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Need to rent an instrument? 

See below in the FAQ or wait for your instrument teacher's confirmation email

Instrumental Music FAQs 

Enrollment: 

How do I enroll or register my child in the strings or band program? 

Click the link at the top of this page to access the enrollment form. 

How will I know if my registration has been processed? 

Your child’s instrument teacher will send a confirmation email shortly. 

When will my child have their first lesson? 

A lesson schedule will be communicated and distributed by mid - September. 

When will my child need their instrument? 

Students will need to have obtained an instrument by mid-late September. See below, under “Instrument Rentals and Options” for further guidance on obtaining your instrument. 

Instrument Rentals and Options: 

Why should I rent an instrument, instead of purchasing one? 

Some instruments, like the ones in the string family, come in different sizes to accommodate children before they reach their full adult height. Purchasing a string instrument in elementary school usually means you either outgrow it in short time, or it is too large to play well. Renting allows you to exchange for larger instruments as your child grows. Furthermore, if the instrument needs a repair due to normal use, the cost of that repair is covered under the rental contract. 

How do I obtain a rental instrument? 

You may choose from any instrument rental vendor that you wish. Some vendors, such as , have representatives that will deliver instruments directly to your child’s school, as well as pick-up and drop-off instruments for service or exchange. Other vendors such as  may visit the school, and/or offer brick-and-mortar retail locations nearby, like Music and Arts.  

Please order your rental instrument in a timely manner, to ensure it arrives as soon as possible. 

What size string instrument does my child need? 

Most 4th graders take the following sizes: 

· Violin: ½ 

· Viola: 12” 

· Cello: ½ 

If your child is taller than average, please go up one size. 

If your child is smaller than average, please go down one size. 

The rental company is advising me to purchase a music stand and/or accessories for my child’s instrument. Do I need to purchase them? 

Music Stands: We recommend that all students have a music stand to use at home for practice. If you do not wish to purchase one, your child’s school may have some to lend out to students. 

Accessories: 

· String instruments do not require any additional accessories. 

· Band teachers may recommend accessories, depending on the instrument. For example, woodwind instruments (clarinet, saxophone, oboe) use reeds that require replacement, so woodwind students will need to purchase additional reeds eventually. 

Can my child play guitar or piano in band? 

Our band and strings programs include instruments that perform together in a large ensemble. Guitar and piano are usually considered solo instruments, and as such, are not offered at the elementary school level. However, all elementary schools are equipped with keyboards to play during weekly general music, and guitar classes are available at the middle school level. 

General: 

What are the instrument offerings for my child? 

· Fourth grade: Students are eligible to join beginning strings and may choose to play violin, viola, or cello. 

· Fifth grade: Students are eligible to join the band program and may choose to play oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, bells, or snare drum. Fifth grade students can also continue playing a string instrument, with the addition of string bass as an option. 

· Sixth grade: All instruments continue to be available, and beginners are welcome to join. 

Does my child need a book? 

Band: Please purchase Sound Innovations Book 1 (Alfred Music)

Strings: A method book will be provided. 

What are my child’s responsibilities as a member of the band or strings program? 

Students must: 

· Practice at home, which is essential to success. The goal should be at least an hour a week, divided across multiple days. 

· Follow the lesson schedule and attend their assigned lesson on time 

· Make up any missed classwork that was completed while they were out of the classroom 

· Notify the music teacher at the beginning of the day if there is a conflict with their lesson 

· Bring their instrument and music with them to lesson each week 

· Attend all extra rehearsals and concert performances 

How do I transport my child’s cello or bass to school for lessons, since they are too big to ride on the bus? 

Cello students will either need to have a parent drive their instrument to school on lesson day or make arrangements with the strings teacher to borrow a school cello for their lesson. Bass students should rent a bass to keep at home, but they will use a school bass for weekly lessons. 

Learn more about the instruments: Click HERE

Lessons: 

When does my child receive lessons? 

Students attend one thirty (30) minute lesson a week, during the instructional day. The lessons will follow the 5-day cycle along with elementary specials. The lesson schedule rotates throughout the day so that students are not consistently missing the same instructional block. 

How will I know when my child has their lesson? 

Lesson schedules will be emailed and distributed throughout the year. Since we are shifting to a 5-day cycle, many instrumental music teachers will be utilizing text and/or email reminders so families can be notified in advance of their child’s lesson. 

Who will be in my child’s lesson group? 

They will attend the lesson with other students at their skill/grade level. 

What happens if there is a conflict with my child’s lesson time? 

Your child’s music teacher will work to minimize potential conflicts. If a conflict does occur, your child should report to their music teacher at the beginning of the day to notify them of the conflict and reach a resolution. 

Will my child be required to miss lunch or recess to attend their lesson? 

Lessons will not occur during lunch or recess. Additionally, music teachers strive to schedule lessons around specials as much as possible.