Students in 5th grade finally have a chance to learn to play a band or orchestra instrument! Parents may register for 2018-19 band or orchestra when paying fees for 5th grade; there is an $80 tuition fee (this fee is adjusted for students who qualify for exempt or reduced fees). Other expected expenses are instrument rental, instrument accessories, lesson books, and a music stand for home practice.

When school starts in August, students will hear and see the instruments as the instrumental teachers demonstrate them.

Students then have an opportunity to try out the instruments with the band and orchestra teachers during the first weeks of school. After instruments are chosen, they are ordered and delivered in time for the second lesson. Band instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Orchestra includes violin, viola, cello, and bass; in some schools, students who already take lessons and are proficient in guitar, piano, and harp may audition for orchestra. We do not offer beginning instruction in these instruments. Please check with the director at your school for more information.

Instrumental lessons start in mid-September. Lessons are once a week and rotate during the school day so that students do not miss the same subject every week. After students learn the basic fundamentals of playing, large group rehearsals are added for ensemble instruction, either before or after school once a week.

Students who already play an instrument may also participate, starting in 3rd grade. Please notify your band or orchestra director!