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.
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.
Practice at least 3 times a week
Maintain your current academic performance
Participate in Lessons, Rehearsals, and Concerts
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone Horn
Percussion (Bell Kit)
Violin*
Viola**
Cello*
Double Bass*
*These instruments come in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 sizes
**Viola comes in 12”, 13”, 14” and 15” sizes
The most important factor in helping your child choose an instrument is choosing an instrument that they are excited to play! If they are excited about the instrument they are much more likely to practice and be successful on it.
Open the attached google document to see demonstrations of each instrument:
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.
We recommend renting an instrument to start.
The stores in the area work with us to offer instrument brands that the teachers approve of
The stores in the area offer rent-to-own plans so that you eventually own your instrument
The rental programs offer insurance to cover any accidental loss or damage to the instrument
The child can easily switch instruments if they change their choice
String students can move up in size when needed
If you do decide to buy an instrument instead of renting, please keep the following in mind:
Spend time researching the various brands
Quality instruments average between $600-$1500
Be weary of “Deals”
Once you own it, switching instruments can be tough
String students need an instrument sized to their body
String Students need bigger instruments as they grow
If you already own an instrument:
Have it looked over by your child’s teacher
Instruments that sat for a long time may need some repairs
String instruments might not fit the student
If your child is choosing a string instrument, see your child's instrumental teacher before ordering an instrument to get sized
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.
189 Bridgeport Ave, Milford, CT 06460 (Right over the Devon Bridge)
Phone: (203) 783-9828
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.
Band students need the book Sound Innovations Book 1 by Sheldon, Boonshaft, Black, and Phillips for their instrument. If you rent an instrument, the music store you rent from should be able to order the book for you.
Be sure to order Book 1
Be sure to order the book specifically for your instrument
Percussion students need the "Combined Percussion" book (it's basically two books in one)
Click here for links to purchase the band book for your instrument
String students need the book Strictly Strings by J. Dillon, J. Kjelland and J. O’Reilly. If you rent an instrument, the music store you rent from should be able to order the book for you.
Be sure to order Book 1
Be sure to order the book specifically for your instrument
Click here for links to purchase the strings book for your instrument
It is highly recommended that each student have a music stand for home practice. Practicing without a music stand can cause bad posture habits, and make proper sound production difficult. The music store you purchase your instrument from should also have music stands appropriate for home practice. They can also be purchased online here.
Saxophones and Clarinets need additional reeds, as they will break and they wear out with repeated use. Vandoren size 2 or D'addario Royal size 2 reeds are excellent for beginners. They can be purchased from most music stores. Click Here For Clarinet Reeds. Click Here For Saxophone Reeds.
String instruments need to rosin their bows in order to make a sound. If you rent your instrument it should come with rosin and a bow.
*Make sure you select the correct size for your instrument. If you're not sure, check with your child's music teacher
Cello and Bass need a rock stop to keep the instrument in position and protect the floor
Brass instruments require a lubricant to keep the instrument in playing condition. This should be applied regularly. Rented instruments usually include valve oil or slide cream, but when it runs out it will need to be replaced. It can be purchased from most music stores.
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