WHAT ARE THE BASICS OF THE ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAM?

Students in grades 3 and under will participate in a General Music experience each week, providing an equitable base of music education to all our DJUSD students.  Concepts of pitch, rhythm, sound production, instrument families, and much more, will be taught in a fun, interactive way.  Research shows that a music education helps with all learning functions - music makes you smarter!  These lessons are what prepare our students for starting to play an instrument in 5th grade.

Your 4th, 5th or 6th grade child will have several options, based on grade level, experience, and interest (see list above).  Once you choose your instrument, use the Form, which will go live on September 9th,  to enroll in music classes!

STRING instruments taught at the elementary level include Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass.

BEGINNING BAND instruments include Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Snare Drum.  Students with at least one year of clarinet lessons may also choose alto saxophone as a Continuing band student.

Each instrument group will have one assigned lesson time per week, for 30 minutes each.  The students will leave their regular classroom to go to the music teacher's room, and must remember this time without reminders from their classroom teacher.

CHOIR -  All 4th, 5th & 6th grade students may choose to participate in a 40 minute weekly choir pull-out class. 

Whether you are new or continuing, you need to submit the enrollment form so we can plan the lessons. You can find the enrollment link HERE the morning of September 3rd.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC?

• Willingness -  Your child must be willing to miss 30 minutes of class weekly and make-up any assignments. They also must commit to daily practice.

• Instrument - we discuss how to obtain an instrument at the parent meetings.

• Parent meeting OR Video - Parent Meetings will be held on September 1st and 2nd at Monarca Elementary School. These meetings  are required for NEW band/orchestra families. Families of returning students may opt to watch the updated video instead. 

• Book - Orchestra students will need the "Orchestra Expressions" book for their instrument. The instructor will provided a workbook for band students.

• Find out more by watching our informational video below - this is a condensed version of the information shared at the parent nights.

Enrollment will close on September 10th, 2026. We will notify families whether or not they will receive a district instrument by September 18th. 

You should have this book for your instrument if you are playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Band students DO NOT need to purchase a book. 

Instrument Insurance information:  While we are not officially endorsing this company, we can tell you we've had good experience with them over the years and have found the cost to be reasonable.  If you would like to insure your district loaner, or your personal instrument, please try Anderson Insurance:

<ANDERSON INSURANCE>

Please remember that learning a musical instrument will not happen instantly, or in just our 30 minutes per week.  You will need to practice during the week, and make the commitment to come to lessons with your instrument for the entire school year!  The rewards will be amazing!!

Concert schedule - TBD

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Secondary Music Staff Information:

• Davis HS:

  • Band& Mariachi - Brad Sparks (bsparks@djusd.net)

  • Choir - Natascha Bach (NBach@djusd.net)

  • Orchestra - Mr. Angelo Moreno (AMoreno@djusd.net)

• Emerson and DaVinci JHS:

  • Music Director (Band &Orchestra):  Ms. Luana Hernandez-Howe (LHernandez@DJUSD.net)

  • Choir  - Natascha Bach (NBach@djusd.net)

• Harper JHS:

  • Music Director (Band, Choir, Orchestra):  Mr. Greg Brucker (GBrucker@djusd.net)

  • Mariachi - Brad Sparks (bsparks@djusd.net)

• Holmes JHS:

  • Band and Choir - Mr. Luiz Coelho (lcoelho@djusd.net)

  • Orchestra - Mr. Angelo Moreno (AMoreno@djusd.net)