Instrumental music
Welcome! Arcadia Unified School District has a longstanding tradition of excellence in Band and Orchestra. All students in grades four and five are welcome to join our ensembles each school year. Creating music with your friends and classmates is a wonderful experience. We work hard and have a lot of fun!
Check out the videos below featuring performances from our talented AUSD students! Please be sure to read the important information below before registering for instrumental music. Basic information on the music program is available on our home page.
Elementary music videos
Check out a few virtual performances recorded by our elementary musicians during distance learning!
Orchestra Lightly Row.mp4Korean Folk Song Website.mp4Instrument Demonstration Videos
Check out the videos below to help decide which instrument you would like to play! Try listening to at least three different instruments. Many thanks to the talented Arcadia High School students in the Tri-M Music Honor Society who recorded these videos just for our elementary students! You will also find additional Youtube links for each instrument. We are always looking for motivated students to play baritone, trombone, viola, or cello.
Band: Wind Instruments (Woodwind & Brass)
Trumpet.mp4Trumpet
Orchestra: String Instruments
More videos featuring wind and string instruments!
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.