4th Grade Conservatory
In 4th grade, all students continue to have General Music class once a week and now have Conservatory music class once a week. All 4th graders choose from one of a number of different instruments. We break instruments into two broad categories: band and orchestra.
In 4th grade Conservatory, students learn:
instrument technique
how to get a good sound on their instrument
how to play with proper beginning technique
and to play scales and songs.
As we get closer to the end of 4th grade, we combine all 4th grade String Instrument students together to form a String Orchestra, and all Band Instrument students together to form a Concert Band for students to experience what it's like to perform in a large ensemble.
A message for students choosing instruments:
As you consider which instrument to choose for fourth grade, we ask that you watch the instrument demo video here below and we also encourage you to search for other YouTube videos of different playing each instrument. Students will make a first, second and third choice for their instrument preference and should base this on which instruments they like the sound of most.
INSTRUMENT DEMO VIDEO:
4th Grade Instrument Library
Band Instruments
Flute
The flute plays the highest notes in the woodwind family and is the only one played by blowing across a hole.
Clarinet
The clarinet has a single, flat piece of wood (reed) attached to a hollow mouthpiece. It has a remarkable range of pitches.
Trumpet
The trumpet, with its high-pitched brilliant tone, is the leader of the brass family. A trumpet player can produce all the notes of the scale by pressing the valves and changing the lip vibration speed.
Trombone
This instrument sounds very brassy like the trumpet, but it makes a lower sound. The player changes tones by sliding one tube in and out of the other, rather than by pressing valves.
Percussion
The percussion section of the band keeps the beat, builds excitement and adds color to the band. A percussionist does not just play snare drum; they also plays concert bells, bass drum, and many other instruments. A Combo Percussion Kit containing a snare drum, practice pad, bells, stand for both, and sticks and mallets. Enrollment is limited.
Orchestra Instruments
Violin
The violin is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the string family. It is held under the chin and rests on the player’s left shoulder.
Viola
A little larger than the violin but played in the same manner, the viola is the next lower member of the string family. It has a warmer tone quality than the violin.
Cello
The cello plays notes that are lower than the viola, but it is much larger. Due to its size, the cellist sits in a chair. The cello has an end pin that rests on the floor to help support the instrument.
Upright Bass
The upright bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed stringed instrument. Because of its size the bassist stands to play the instrument, which rests on the floor.
For more information, please see our 4th Grade Conservatory Frequently Asked Questions page at this link.
Link to Needs-Based Financial Assistance Form for Instrument Rental
Please read the rental letter and if you require needs-based financial assistance to cover the cost of instrument rental please click here and fill out the needs-based financial assistance instrument request form: