Ted Talk-How Playing an instrument benefits your brain -5 min youtube video
Any students at Swanson who are in fourth or fifth grade.
The Violin is the highest sounding string instrument and plays most of the melody lines. The Viola looks like a violin and is also played o
n the shoulder, but has a lower, more mellow sound. Viola students learn to read the alto clef, which is different from the piano. The Cello is the next lowest string instrument and is played while sitting down. It is much larger than a violin so cello students usually keep one cello at home and use a school cello when at school. The Bass is the biggest and lowest sounding instrument, and is played while standing. Basses are rented from the school and kept at home. Students play a school bass when at school. Click on the blue bold names of the instrument and it will take you to a link to hear a sample of that instrument.
Woodwind instruments include: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Sax, and Tenor Sax. Brass instruments include: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba. Percussion is also offered, with a strong emphasis on mallets/bells. Therefore, a background in piano is beneficial for percussion, but not required. Click on the blue bold names of the instrument and it will take you to a link to hear a sample of that instrument, or All Instruments demonstrated by the US Army Field Band.
Link to Student slideshow performing the instruments
Small group lessons meet during the school day for thirty minutes each week. These occur on a rotating schedule so that students aren’t missing the same class each week. In addition, full group rehearsals for band and orchestra meet twice a week for 30 minutes each.
There is no cost to be in band or orchestra outside of renting an instrument and buying music book(s). We recommend that instruments be rented from a reputable music store of your choice, along with any damage insurance policy the music store offers. Local music store flyers are available on line (click here for links) with various rental programs and prices.
Nearly all instruments are available through the school at no cost to students who are eligible for the waiver forms with the district. Please let us know if you would like to use one of these.
A limited supply of school instruments (French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, String Bass) are available to rent for $120 for the entire school year. Often with larger instruments one stays at home and another one stays at school.
The very best you possibly can! If an instrument is poorly made or isn’t working properly, you will get frustrated (and so will your young musician). If you have any questions about the condition of the instrument you will play, your director or an instrument repair person can help.
***** We strongly discourage you from buying inexpensive instruments over the internet. ****
Please contact Mr. R or Ms. Williams prior to purchasing an instrument from a source other than a local music store (i.e. internet, Amazon, department store catalog, rummage sale, etc.). These may seem like great deals, but are often poor quality instruments, making it harder to play and achieve a good sound. Some of those instruments are made poorly or with thin metal and do not last. Often it is cheaper to rent from a store than to buy one of those instruments. You can usually make a good online purchase if you look at the local stores name brand instruments and search for them on e-bay or other sites.
All of our local music stores are great resources for renting instruments and getting the books and supplies. Most rentals and supplies can be ordered online. Here is a link to the Music stores. Here is a link to the band and orchestra supplies.
15 minutes of concentrated, uninterrupted practice 5-7 days a week is recommended. Small practice sessions throughout the week are much more productive than one big one the night before a lesson! We understand that kids are in everything and are busy. Some well thought out schedules ahead of time really helps getting kids in a routine (always after dinner, or just 20 minutes in the morning before the bus comes).
To promote responsibility, we have students and parents sign a contract committing to participate for the full school year. If you are having trouble or are getting discouraged, let us help.
Sorry, but no. Other instrument lessons can be obtained from any quality music store.
This is a common question. I have a bunch of doctor friends, of which, many are musicians. The simple response the doctors give is, "You can't get your own germs. Your body is already fighting the virus or germs (or whatever) to get healthy. Playing a wind instrument actually can help you get healthy quicker." For me it always makes me feel better, but it also opens my airways (even with asthma, bronchitis, and walking pneumonia). The only instance doctors have given me time to stay off an instrument has been the first 24-48 hours of strep throat.
Provide a good instrument, encourage your child to be patient, establish a regular practice routine, show interest, listen to your child play, and praise often! Contact the music director if you have questions or concerns.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (times are approximate)
4th grade band and orchestra: 5:45-6:15 pm Swanson Gym
4th and 5th grade chorus: 6:30 pm Swanson Gym
5th grade band and orchestra-7:15-7:45 pm Swanson Gym
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (times are approximate)
4th grade band and orchestra: 5:45-6:15 pm Swanson Gym
4th and 5th grade chorus: 6:30 pm Swanson Gym
5th grade band and orchestra-7:00-7:30 pm Swanson Gym
Attendance is required.
1- 4th grade (2025-26) online registration form.
5th grade (2025-26) online registration form.
2-Contact a local music store to set up a time to try instrument(s) if you have questions of which instrument will fit your future musician or sizing concerns (such as clarinet vs. saxophone or violin vs. viola)