Enrollment IS CLOSED for the 2025-2026 school year.
Please address questions to the instrumental music director:
Mrs. Amber Simmerer, email: amber.simmerer@pgcps.org
After reading this page of information about the instrumental music program, scroll to the bottom of the page in order to register for the class.
General information about the instrumental music program:
1. Instrumental music is open to all students beginning in the fourth grade.
2. Instrumental music is an approved pull out instructional program in Prince George's County Schools. Classes meet twice weekly for 1/2 hour periods during the regular school day. Students are released from classroom activities to participate in the instrumental music classes and are responsible for making up any missed classwork.
3. Class instruction is free of charge. Parents are required to provide an instrument and instruction book (available at local music stores).
4. Class instruction during the first half of the school year will serve as a trial period. The parent will be notified twice of the child's progress during this time. Those students successfully meeting the standards for progress, practice, and attendance during the trial period are able to continue with the program.
5. An instrument rental-purchase plan is recommended by the school system. All rental-purchase plans should be handled through a music store. The outright purchase of an instrument is not recommended for many reasons!!!! (String (violin/viola/cello/bass) students grow and will need to upgrade in a larger instrument which music stores provide if you rent from them. Brass and woodwind instruments are better quality from a music store. There are so many "specials" that can be found online, but will not last and will likely end up in the repair shop more often than class. Make the experience enjoyable and rewarding and take advantage of the specials at the rental stores!)
6. Students are required to practice regularly at home. Specific assignments for home practice will be given at each class and students will be expected to master them before the next class. Students will be required to maintain and turn in a practice journal which will be graded. Specific practice requirements will be determined by the instrumental music teacher.
7. Instruments taught are:
Strings Brass Woodwinds
Violin Trumpet/Cornet Flute
Viola Trombone Clarinet
Cello Baritone Horn Alto Saxophone
String Bass French Horn Bassoon
Tuba Oboe
Percussion (drums) is not taught in the elementary schools without at least one year of successful instrumental music instruction in the school or three years of private piano instruction.
8. Dental work, such as braces, can make playing an instrument difficult. If braces are planned, please contact the instrumental music teacher before renting the instrument.
9. If you are interested in enrolling your child in the instrumental music program, please return the enrollment form immediately. An electronic version of the enrollment form can be accessed by clicking here (this link has been disabled since enrollment has ended). There is limited space in each instrument class and classes are filled on a "first come" basis. Students turning in forms after a class is full will have to play their "second choice" instrument.
10. All instrumental music classes will begin the near the middle of the first quarter, around progress report time. Students must have their instrument and supplies ready and/or rented by the second lesson in order to be enrolled in the classes. No late entries will be allowed.
The outright purchase of an instrument is not recommended for many reasons!!!! (String students grow and will need to upgrade in a larger instrument which music stores provide if you rent from them. Brass and woodwind instruments are better quality from a music store. There are so many "specials" that can be found online, but will not last and will likely end up in the repair shop more often than class. Make the experience enjoyable and rewarding and take advantage of the specials at the rental stores!)