Instrumental Music
5th Grade Band & Orchestra
with Mrs. Ashford 

February/March 2026

Dear Music Families,

In celebration of National Music in Our Schools Month, each high school in MDUSD hosts Area Music Festivals, which show families the progression of instrumental music from 5th grade up to 12th grade.  Band students and Orchestra students have separate nights, because it would be impossible to fit everyone in the building at the same time!  Your child should have given you the concert letter, but if not, the link is in the email I sent you earlier. I also have spare letters, by request. I hope your child is able to participate!  Let me know, yes or no, by completing the bottom of the letter and sending it back to me.

Here are a few things that might be helpful to know at this time of year:

Concert Etiquette

At these concerts, our students are the stars!  Please review these points with your young musician:

• Silence cell phones and other electronic devices.  Keep your attention on the concert!

• Applause is to show appreciation and encouragement. Do not scream or whistle indoors.  

• There are restrooms at the concert, but it is best to empty your bladder before you arrive.

• If you see someone you don't get along with, stay away from them.  

• This concert is held in a basketball gym, so you may eat and drink in the audience area.  (Band students must rinse their mouths before playing the instrument.)

• If you need to use the restroom, walk silently and go around the performers.

• Stay until the end.  Every group deserves to be heard!

• Please clean up your area before you leave and throw your garbage away on the way out.

• It might be dark after the concert, so walk safely and be courteous to others. 

For the adults: 

• The concert will be an hour, so it may be wise to bring a book or quiet toy for little siblings--just in case the music isn't keeping their attention.  

• If you get a call during the concert that you must answer, it is polite to step outside to talk. 

• The Concord High Festivals will have food and drink for sale as a fundraiser for their program.

• The audience will be sitting on bleachers--some people bring something soft to sit on.  

Concert Clothes

I get a lot of questions about concert clothes.  Traditional concert colors for young students are black on bottom and white on top.  If someone is wearing something different, it will draw attention, and that can be very uncomfortable for the student.

• White tops can be a formal button-down (short or long sleeves), polo, turtleneck, sweater, sweatshirt, jacket, or a plain T shirt.   Hoods off, please, unless the roof is leaking.  😉

• Black/Dark bottoms can be pants, long skirt, or dress.  Try to avoid jeans if possible.

• Black/Dark shoes can be any shoes.  Try to avoid tennis shoes, if possible.  

How fancy your child dresses is up to you.  I'm more concerned about students being at the concert--they have worked hard and deserve to be there, regardless of their concert clothes.  If they don't have a white top and black/dark bottom, please get as close as you can.   A family member or friend might have clothing to borrow that fits well enough (loose is better than tight). At the concert, look around for ideas for next year!

Music Timeline

After the Festival concert, students will focus on finishing the book until our last class which will be mid-May.  They are all progressing at different paces, so some may finish soon, and some may not finish the last lessons at all.  As long as students keep trying, it's all good!

Later in spring, there will be a daytime concert for peers followed by an activity with 4th graders called an "Instrument Zoo".  

There will be one last concert for families at Noon-ish on Saturday, May 2 at College Park High School.  I realize families are very busy at this time of year and might not be able to make it, so this Spring Concert is optional.  I will send out a survey later on to ask who might be able to attend.

All district-owned instruments are due to be returned on or before May 22, 2026.  I will finish the year with the task of sanitizing and checking these instruments for maintenance needs.  

What Should My Child Be Practicing?
String Students are working towards mastering their concert music: Sol-Do Concerto, Serenata, Hoe Down, Evening Scenes, and The Spanish Dancer.
*It is best to have short fingernails on the left hand. For now, the 1st (index) finger.
*Please have a small cloth (even a "left sock") to wipe rosin dust off of the instrument.  

Band Students are working towards mastering their concert music: Page 28/29 America the Beautiful,  and in the back of the book Primo Concert Medley No. 1, 2, 3, & 7 (Sun Terrace only 1, 2 & 7).
*Trumpet and trombone players should have a cloth to absorb the spit from their instrument.

I look forward to seeing you at the Festival!

Musically yours,

Mrs. Karen Ashford
ashfordk@mdusd.org
Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM).
El Monte, Monte Gardens, Sun Terrace STEM Magnet, Westwood, and Wren Avenue School of the Arts
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

January 2026

Dear Music Families,

I hope December was full of music, rest, and rejuvenation!  Here are some topics that might be useful for you this month:

Caroling - Reflections
The caroling was very successful!  Our musicians brought joy to many people's hearts.  Students were surprised how much easier the caroling became after the first audience or two!  The most popular comments:  "It was fun", "I was nervous at first, but now not so much", "Can we do it again?", and "I loved the audience's reaction".  The musicians had a great "first concert" experience, and are hopefully getting excited about the Festival Concert in March.  

Sixth Grade Music
Middle school administrators will be talking with your child about signing up for an elective course next year.  Music is an elective class.  For 6th Graders, middle schools in MDUSD offer "Band I" and "String Orchestra I".  If your child wants to try a different instrument next year, now is the perfect time to decide--especially if switching between band and orchestra.

• Band I usually includes: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Bells, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Auxiliary Percussion.

• String Orchestra I usually includes: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

• Both of these classes are for students with 1 year of experience or less.

Some middle schools also offer Chorus.
Please note: the "Rotation" classes do not offer instrumental music; if there is a music class in rotation, it would be a "music appreciation" class. 
The middle school will provide a list of electives classes for you to choose from.  I'm hoping your child will choose Band I or String Orchestra I.  😉

March Area Festival
Mark your calendar for your child's biggest concert this year! We celebrate National Music In Our Schools Month every March with large concerts hosted by our local high school music programs. This Area Music Festival is a tradition in MDUSD, held annually for 40+ years.  

This concert is free to attend and you may bring guests! Students are only asked to participate in one concert. Musicians are asked to wear white on top, black on bottom.  Arrive early for a 6pm rehearsal; the Concert begins at 7pm and should finish around 8pm.  I will send a letter home with an RSVP for you to sign and return.

For El Monte, Monte Gardens, Westwood, and Wren Avenue families, the concert will be:
Band Festival: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Concord High School in the Gym
String Festival: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Concord High School in the Gym

For Sun Terrace families, the concert will be:
String Festival: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Mt. Diablo High School in the Gym
Band Festival:  Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Mt. Diablo High School in the Gym

Later in the year there are potentially two more concerts your child can participate in.  Music classes continue until mid May.  

What Should My Child Be Practicing?
String Students are now working on Orange Belt pages.  After they learn how to read and play eighth notes, they will dive into Green Belt--using left hand fingers on the fingerboard.  We are working on Serenata, Hoe Down, and Sol-Do Concerto for the Area Festival in March.
*Shorter nails on the first three fingers of the left hand will make playing the instrument easier.
*I highly recommend string students find a small cloth, like a clean "left sock", to keep in the instrument case.  We will be using them to clean rosin dust off of the strings.  

Band Students  are mostly working on Orange Belt and Green Belt songs this month.  We are working on Primo Concert Medley No. 1 for the Area Festival in March.
*Trumpet and trombone players are asked to bring an old cloth from home to keep in their instrument case, to empty the "moisture" from their instrument.

I look forward to teaching your child MORE music in 2026.  May the new year bring you health, happiness, and much success!

Musically yours,

Mrs. Karen Ashford
ashfordk@mdusd.org
Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM).
El Monte, Monte Gardens, Sun Terrace STEM Magnet, Westwood, and Wren Avenue School of the Arts
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

November/December 2025

Dear Music Families,

Happy Holiday Season! Here are some topics that might be helpful to you at this point in the year:

Practicing During Vacations
Thanksgiving and Winter breaks bring up a few questions:
Does my child have to practice over a vacation?  If possible, yes!  Keeping the music muscles in shape is a huge benefit! This is a great time to catch-up, explore more, or just play anything for fun.
What if our family is traveling?  If a student is traveling, I recommend the instrument stay at home in a safe place.  Unless of course if you are traveling to visit someone who wants to help or see your child's progress on the instrument...but don't forget to bring it home again!
What if we have relatives or friends visiting at our home? This would be a great time for your child to play a mini-recital for them!  If there are toddlers coming to your home, you might make a plan as to where the instrument can be safely stored so little fingers don't get into it.
How should my child practice at home? Please see this page for solutions!
How can my child practice quietly?  Please see this page for solutions!  (scroll down)

Gift Ideas for Young Musicians
Musicians use music stands when they practice, which makes it possible to play the instrument with good posture.  I recommend a folding music stand because it can be collapsed and stored easily when not in use.  Folding music stands can be bought at local music stores and online, and on occasion you can also find used stands at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales.  If you have a creative solution instead of using a music stand, that's awesome!

Other ideas:
Music-themed T-shirts, ties, pins/jewelry, pencils, and note pads. 
Practice mutes can be purchased for violin, trumpet, and trombone.
Find recordings of professional musicians playing the instrument your child plays, and in different styles, too!
For FREE:  Browse and bookmark videos of the instrument being played, to watch together! (See my Inspiration page for ideas.) 
Look for free community music concerts to attend in person.  Local community groups often have free or low-cost concerts:
Diablo Symphony Orchestra
Walnut Creek Concert Band
Contra Costa Wind Symphony
Diablo Valley College music department
There are many more!

Ideas for more experienced musicians:
More advanced music students may need a tuner or a metronome.  
Go see a concert where their instrument being featured. 
Bring your experienced musician to a local music store to pick out a book of solos--many now come with recorded accompaniments, in various genres.
Help your child afford their own instrument, but please first consult a local music store.  They know which brands are reputable, and even though they cost more, they will last a lifetime and will retain their value better if you ever decide to sell them later.  Sometimes music stores have used instruments for sale at a reduced price.  A good, used instrument is usually much better than a shiny, cheap new one.

Concert Clothes
Keep your eyes open for sales on concert colors!  Black on bottom and white on top is traditional "concert dress".  Creativity is a plus!  A black dress with a white sweater, or black pants with a white button-down or polo shirt...mix it up with things your child already has, or can borrow from a family member!  

What Should My Child be Practicing?
String Students are now using the bow, too.  Students should be able to play up to Exercise 15 (on page 17), pizzicato (plucked) and arco (bowed).  They are working on finishing Yellow Belt songs and starting Orange Belt.  I highly recommend string students find a small cloth, even a clean "left sock", to keep in the instrument case.  We will be using them to clean rosin dust off of the strings and instrument body.  Students may continue working on Serenata and Hoe Down on their starter sheet if they wish. Students will be encouraged to memorize a song or two this month.

Band Students have mastered their first three notes and are learning their fourth and fifth new notes. Many are working on Orange and Green Belt songs.  Trumpet and trombone players are asked to bring an old cloth from home to keep in their instrument case, to empty the "moisture" from their instrument.  Students may try songs that are farther ahead in the book if they wish--most enjoy the bonus songs on page 26.  Students will be encouraged to memorize a song or two this month.

Mark Your Calendar for Your Child's Biggest Concert This Year!
Your child is encouraged to play in an evening concert in March.  This concert is free and you may bring guests!  Students will wear traditional concert colors for this event.  I will send a letter home in a couple of months with more details.

For El Monte, Monte Gardens, Westwood, and Wren Avenue families, the concert will be:
Band Festival: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Concord High School
String Festival: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Concord High School

For Sun Terrace families, the concert will be:
String Festival: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Mt. Diablo High School
Band Festival:  Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Mt. Diablo High School

Band = Wind instruments
String = Violin, Viola, Cello

Students only need to participate in one festival, but they may attend others to cheer their friends on if they wish.  Bring your child to the high school gym at 6pm for a rehearsal.  You'll get choice seating! (Or you can run a quick errand if you wish.) Be there for the concert at 7pm, which should end at or before 8pm.  If you can not attend due to work, please ask a relative or friend to bring your child to the concert and record it for you, then watch it together later!

I am Thankful
I am truly thankful for YOU - for encouraging your child to play a musical instrument AND for helping your child remember to practice at home & bring the instrument to school on music day.  (I'm also thankful you're reading this newsletter! 😉)  The skills a child learns when playing an instrument seem simple, but in reality they are very complex.  Attention to detail, teamwork, being responsive to unexpected situations, individual responsibility, striving for excellence, sharing-out in a public setting...these are all skills that lead to success, and your child will be able to use them whether or not they pursue a career in music.  I have never heard someone regret they learned to play an instrument, I have only heard regrets that they never tried!

Please email me your questions, concerns, or thoughts to share! 

Musically yours,

Mrs. Karen Ashford
ashfordk@mdusd.org
Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM).
El Monte, Monte Gardens, Sun Terrace STEM Magnet, Westwood, and Wren Avenue School of the Arts
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

October 2025

Dear Music Families,

Students are diving into their music lessons!  Here are some topics that might be helpful to you at this point in the year:

Sweets & Treats:  Sugar can damage instruments, and also makes them uncomfortable to touch. 😨  Please remind your child to always wash their hands before handling an instrument.  Band students should rinse their mouth with water before playing, and if at home, brushing their teeth is even better. 

Thank You: 
I wish a heartfelt thank you to families who were able to provide your child with an instrument! 👏  Also, thank you to students/families who accepted a second- or third-choice instrument when we ran out of first-choice instruments. 😎 

Practice At Home:
Practice sessions at home can now be up to 10 minutes per day!  If your child wants to practice longer, they should take breaks to avoid poor posture and poor instrument position due to fatigue.  Sit/Stand tall, and don't let the wrist, forearm, or elbow lean on legs or ribs.  Your child will thank us when they're older.  😉  

I have already heard students say "I'm not allowed to practice because it makes too much noise".  Please see this page for solutions! (Scroll down for the quiet part.)

Students Are Working On:
String Students (a.k.a. Orchestra) Violin and Viola students are using shoulder position now.  If the arm gets tired, violin & viola students may alternate between shoulder position (plucking with the first finger) and guitar position (plucking with the thumb).  All orchestra students should know The Ant Chant (page 6) which teaches them the name of their strings. They are working on the White Belt pages in their book (pp 7-9), and mastering exercises #3 and #6 to play for me individually.  We are now beginning to use the bow, and students can try up to page 14 if they want to peek ahead.  They can practice "shadow-bowing" using a toilet paper roll, if they wish.  Ask your child to show you their pet llama, and llama fetch!  🦙

Band Students can now assemble their instruments, hold them correctly, and are working with their first three notes.  They can play rhythms (pg. 1) on their mouthpiece or instrument.  They are working on White Belt pages in their book (pp 2-3), and should be mastering exercises #7 and #8 to play for me individually.  We are talking about cleaning instruments this month.  Trumpet and trombone players are asked to bring an old cloth from home to keep in their instrument case.  The cloth will be used when they remove condensation (a.k.a. "spit") from their instruments.  Students may try songs that are farther ahead in the book if they wish--most enjoy pages 26 and 40.

Mark Your Calendar!
There will be an evening concert for families to attend in March.  This concert is free and you may bring guests!  Students will wear traditional concert colors for this event.

For El Monte, Monte Gardens, Westwood, and Wren Ave families, the concert will be:
Band Festival: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Concord High School
String Festival: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Concord High School

For Sun Terrace families, the concert will be:
String Festival: Date and Location coming soon!
Band Festival:  Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Mt. Diablo High School

Band = Wind instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, etc.)
String = Violin, Viola, Cello

Review:
Feel free to scroll down if you want to revisit guidelines for Instrument Care and Safety.  I also discuss concert clothes, music stands, and forgotten instruments.

Please email me your questions or concerns! I try to reply within 1-2 school days.

Musically yours,

Mrs. Karen Ashford
ashfordk@mdusd.org
Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM).
El Monte, Monte Gardens, Sun Terrace STEM Magnet, Westwood, and Wren Avenue School of the Arts
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

August, 2025 (part 2)           

Dear Music Families,

Our first lesson was during the week of August 18-22.  Here's what we did:

• We discussed INSTRUMENT CARE & SAFETY (please see below).

• Measured string players.

• Reviewed some rhythm concepts.   

Our second lesson, August 25-29, we will review and students might begin their first sounds--with good posture.

• Wind instruments: Students will not put the whole instrument together yet.  For this week, we are playing on mouthpieces only. 

• String instruments: Students will not touch the bow yet.  For this week, violins are played in "guitar position".

• Many students who are borrowing instruments from the school will receive them at this lesson.   Some may need to wait until I find one from another site.

• If you rent or own an instrument, your child may bring the instrument this week if you wish.  If you are still waiting for the music store to get your instrument ready, no problem!

• Expect your child to practice 5 minutes (or multiple sessions of 5 minutes with breaks) each day, or the equivalent.

Our third lesson, September 2-8, we will review. Mrs. Ashford will hear/help each student make a sound individually, then we will add more tasks. 

• More district-owned instruments will be handed out, although a few students might still need to wait.  If I can not find an instrument for your child, I will offer a second choice.  You may decide to rent from a music store if you wish!

• Those who rent or own an instrument, please have your child bring it on music day from now on.  

• Music books and folders will be given to students--please make sure they are kept in a safe place, away from pets and recycling addicts (you know who you are!).

Instrument Care and Safety
This is very important for students AND families to know.  Here is the "short" version for the Grown-Ups:

• Never store an instrument in a vehicle because of extreme temperatures and potential theft.

• The instrument case should have a tag with your child's name, school, and classroom number on it.  Your phone number and/or email address is optional.  I do not recommend putting your home address on the tag.

• Family members can play the instrument if they are helping the student, but please store it safely away from curious, less careful fingers and paws.

• Do not try to repair the instrument.  District instruments should be brought to me on music day.  Owned or rented instruments may be brought to me for evaluation, or, just bring them to your repair shop.

• District owned instruments: Any damages that occur to the instrument, over and above those caused by normal use, during the period this instrument is assigned to your child is your responsibility. Be aware that these costs may exceed $500.00.  

Students are advised:

• Friends may not touch, hold, or play the instrument.  Blame Mrs. Ashford--it's her rule!

• The case should stay closed and latched (or zippered) at school, except when in music class.  

• Keep the instrument in the case when not using it.

• Keep the instrument case in hand when waiting for pick-up, or in any other public area.

• Treat the instrument case gently, and do not run with the instrument (rain or shine).

• Only use a dry, clean cloth to clean the outside of the instrument.

• Store the case in an area away from the rain, direct sunlight, or a heat source, and in a place where it won't be tripped over.

• Wash hands before playing the instrument.  Wind players should rinse their mouth before blowing. 

Other odds and ends:
Concert clothes: Young musicians typically wear black on bottom and white on top for concerts.  There will be a concert in March where this is important.  Keep this in mind when you are clothes shopping, and hopefully you will catch a good sale!

Music stands: Musicians need something to set the music book on while practicing at home.  Music stores sell folding music stands, which are inexpensive and easy to store when not in use.  You can also usually find them used--ask me if you want ideas of where to look! Some students prop the music on a shelf or other piece of furniture, or my favorite suggestion:  a pulled-out dresser drawer!

Kids forget--often!  Please help your child get in the habit of putting the instrument next to the backpack or on your child's shoes the night before music day.  I also recommend setting an alarm on a cell phone, tablet, etc. to remind your child to do that.  Please refrain from bringing a forgotten instrument to school during school hours.  I have ways for your child to participate in class if s/he does not have the instrument that day. 

I look forward to a fantastic year teaching your child! 

Musically yours,

Mrs. Karen Ashford
ashfordk@mdusd.org
Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM).
El Monte, Monte Gardens, Sun Terrace STEM Magnet, Westwood, and Wren Avenue School of the Arts
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

August, 2025

Welcome to Instrumental Music!

If your child is in the 5th grade and attends El Monte, Monte Gardens, Sun Terrace, Westwood, or Wren Ave Elementary, I will visit your child's classroom within the first week of school to talk about signing up for Instrumental Music classes. These are beginning-level classes. Online registration is open until August 15th.  I will hand out a paper registration for those who can not sign-up online.  Students must be registered by an adult parent or guardian.  

For those who have already registered, CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'RE IN THE PROGRAM!

For those who are considering signing up for these FREE lessons,  here is a brief overview:
Instrument lessons are one day per week for 45 minutes during school hours. 
Practicing at home is necessary for the best chance of success.  As they say, "My neighbors listen to good music, whether they like it or not." 😉
If you already own an instrument, please check to be sure it is in working condition.
It is possible to rent an instrument through a music store.
The district has instruments to borrow for free*.  Sometimes we run out and can't offer students their first choice instrument, so a second or third choice instrument might be offered instead.  You can request one when you sign-up.

*District-owned instruments must be returned in May.  Minor repairs are covered by the district, but we ask the family to pay for major repairs or replacement due to abuse or neglect.  

There is much more information and a yellow registration link, on our district website:

Elementary Instrumental Music "EIM" website

For all Music Families:
I will send more details as soon as I have them.  In the meantime, I am collecting sign-ups, answering questions, and working with classroom teachers to make the best possible schedule.  

The first two lessons (beginning after 8/15/25) will include:

• Instrument Care and Safety (more details for YOU in the next newsletter)

• Classroom Rules and Expectations (mostly common sense)

• Confirmation/Clarification of student instrument choices

• Review/Introduction of basic rhythm patterns and note reading

• String player "sizing" (this is important for violin and cello students)

• FYI: We will not need/use instruments for the first 2 lessons.  

• FYI: Students who are using a district instrument will not receive it until after completing the "care and safety" lesson.

The purpose of my newsletter is to clarify student progress & goals throughout the year,  and introduce families to the culture of instrumental music. You will find tips for success and inspirational links on other pages of this website.  Feel free to "bookmark" it if you wish!

I will email important messages directly to families, for example, concert dates, progress concerns, etc.  For this reason, it is important that I have your accurate & active email address.  

What about concerts? 
Students will have performance opportunities this year.  Although some children are very shy, these concerts are designed to be varied, meaningful, and low-stress. My hope is that by the end of this year playing for an audience will be a positive experience for every student! 

• November/December:  "Caroling" for younger students, during school hours.

• March:  Area Music Festival, in the evening for families.  Students combine with 5th grade musicians from several other schools to form a (very!) large ensemble.  Students are asked to wear black colors on bottom and white colors on top for this concert.

• April/May:  Assembly performance for peers, during school hours.

• There might be another concert opportunity for families to attend in May. 

• Students are always encouraged to play mini concerts for family (at home or video calls!) at any time during the year.

I look forward to teaching your child how to play an instrument this year!  Feel free to email questions.

Musically yours,

Mrs. Karen Ashford
ashfordk@mdusd.org
Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM).
El Monte, Monte Gardens, Sun Terrace STEM Magnet, Westwood, and Wren Avenue School of the Arts
Mt. Diablo Unified School District