Program Overview- Students in 4th and 5th grade at ADS may participate in the school instrument lesson program. Lessons happen during the school day and are free for families. All lesson will happen remotely for the start of the year using Zoom.

4th Grade Instrument Choices- Current ADS 4th graders may choose to play a string instrument, either VIOLIN, VIOLA or CELLO. Students will have a 20-30 minute small group lesson each week. Students will be expected to practice at home for a minimum of 60 minutes each week. 4TH grade students usually do not perform a concert until the very end of the school year.

5th Grade Instrument Options - Current ADS 5th grade students may choose to play a BAND or STRING instrument.

5th BAND Options are FLUTE, CLARINET, TROMBONE, TRUMPET, and PERCUSSION. (Please note-ADS will only accept a maximum of 5 percussion players this year) Band students will have a 20-30 minute small group lesson each week. Students will be expected to practice at home for a minimum of 60 minutes each week. 5TH grade students usually do not perform a concert until middle of March 2021.

5th STRING Options are VIOLIN, VIOLA or CELLO.

Returning 5th grade string students, who took string lessons in 4th grade last year, should continue on that same instrument this year in 5th grade. 5th grade string players will be placed in the ADS Orchestra which will have 1 30-minute rehearsal each week. The ADS orchestra plays several concerts through the year the first will be in Jan of 2021.

(Please Note- Due to limited online scheduling this year a 5th grader who would like to start beginning violin, viola, or cello, will likely be placed in a lesson group with 4th grade students for the first semester.)

FIRST STEP- PLEASE REGISTER YOUR STUDENT

The deadline to register your student is Sept 27.

FINDING INSTRUMENTS

Most ADS families will rent an instrument from one of the schools two instrument vendors. Both Johnson Strings and Ellis Music provide new high-quality instruments for students to learn on. You can rent an instrument online at their webpages and they will deliver directly to ADS in late September.

You may also find an instrument within the community. Many families borrow instruments from friends and relatives. You can also find used instruments for sale on sites like Craigslist and Ebay. However those sites are buyer beware. If you choose any of these options please contact Mr. Alberici before lessons begin so he can check the instrument over for damage.

Email him at: malberici@sau8.org

ELLIS MUSIC For Trumpets, Trombones, Clarinets, Flutes, and Percussion You can order an instrument online and have it shipped to Abbot-Downing School . The delivery date to ADS will be on Sept. 29. You will be notified by. Mr Alberici when you can pick-up at school.

Lesson Book For Band- Band students will need to purchase a copy or "Essential Elements for Band" Book 1, for their instrument.

The deadline to order an instrument from Ellis is Fri. Sept 25