5th Grade Band

The 5th Grade Band is the performing ensemble for second year instrumental students. This performance ensemble is a great opportunity to further develop a student’s understanding of playing an instrument together and will prepare them for electing band in middle and high school.

There are no "lessons" offered in fifth grade. Band is a basic performance classes where students use the skills they learned in fourth grade to rehearse and play their instruments together as an ensemble. The class meets every other day during school. There will be a minimum of two concerts during the year, a winter concert and an end of year concert. Additional performance opportunities may be scheduled at the teacher’s discretion.

My child participated in the fourth grade lesson program last year but now wants to play a different instrument in the band. Can students change instruments in fifth grade?

It's possible but we discourage changing instruments between fourth and fifth grade, unless parents are able to provide their child with private lessons on the new instrument. The fourth grade lesson program is designed to teach basic performance skills. In most cases, students who continue in fifth grade play the same instrument they started in the fourth grade lesson program. There are no "lessons" offered in fifth grade. Band is a basic performance classes where students use the skills they learned in fourth grade to rehearse and play their instruments together as an ensemble. Students who want to change instruments must develop a basic proficiency on their new instrument in order to succeed in an ensemble. The fine arts department offers a private lesson program called the Music Lesson Program (see link to the left) which is an affordable option for private lessons.

We just moved to Billerica and have a child entering the fifth grade. Is it too late to join our schools' band or orchestra?

If your child comes to Billerica and already plays an instrument, just register for the program. If your child does not play an instrument, you will need to provide your child with private lessons. The fine arts department offers a private lesson program called the Music Lesson Program which is an affordable option for private lessons. Speak to the band teacher at your school for further consultation.