Information for Parents & Guardians
Instrumental Music is an approved yearlong instructional pull-out program open to students beginning in fourth grade. In 2023, students will need to be enrolled by September 25th. Actual instruments should be provided no later than October 2nd.
Classes meet twice a week for @30-40 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 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 SchoolMax for their playing progress and class attendance and will also receive a letter grade 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 is not recommended.
In order to be successful students need to spend time at home practicing. Specific independent practice assignments will be given each week and students will be expected to master them by the next week's class.
Instruments taught are: Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass. 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 instruments difficult. If braces are planned, then please contact the instrumental music teacher before renting the instrument.
Instrumental music classes for returning students will begin by 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
