What to Expect

Band and orchestra are elective classes open to all 5th-grade students and students receive a grade for participation. Students attend one lesson and one rehearsal per week.

Super Lessons

• Near the beginning of the school year, students can choose to attend an optional Super Lesson – a free, one-hour evening session for students (and parents!) to learn the basics of your student’s instrument. Students only need to attend one session.

Lessons

• Students receive a 20-minute individual lesson per week. These individual or small group lessons take place during the regular school day.
• During lessons, your student will receive individual attention and technical instruction specific to their instrument that cannot be taught during the full class rehearsal. Lessons contribute greatly to each student’s individual musical achievement and to the performance of the entire ensemble.

Rehearsals

• Students meet as a large group class for 30 minutes per week either before or after the school day. Classes meet for rehearsal outside of academic time, so your student will not miss any classroom instruction during band or orchestra class.
• During large group classes, students learn the basics of how to balance and blend with a collective group of musicians and how to rehearse collaboratively to prepare music for performances.

Practice

• Students are expected to practice 15-20 minutes 4-5 days a week. This will ensure the student is prepared for lessons and rehearsals.

Performances

• During the school year, students will perform three evening concerts that typically take place in December, March and May.