Program Info

Instrumental Music is offered to all interested 4th & 5th graders. Students meet in instrument-alike small groups for 30 minutes during the school day on either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday each week. This is a pullout class, so students leave math, language arts, or science/social studies to come to instrumental; we use a rotating schedule so students do not miss the same subject each week. 

Students can choose to play flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, violin, viola, cello, or upright bass. Ms. Taylor schedules "petting zoos" throughout September so students can try each instrument and discover which one is most suitable for them. Families are encouraged to rent an instrument from a local store if possible, but the school also has a small inventory for families who need to borrow an instrument at no cost. No student has ever been turned away because of their family's financial situation.

As part of Instrumental Music, students learn the basics of instrument setup and maintenance, reading music, performing the first 6-8 notes on their instrument with good tone, and learning to function as an ensemble. Should students choose to continue for a second year in the program, they expand upon those basic skills in performing more challenging music. Some students choose to continue on the same instrument, while others choose to start a new one; both options are encouraged! Most students choose to play in both 4th & 5th grade, and many go on to participate in band or orchestra at the middle and high school level. 

We have a lot of fun in instrumental music. Your student will likely have some "interesting" homework assignments involving balloons, toy mice, and/or unusual sounds. I am well aware that beginning instrumentalists are not the most pleasant thing to hear, but I promise these odd sounds have a purpose and will become more tuneful with time! I understand that every student is different and am always happy to discuss student progress. We will work together to help your child be the most successful musician they can be!