Beginning in the 4th Grade, Stratford students have the unique opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. See below for information on how to join your elementary school's band or orchestra program and the supplies that you will need.

When are Lessons?

• Students are taught a 30 minute lesson once a week in small groups with other students playing the same instrument.

• Lessons are taught during the school day.  The instrumental teacher and classroom teacher work together to find times that are ok for the students to leave class.

When are Whole-group Rehearsals?

• Students get together once a week for a rehearsal of the entire band or orchestra.

• The rehearsal are held during the school day.  The instrumental teacher and classroom teacher work together to find a time that is ok for all the students to leave class.

Student Expectations

• Practice at least 3 times a week

• Maintain your current academic performance

• Participate in Lessons, Rehearsals, and Concerts

What Brand Of Instrument Should I Buy?

This topic is highly debated, and it is our policy to not make a personal recommendation since there are so many high quality band instruments available from different manufacturers.

We can tell you that the music education text books Teaching Brass (Bailey, Miles, Siebert, Stanley, & Stein, 2008) and Teaching Woodwinds (Dietz, Kirkbride, Ott, Weiger, & Whittaker, 1998) identify several brands of instruments that they say are appropriate for beginners. These include:

Yamaha, Jupiter, Selmer, Armstrong, Buffet, Bach, Conn, and Holton. Both texts recommend the Yamaha brand for all instruments at every level from beginner to professional musician.

This is by no means a complete list. There are MANY other manufacturers that make high quality musical instruments, and much of the choice comes down to personal preferences.

While there are several options that you are free to choose from, the following stores have established a working relationship with our school district. We do not endorse any particular store over another.

Your child will need a book for their instrument in order to participate in instrumental music lessons. Below find the information to obtain the correct book for each instrument.

Click here for a complete supply list of supplies needed for each instrument

• Lessons will begin as soon as possible

• Set up the instrument rental as soon as possible

• The music stores rent to numerous schools and often need two or three weeks to prepare the instrument for you.

• Please be patient as we schedule all the students into their lesson times

• Please encourage your child to Practice

• Confirm that they are keeping the instrument clean and safely stored

• Encourage them to “perform” for your family

• Look to see they have enough supplies

• Tell them how proud you are for their effort!

• Check Practice Logs if their teacher uses them