Elementary Instrumental Music Education and
Private Lesson Information
Elementary Instrumental Music Education
2021-2022 School Year
Informational Website: https://sites.google.com/lexingtonma.org/performing-arts/home
Registration form for 4th grade strings: https://forms.gle/oShXCbPwfxwYXoSE8
Our instrumental faculty will be visiting each elementary school to invite fourth- and fifth-grade students to participate in this exciting program which offers them opportunity to learn how to play a wind, brass, percussion or string instrument. This program is important because, as an integral part of the K–12 music curriculum, it is the foundation of the award-winning middle school and high school band and orchestral programs. Participation in our instrumental program not only prepares a student for membership in an elementary and secondary ensemble, but also develops skills in self-discipline, flexible ways of thinking, concentration, decision making, physical coordination and aural perception. Additionally, participants in the program have found the experience builds self-esteem and self-confidence as well as nurturing a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Most of all, it can be fun!
Beginning in grade four, students have the opportunity to participate in group lessons during the school day on the violin, viola, or cello. Students receive instruction in small groups with an instrumental specialist once EVERY WEEK for 30 minutes. In grade five students continue their study of a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or string bass), can begin on string bass, or may begin a wind, brass or percussion instrument. Like the string instruments, students receive small group instruction with an instrumental specialist for 30 minutes EVERY WEEK. To enhance their experience, all BEGINNING BAND students and SECOND-YEAR STRING students are also encouraged to participate in the All-Town Band or Orchestra which meet for one hour each Thursday afternoons during the school year. BEGINNING STRING players may join the Amadeus Orchestra, which will meet for one hour on Wednesday afternoons.
As a service to parents, the Music Department schedules a special “Instrumental Rental Pick-up Night” at Lexington High School. At this time, local instrumental dealers will be have a convenient curbside pick up service for families who have contacted rental companies ahead of time. This is one way of obtaining an instrument. You may already have an instrument or you may wish to contact a reputable dealer directly after your son or daughter decides which instrument he/she wants to play. Please be sure the instrument your child has is in good working condition.
Private Instrumental Instruction
The Music Department of the Lexington Public Schools recommends ongoing instrument lessons for all music students. Instrument lessons are available locally from private institutions as well as here at Lexington High School through the auspices of Lexington Community Education. The Lexington Community Education teachers are all recognized specialists on their instruments. Mr. Cassedy also monitors the content of lessons to be sure that the instrument teachers in the Lexington Community Education program are teaching material that is consistent with the music goals and performance needs of the Lexington Public Schools.
We find that with some of our students, sixth grade marks the terminal point of instruction on their particular instruments. This could be a limiting factor in the progress of our orchestras and bands where the music to be played is more demanding in terms of technique and musicality. We therefore STRONGLY recommend that all students study with a private teacher. The small time commitment to ongoing lessons makes a MAJOR difference in a student's ability to perform in the middle school and high school ensembles with a high degree of ability and therefore enjoyment.
Lexington Community Education Private Instrument Instruction
Individual music lessons through Lexington Community Education are offered at Lexington High School in the early afternoon and evening, from Monday through Friday. Parents may choose the length of weekly lessons that best suits their budget, time commitments and musical needs of their child.
Complete details and printable registration forms are available at http://www.lexingtoncommunityed.org/music.php
Private String Lessons
The department maintains a list of local private string teachers. Please contact Jessica Billings-White (jbillingswhite@lexingtonma.org) or Rachel Jason (rjayson@lexingtonma.org) directly!
LHS Students Who Teach
There are a number of students from Lexington High School who are offering their services as private teachers. For a list of students, contact your student's music teacher or Ms. Debra Hankins, office assistant: dhankins@lexingtonma.org.