Band & Strings
with Mrs. Dickinson
with Mrs. Dickinson
Explore below to discover the learning and emotional benefits of Instrumental Music instruction.
Instrumental Music Registration for the 2026-27 school year is open until September 4.
Classes with instruments will not start until the week of September 14.
Please keep instruments at home until then.
Lessons will be 30 minutes twice per week
Instrumental classes are “pull-out.” This means that students will attend Instrumental Music in place of another course for two 30-minute segments a week. Missed work still must be completed by the student. Students are pulled from other content areas for less than 4% of that content time per 4 week rotations.
There will be two concerts during the course of the year. Participation is expected of all musicians because it is an integral part of what they are learning. Fifth grade students and advanced fourth graders may earn extra performance opportunities.
PRACTICE: Students will have practice assignments as homework in addition to school day lessons. Time to complete these assignments should be split up into three-four 15-20 minute increments throughout the week. Frequent short practice will benefit the students more than one long practice session. Extra credit is offered through the practice incentive program.
While the classes are offered at no cost to you, you and your child must provide his or her own instrument. This can be purchased or rented at local music stores.
A limited number of school instruments are available for free if a need exists. These can be requested during completion of the registration form. Any damage to a school instrument while in the students’ possession is the responsibility of the family.
Lesson books WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL. Lost books must be replaced by the family.
A complete supply list will be forwarded to families once registration is complete.
Musicians' PPE is available in music stores if you have a concern about your child's protection while playing.
Please contact Mrs. Dickinson if you have additional questions.
All the things your child will learn (Besides Music) from Music & Arts
Develop better control of motor cortex.
Learn to stay flexible and make quick decisions.
Playing an instrument provides an alternative to screen time.
Joining a school band or orchestra helps build social and emotional skills.
Making music can build self-confidence and awareness.
Instrument playing increases coordination.
Music making with others in the same household who play instruments can be a fun way to build family relationships.
Music also has a profound effect on the academic success of students. (link to research)
Additional resources to make the right choice for your student
The activity sheet below each video can help you decide what instrument you like best as you watch.
Band is grades 4-5. This video gives a quick example of each of the possible Band instruments.
String Orchestra is grades 3-5. This video gives a quick example of each of the possible String Orchestra instruments.
Check out some of these videos if there is an instrument you want to hear more of by itself. The two short videos above go through them all.
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Bass Clarinet
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Baritone
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Click a button below for more information about rental or purchase costs from each music store. If you have a question about purchasing an appropriate instrument, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Dickinson! The listing of a vendor here is not an endorsement by AACPS.
A limited supply of instruments are available from the school at no cost for families who are financially unable to provide their own. School instruments are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to those in need. If you are unable to supply your own instrument and must request a school instrument, please choose this option on the registration form!