Information for Parents & Guardians

Instrumental Music is an approved yearlong instructional pull-out program open to students beginning in fourth grade. In 2025, students will need to be enrolled by September 30th.

Classes meet twice a week for at least 30 minutes during the school day. Students are released from other instructional classes to participate in the instrumental music classes and are responsible for making up any missed classwork.

Parents/Guardians are required to provide an instrument  and other necessary accessories such as reeds for woodwinds, valve/slide oil for brass and shoulder rests and rosin for violins & violas. The school will provide music books this year.

Instruction is for the entire school year and students are expected to attend class regularly. Students will receive weekly grades in Synergy for their playing progress and class attendance and will also receive a letter grade in instrumental music on their quarterly report card.

An instrument rental-purchase plan is recommended by the school system. All rental-purchase plans should be handled through a reputable music instrument store. The outright purchase of an instrument for beginners is not recommended.

In order to be successful students need to spend time at home practicing. In order to make progress, students will need to practice for at least 20 minutes 4 times a week. Independent practice assignments will be given and students will be expected to master them by the due date.

Instruments taught are: Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello. Brass: Trumpet/Cornet, Trombone, Baritone Horn. Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone.  Percussion (snare drum) is taught in elementary schools to students in fifth grade with at least one year of successful instrumental music instruction or with one full year of private piano instruction.

Dental work such as braces can make playing some of the wind instruments difficult. If braces are planned, then please consult with your orthodontist before renting a wind instrument.

Instrumental music classes for returning students will begin @the third week of school. Instrumental music classes for beginners are planned to start by the last week in September.

For questions, please email Ms. Miller at laura.miller@pgcps.org