AUSD

Program Overview

Arcadia Unified School District is proud to provide music instruction to ALL fourth and fifth grade students.

All students in grades four and five will register for the music class of their choice in late August. Electronic registration forms will be sent to the parent email address on file with the district. Students may select Instrumental Music (Band/Orchestra) or General Music. All students attend music once per week during the school day. We also provide supplemental before-school sectional classes for instrumental students. Music classes are taught by highly-qualified, credentialed music teachers, with additional support from instructional assistants. 

We have restructured the Instrumental Music Program to eliminate pullouts for music instruction. Students do not miss class to attend music. Class descriptions are found below. Music classes are full-year courses. Students are not able to switch classes mid-year. 

We look forward to making music with you!

Music Class Choices

All students in grades four & five will register for one of the classes below. Students and parents should review this information together before registering for music. 

#1. Instrumental Music (Band/Orchestra)

Students will receive group instruction on one of the instruments below and participate in the school band or orchestra. All instrumental students have the opportunity to perform in at least one concert per year. Students will need to provide their own instruments. (AUSD has a limited number of instruments available for students who are unable to provide their own.) 

Please make sure to read the additional important information regarding Instrumental Music below and check out the demonstration videos to help decide which instrument is right for you!

Wind Instruments (Band): flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French Horn, trombone, or baritone (Percussion is offered to grade five students with teacher permission and one year of instrumental experience.)

String Instruments (Orchestra): violin, viola, cello, or string bass

#2. General Music

General Music is a non-performing class. Students will explore the elements of music through games, listening, singing, playing small classroom instruments, independent projects, etc.

Important Instrumental Music Information

• The AUSD Instrumental Music Program begins in the fourth grade. No experience is necessary to enroll. Students who opt to enroll in the Instrumental Music Program will participate in either the Band or Orchestra classes, based on instrument choice.

• Students are expected to practice at home and have the opportunity to perform in at least one concert per year.

• Students will need to provide their own instrument for the year. However, AUSD does have a limited number of district instruments to loan to students who are unable to provide their own instruments.

• During the registration process, students must select a first choice instrument and a second choice instrument in order to balance ensembles. Please do not rent/buy an instrument before receiving confirmation from your music teacher. (Grade five students will automatically receive their first choice if registering for the same instrument played in grade four.)

• Grade four instrumental classes are geared toward beginning instrumentalists although accommodations will be made for students with previous musical experience. 

• Grade five instrumental classes are geared towards second-year players although it may be possible to join as a beginner. Students who played an instrument in grade four are encouraged to continue with the same instrument in grade five. (Contact your music teacher if you wish to switch instruments.)

• Percussion is offered to grade five students with teacher permission and one year of instrumental experience. 

• All Band and Orchestra students attend their regular music class during school. Additional classes called "sectionals" will also be held outside of the school day to provide instrument-specific instruction, extra help, or enrichment. The sectional schedule will be distributed to parents/students periodically by your music teacher. Please note that attendance at sectionals is highly recommended but not required.

• Classes begin in September. Information regarding instruments & supplies will be sent out via email or distributed during the first class. It is not necessary to have an instrument for the first class. Click here for a list of local music stores.

Elementary Music Staff

Please contact our elementary music department chair with general questions on the program:

 Janet Smith, jsmith@ausd.net