Parent Information Page

Common Questions asked

1. Who can sign up and how?

4th, 5th, 6th and 7th graders can sign up and begin playing an instrument.

2. What instrument can my child play?

4th graders can only choose a string instrument (violin, viola or cello) and this is because string instruments come in different sizes and can be fit to the child's size.

5th - 7th graders can choose either a band or string instrument, but not both. Most 5th graders and older can handle the size of a band or string instrument.

Please explore the Beginning band and strings instrument pages to see the possibilities!!

3. Do I have to know how to play an instrument already?

No!! This is a beginning program and no experience necessary!! From day 1, the teachers will teach you how to put your instrument together, make your first sounds and read music! You will be surprised where you will be in a year!!

4. Do I have to purchase an instrument?

Because of Covid, we do encourage you to acquire your own instrument. But, we do have some freshly sterilized instruments for students to sign out for the year, if getting your own instrument is not an option. School instruments are limited and your instrument of choice may not be available.

We also encourage you to rent an instrument from a reputable music store for your first couple of years and choose a reputable instrument brand. Through these rental programs, many stores put your rental payments towards the purchase of the instrument or another instrument, if you end up changing your instrument after the first year. Most rental programs will also include an insurance plan with the instrument rental to cover accidental damage, or if the instrument does become lost or stolen.

Please try to avoid purchasing an instrument from the internet or a department Store. Many of the instruments purchased from these sources are unreliable, do not have an insurance plan and will cause your child to become frustrated and unsuccessful on their instrument.

If you have questions about an instrument you may have found, please contact one of the listed directors.

5. How long do I have to commit to playing an instrument?

As with learning any new skill, we encourage you to keep practicing and stick with it, for at least a year. Learning an instrument is hard work and it takes practice everyday. Just like playing a sport, you cannot become a pro overnight.

We would love and hope that this would be a skill that your child will continue at least through their high school years and maybe even longer! Playing music is something that you can do the rest of your life.

6. Will I sound amazing after my first lesson?

No. You are a beginner. Parents you are going to hear squeaks, squaks, and some very unpleasant sounds throughout the first few months of your child's learning. Every day will get better and by mid year, you may even recognize a song or two. We will have our first concert in December to show off what we learned together.

7. How much do I have to practice?

Throughout your first years of playing, 15 - 20 minutes a day should be an adequate amount of time. Find a space and designate a practice time each day that your child can make some musical noise. The more you practice, the more fun it will be!

8. When are lessons?

4th and 5th Graders will have one lesson per week and one large group lesson every other week. The lessons at the elementary will be in the mornings during the homeroom/bell work time. Lessons should not interfere with core classes, lunch or recess. This is an extra enrichment class and will have a grading component.

Middle School Students (6th - 8th) meet everyday as a regular graded class. Band and Orchestra are part of the students regular school day and rotation schedule. It is a full year class with requirements!!

Recommended Instrument Brands

Strings Flutes Clarinets Alto Saxophones

Glaesel Artley Bundy Bundy

Klaus Mueller Gemeinhardt Jupiter Jupiter

Peter Zaret Jupiter Selmer Selmer

SHAR Bundy Yamaha Yamaha

NEMC NEMC NEMC

Yamaha King

Trumpets Trombones Percussion Kits

King King Yamaha

Jupiter Jupiter Musser

Conn Conn NEMC

Bundy Besson Mapex

Bach Bach Ludwig

Yamaha Yamaha

NEMC NEMC