Joining Band and Orchestra

General Information

The Beginning Band and Orchestra are the first instrumental music groups students can become a member of in Lombard District 44. When students sign up for Beginning Band or Orchestra they are committing to a year-long class that prepares them for success in the 4th-8th Band and Orchestra ensembles and beyond. 

Our community has a long tradition of excellence in music and it all starts here!

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Beginning Band and Orchestra is open to all 4th graders who wish to learn one of the following instruments:

Band: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, French Horn* **, Trombone, Euphonium* **, Percussion*

Orchestra: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass**

*If your child is interested in French Horn, Euphonium, String Bass, or Percussion please talk with a director.  We can only accept a limited number of students on these instruments. Spots will only be secured when a student is officially registered and paid.  We strongly suggest coming to the Saturday 5/11 Registration Event to register your child. We also encourage them to have a 2nd instrument choice just in case. 

**French Horn, Euphonium, and Bass students will need to secure a rental instrument through D44 instead of the instrument rental company.

~Select students (as deemed by the directors) may be eligible to switch to the following instruments at the end of their 1st year: oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, Saxophone and tuba. If you are interested in playing one of these instruments, talk with a director so we can be sure you start on the best instrument for that switch!

Weekly Lessons:

Students will receive one 30 minute small group lesson at their elementary school each week (days and times TBD). Students are pulled out of their regular class at a time agreed upon with their classroom teacher. 

Full Ensemble Rehearsals: One 60 minute rehearsal per week at GWMS. Students are required to attend all rehearsals.

• 4th Gr: 4th gr. will be divided into 2 rehearsal days

  • PV, PL, MD - Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00pm at Glenn Westlake Middle School

  • WHS, MH, BF - Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm at Glenn Westlake Middle School

  • A few weeks prior to each concert all 6 schools will be combined on Wednesdays

Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from rehearsal. The directors can help you find a carpool if transportation is a problem.

Grading: Consistent practice at home is extremely important. Every student is required to fill out a Practice Log and have it signed by a parent each week. The more students play, the more confident and happy they are! 

Concerts: 2 per year, 1 in Winter and 1 in Spring. Dates TBD

Renting an Instrument, Fees & Purchasing Materials

See specific rental information via the button at the top of the page

Lombard  D44 Curriculum Fee: $64.00  

Special Note:  Financial assistance is available for those students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.  If you would like more information, please contact a director. 

Getting an Instrument: Each child must have an instrument in good playing condition to participate in band or orchestra. It is very important for students to have a quality instrument in order for them to be successful. There are three options for obtaining an instrument:

1. Rent through a music store: WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS OPTION!  We recommend Quinlan and Fabish as a reputable dealer.  They work with District 44 and visit us weekly to deliver accessories and handle instrument repairs.  

• Orchestra Students - In addition to Quinlan and Fabish, we also recommend Kenneth Stein and Seman Violin Shop. (You can rent all orchestra instruments at both shops). Rental fees vary per instrument and store. Please check out the websites for each store for specific information.

2. Use an instrument you already own: If you are planning to use an instrument you already have, it must be checked by one of the music teachers so that we can make sure it is working properly. It may need a good cleaning or some minor repairs. Quinlan and Fabish can provide this service for you. You will also need to purchase the remaining accessories listed on the next page.

3. Purchase on your own: Instruments purchased must be approved by one of the music directors. We are happy to look at instruments you find and help you discern whether or not it is a good deal. There are a lot of Knock-Off brands on the market that will cost more in repairs than the value of the instrument. An instrument repair shop may even refuse to repair an off-brand instrument. For example: Do not purchase any instruments that are the “Cecilio” brand or “Mendini by Cecilio.”  There are lots of other brands that are much better quality.  We are happy to assist you in finding these brands.