3. Sign up for band this spring, choose the instrument next fall: New this year! Students will sign up for band first, then choose and obtain an instrument after band begins in the fall. The teacher will guide students during the first few band lessons towards an instrument that fits well, that they enjoy playing, and that benefits the entire band.

4. Parent Meeting: Learn more at the “Beginning Band Parent Meeting” on Monday, May 19th at 6:00 pm in the Woodlawn band room.

5. Band Registration: Online band registration officially opens on Monday, May 19th after the parent meeting, but you can sign up early if you feel ready. Parents are encouraged to sign up before summer break. Registration will remain open until August 20.

6. Fall Instrument Selection: Band lessons begin in August. During the first few lessons, students will play-test all band instruments before receiving an instrument recommendation. 

7. Obtain the instrument: After the instrument choice is made, parents will need to obtain the instrument, book and supplies on their own. Guidance about how to do that will be provided.