John Marshall Elementary
Band, Choir, & Orchestra
Welcome to Music at
John Marshall
The music program at John Marshall provides 4th and 5th grade students with opportunities to learn new skills, form new friendships, and make music together as a community. Students who are interested in music will able to sign up for band, choir, and orchestra. In each ensemble, students will learn how to play an instrument or sing while developing the musical and social skills required to make music as a cohesive group.
If you click on the "Orchestra" and "Band" tabs at the top of this page, you will a see subsection titled "Meet the Instruments," where you can watch each instrument be showcased in a performance. Click here to meet the band instruments, and click here to meet the orchestra instruments.
How to Sign Up for Band or Orchestra
Simply choose which instrument you want to learn and fill out the interest form. Click here to access the signup form or find the form below.
Please note: Due to scheduling, students will have to choose between playing in the band or orchestra. However, they will be able to play an instrument AND sing in the chorus this year. In the form above, you are only selecting the instrument you want to learn to play.
If a student is returning to band or orchestra, please have them bring their Essential Elements Book 1. If you are new to the instrument, a copy of the method book will be included in your rental.
Renting an Instrument
Below are the recommended district vendors for renting instruments.
They bring instruments right to the school with everything you need to play.
Music Shop - Pricing can be viewed after entering district & school information
Elefante Music - please use the following code for Edison rentals -141042024
Be a part of the Band
Be a part of the Orchestra
Recommended Additions
1. Music Stand - everyone
2. Shoulder Rest - violin and violas
***3. Extra #2.5 Reeds REQUIRED for all Clarinets and Saxophones
Orchestra Instrument Sizing
Violin and Viola Sizes
Choose 3/4 violin or 13” viola if your child is under 5'4" feet.
Choose 1/2 violin or 12" viola if your child is 4' or under.
*Do not rent a 14" viola or 4/4 violin.
Cello Sizes
Choose 1/2 cello if your child is under 5'4" and above 4'.
Choose 1/4 cello if your child is 4' or under.
*Do not rent a 3/4 size cello.
BUYER BEWARE!!! Please do NOT buy an instrument during your first year of learning. Oftentimes, students change their minds on what instrument they want to learn how to play. Typically, inexpensive instruments purchased from Amazon or other websites are difficult to play, easy to break, and lead to frustration. If in doubt, please reach out to your teacher first.
Reach out to us if you have any questions:
Band - Mr. Brian Harkavy brian.harkavy@edison.k12.nj.us
Orchestra - Mr. Alex LaRocca alexander.larocca@edison.k12.nj.us
Here is the YouTube video of our Spring Concert 2022