In Andover, Band and String students will receive at least one 30 minute small group lesson per week. These lessons will occur within the typical school day. In Andover, students may begin their string instruction in grade 3 and band instruction in grade 4. If students are interested in learning multiple instruments, please contact your instructors.
Whether your child participated in previous years or is starting an instrument for the first time, all students are required to obtain an instrument and the appropriate lesson book. For more information, see the individual pages.
Strings: Viola, Violin, Cello, Bass
Band: Alto Sax, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion (grade 5)
Instructors
Contact Information
Elementary Band Director: Kaitlyn Sicinski - kaitlyn.sicinski@andoverma.us
Elementary Orchestra Director: Julie Diehl - julie.diehl@andoverma.us
ANDOVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ELEMENTARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM 2025-2026
Hello Andover Families/Caregivers,
We invite your child to join our elementary instrumental music program. We welcome new and returning 4th and 5th grade students to our program in both Strings and Band. Next year, Strings and Band students will receive one 30-minute weekly group lesson. These lessons will occur within the typical school day. Whether your child participated in previous years or is starting an instrument for the first time, all students must obtain one of the following instruments and purchase the appropriate lesson book:
Strings
Band
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion (Grade 5 Only, Prior Instrument Experience Encouraged)
Band Instrument Selection Guide
HOW TO REGISTER:
Please follow the links below to register! For our planning purposes, families should register
by June 6, 2025. Information about rentals and materials will be shared upon registration.
We look forward to welcoming your student to the APS Elementary Instrumental Music Program this Fall!
Please let us know if you have any questions.
APS Elementary Strings and Band Instructors
Strings - Julie Diehl - julie.diehl@andoverma.us
Band - Kaitlyn Sicinski - kaitlyn.sicinski@andoverma.us
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Standards are covered? How do students receive feedback?
We are guided by both the MA State Frameworks and the National Music Standards. Students will learn proper playing techniques and music literacy, such as reading notes in the appropriate clef and key signatures, basic rhythms, and playing together as an ensemble. We also focus on building one’s identity as instrumentalists and helping students perform to convey musical intention. Students will receive progress reports in the middle and end of the year.
How do I rent an instrument? What books do I need?
Information can be found here. Please click on the link.
Strings: 2024-2025 Elementary Strings Supply List
Band: 2024-2025 Elementary Band Supply List
What are the expectations around commitment and practice?
Students should expect to practice multiple days a week and attend all concerts. There are at least two concerts a year. This is a full-year commitment.
What are the class expectations?
Students should come to school with their lesson book and instrument in good repair and ready to play. Students should come ready to work and engage appropriately in the learning environment. Our basic tenet is around respect: respect for themselves and others, respect for their instrument, and respect for their environment.
What happens if a student is struggling or expressing disinterest?
Communication is the key. Learning something new can be a struggle. Please reach out if your child is showing signs of struggling or is disinterested. We are happy to help guide your student through the joys and challenges of this new journey.
How can parents/caregivers support students in their musical journey?
Students will receive weekly practice logs and homework. We encourage helping your child create a practice routine, a practice space, and the ability to share music with family members in person or by recording a video. If you have questions about the setup or care of the instrument, please reach out. Learning an instrument is a partnership between the student, the instructor, and the family.
What additional music opportunities exist?
Grades 4 and 5 Strings students (with one or more years of playing experience) are welcome to join our Primo Orchestra. This beginning string ensemble rehearses every Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:30, at West Middle School, and performs in three concerts throughout the school year.
Grade 5 Band students (with one or more years of playing experience) are welcome to join our All-Town Band. This group rehearses every Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:30, at Doherty Middle School, and performs in three concerts throughout the school year.
8) Is private instruction available?
Our APS teachers don’t teach private lessons. However, private instruction is a great supplement to your child’s in-school experience. If you are interested in private instruction, please reach out to your instrumental music teacher for more information about local private teachers.