South Fayette Intermediate School Instrumental Lessons
String and Band Program
Program Details and Frequently Asked Questions
PROGRAM DETAILS
Available Instruments
The available instruments in the String Orchestra Program (grades 3, 4, and 5) are violin, viola, cello, or bass. The available instruments in the Band Program (grades 4 and 5) are flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, alto saxophone, and percussion (includes bell set and drum pad). Students that select percussion will receive instruction on the bells first and then will transition to the drum pad/snare drum.
“Instrument Discovery Days”
Tuesday, September 2 through Friday, September 5, we will have our “Instrument Discovery Days.” Ms. Carranza and Ms. Crivelli, along with representatives of local music vendors, will assist your student in trying the instrument(s) he/she is interested in playing. This will give the student a better understanding of what is required to produce a sound and make an informed decision about the instrument he/she selects. This will occur during the school day, but each student will only be removed from class for a brief time (approx. 15 minutes) on one of the above-mentioned days. Only students that have been registered for Instrument Discovery Days will have the opportunity to try out instruments.
On your student’s scheduled discovery day, he/she will bring home a handout informing you of the instruments he/she tried and any recommendations or considerations. In addition, a formal permission slip and the class expectations will be sent home. Please discuss your student’s experience with him/her. Students will need to return the permission slip, indicating their instrument selection, to school by Monday, September 8. Band lessons are scheduled to begin the week of September 15, 2025 and string lessons will begin the week of September 22, 2025.
Lessons
Students in the String Orchestra or Band Program will receive one lesson per week. Each lesson is 30 minutes in length. Your student will be pulled from language arts, science, math, social studies, EXPLORE, or STEAM to attend lessons.
Ms. Crivelli and Ms. Carranza will create a weekly lesson schedule and distribute it to families electronically via email and/or Canvas. Additionally, the schedule will be posted in your student’s classroom, on the bulletin board outside our classrooms, and in various areas in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade wings.
Expectations
Students:
Access and review the lesson schedule each week
Attend lessons regularly and bring all materials
Practice at least 15 minutes per day!
Continue lessons through the end of the trial period (The trial period runs from September through the start of Winter Break.)
Talk to Ms. Crivelli or Ms. Carranza regarding any concerns or successes
Parents:
Encourage your child!
Access and review the lesson schedule with your student each week.
Help your student to establish a consistent practice routine of 15 minutes per day and sign your student’s practice log each week. Practice time at home is a requirement. Parents, yes, you may have to "make" your student practice. This is his/her “homework” for this class. If you are unwilling to help your child establish this routine or if you feel your student is already involved with too many additional activities to make this possible, then you may want to reconsider having your student participate.
Communicate freely with Ms. Crivelli or Ms. Carranza
If you decide to enroll your student in the String Orchestra or Band Program, you are committing your student to the program at least through the end of the trial period. (The trial period runs from September through the start of Winter Break.) This will ensure the child has received an adequate amount of instruction and practice time to accurately assess whether a switch to a new instrument is needed or if the student is simply not interested in participating. Of course, if we see that a change of instrument needs to be made earlier, we will let you know so that your student can be successful.
Ms. Carranza and Ms. Crivelli:
Provide 30 minutes of specialized instruction per week
Distribute lesson schedules
Report student’s progress
Communicate with parents regularly (schedule changes, upcoming events, concerns, etc.)
Obtaining an Instrument
You may purchase or rent your student’s instrument from any vendor you choose. We HIGHLY recommend renting as you do not know if your student will like playing an instrument. Also, string instruments come in a variety of sizes and your student will need to exchange his/her instrument periodically until the time comes that he/she is playing on a full size instrument.
If you decide to purchase an instrument, consider the following BEFORE you purchase the instrument.
Quality of the instrument – Remember, your student’s success depends greatly on the quality of his/her instrument!! Do you know who you are buying/renting from? Is the instrument in playable condition, especially if you are buying a used instrument? You can buy used instruments that are in great shape and some that are not so great. Many times repairs for instruments can be costly. Make sure you know if your instrument is in playable condition or inquire about the cost involved to make it playable.
Is the instrument you are purchasing on our Approved Instrument list? If it is not, you must contact Ms. Crivelli or Ms. Carranza and inquire whether the instrument you want to purchase is acceptable for our beginning instrumental music programs. Please understand that instruments that are painted (not the standard color) are not permitted, as these instruments are usually of poor quality.
IF IN DOUBT, do not hesitate to contact us. WE WOULD BE GLAD TO HELP!
Instrument Rental Programs
We encourage families to consider renting an instrument since you do not know if your student will like playing. Again, you are free to rent from any vendor you choose. (Representatives from Volkwein’s Music and Resonance Violins visit our school regularly to assist with your student's needs.) Some advantages of rental programs include affordable rental rates, payments that apply toward the purchase of a new instrument, free repairs, and delivery and pick-up available at the school. Please review any contracts that you receive/research thoroughly and contact the vendors directly with any questions regarding the rental process.
Rental contracts need to be mailed or delivered in person to the vendor of your choice! Remember, the rental contracts are the carbon copy forms. Another option is to complete the online rental contract that our vendors offer. Check with your vendor for specifics on what day you need to have your paperwork submitted in order to have your student’s instrument in time for their first lesson. If desired (and we do encourage families to take advantage of this service), the vendors will deliver your student’s instrument to the school prior to your child’s first lesson. Ms. Crivelli and Ms. Carranza will distribute the instruments at the first lesson.
*Please make sure your student does not attempt to put the instrument together without being instructed how to do so properly.
What Will Your Student Need?
Students enrolled in the String Orchestra Program (violin, viola, cello, bass) will need an instrument and the Essential Elements for Strings Interactive – Book 1 method book. In addition, violin and viola players will need to purchase a shoulder rest or shoulder sponge (if it is not included with the rental) cello players should purchase an endpin anchor strap or rock stop if their home practice area is not carpeted.
Students enrolled in the Band Program (flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion) will need an instrument and the Standard of Excellence Book 1 method book. In addition to the Standard of Excellence book, percussion students will also need the Roy Burns Elementary Drum method book. Alto saxophone players will need to purchase a swab for cleaning the instrument. Clarinet and alto saxophone players may also want to consider purchasing extra reeds as they will go through them quickly in the first few weeks until they learn how to secure them properly and handle with care.
We also highly recommend the purchase of a music stand for your student. It will aid your student in holding the instrument properly and with the correct posture and producing a proper sound.
FAQs
What if I am not sure if I want my child to do music?
Just like you say when your child is hesitant about eating new foods: Try it before you decide you don’t like it. Music is the same way. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started and is ahead.
What if I don’t know anything about music?
That’s ok! We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound.
How much out of school time is required?
Music is no different than any other curricular area. We ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every week. Think of it as musical homework, but much more fun. For a beginner, we recommend 15 minutes, 5 times a week. Since the success of playing an instrument is dependent on muscle memory, a consistent practice routine is essential.
What instrument should my child play?
The answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most important that they play something that they enjoy. We encourage you to visit the instrument choices page, watch the instrument videos with your child, and discuss the different options. Ask you child if they prefer to hear low sounds or high sounds; If they would prefer to play a large instrument or a small instrument. We will help guide your child on their decision based on their preferences and physical make-up to find an instrument that best suits them.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with music depend on which instrument your child chooses. You can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. Many local rental stores include insurance in their rental prices. We suggest that a child rents an instrument before purchasing while they are learning to care for the instrument. Rental information will be provided to your child during instrument discovery days at school. If financial constraints prevent you from being able to obtain an instrument, please contact us and allow us to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program and school in general, it is sometimes difficult to contact us by phone. The best way for you to reach us is electronically at cmcrivelli@southfayette.org (Orchestra) or ekcarranza@southfayette.org (Band). This will allow us to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not.