The instrumental music program at Springhurst consists of Orchestra (Grades 3, 4 and 5) and Band (Grades 4 and 5).  These are elective programs that students choose to participate in.  The General Music program does an amazing job of preparing students to participate in these groups.  By learning to play an instrument, students gain a valuable skill that they can take with them throughout their lives, and become part of an exciting musical team.

• Instruments

  • Orchestra consists of four string instruments: violin, viola, cello and bass.

  • Band consists of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, French horn, drums and bells.  

  • At the end of 2nd Grade (orchestra) and 3rd Grade (band), students see demonstrations of these instruments and decide on their top three choices for which instrument they would like to play the following year. 

• Lessons

  • Orchestra and Band students meet once per six day cycle for a small group lesson, which is generally with similar or same instruments.  These lessons take place during the school day during a period which has been designated as a “pullable time.”  Students leave their classroom for this lesson, and are responsible for any missed classwork.

• Rehearsals

  • 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra and Band students also attend rehearsals before school once a week, starting at 7:45.  These rehearsals are mandatory and are essential to the success of the ensembles.  In rehearsals, students focus on playing well together as an ensemble and following a conductor.

• Practicing

  • Orchestra and Band students are expected to practice consistently throughout the school year; those that practice will have a successful experience and gain confidence in their playing ability.  A good guideline is ten minutes per day, but consistency and dedication are the most important components of a good practice routine.

• Participating in multiple ensembles

  • In general, students in 4th and 5th Grade must choose either band or orchestra and are not permitted to participate in both; exceptions to this policy are rare and are made on a case by case basis at the discretion of the teacher.

  • Students are able to participate in one of the instrumental ensembles (band or orchestra) and Harmonaires.