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RUSD Elementary Instrumental Music Program

Learning to play an instrument can be a very rewarding experience with benefits that last a lifetime. As a parent, you want your child to grow to be a well-rounded and successful adult. Click here to learn more about the benefits of learning to play an instrument. 

Here you will find a lot of information regarding the program, the musical instruments, benefits of learning an instrument, student expectations, music store information, music teacher contacts, supplies needed, care of instruments and concert etiquette.

No experience or music reading skills are necessary! You will learn everything you need during your weekly lessons.

In the first 7 days of school, your child will attend a demonstration of the various instruments and bring home information regarding signing up for orchestra or band.  Upon returning a parent-signed permission slip, your child will sit down with the teacher and try-out 2 or 3 instruments that you choose as a family.  The teacher will then make a written recommendation about which instrument best fits each child.  Students will bring this information home along with information regarding renting an instrument, supplies needed and the date that lessons will begin.  

Renting an instrument 

Information will be sent home regarding renting a musical instrument for your child.  There is no need to purchase an expensive instrument.  There are reputable stores in the area that offer monthly rental plans with insurance and repair services.    Each school has a limited number of instruments that can be rented from the school for $100 per year. Families who qualify for the lunch fee and book rental waiver, may apply for and borrow an available school instrument at no cost.  Families must have completed the appropriate paperwork with RUSD and been approved or your account will be charged. Please contact your child's teacher if you want to request a school instrument.

Click here for a listing of local instrument rental stores.

Students will receive free lessons once per week during the school day (with the exception of some Suzuki students at 3 schools).   In addition to this, many schools have full band or orchestra rehearsal on one additional day.  Students will be responsible for bringing instruments and music to school on these 1-2 days as well as attending all weekly lessons throughout the year.Lessons

Students will participate in required large group school concerts throughout the year.  Depending upon the individual school programs, concerts may be during the day, evening or on a Saturday.  Parents will receive notice of these events and should plan on attending. 

Which instruments can we play?

Students in grade 4 can begin lesson on a string instrument:   

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • String Bass

Click here to learn more about string instruments.

Students in grade 5 can begin lessons on band instruments:   

  • Oboe
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Alto Saxophone
  • Baritone
  • Percussion
  • French horn

Click here to learn more about band instruments.  

Home Practice and Grading

In addition to attending lessons and concerts, students must practice their newly learned skills at home daily.  Students will be assigned songs and exercises that need daily reinforcement to build skills necessary for the concert.  A portion of each quarterly grade may be based on the amount of time students spend practicing at home.  Each teacher will establish their own practice requirements.  A general idea of how much time is required would be 5 days of practice per week with 20-30 minute sessions each day.  Band & Orchestra are graded subjects and will be included on quarterly report cards and permanent school records. 

Contact Us

Click here for information to contact the instrumental music teacher at your child's school.

Please contact your school’s band or orchestra teacher with any questions specific to your child or school.  Questions regarding the overall Instrumental Music Program can also be answered by the RUSD Fine Arts Coordinator, Regan Schmidt, regan.schmidt@rusd.org

We hope you choose to involve your child in the RUSD Instrumental Music Program and enjoy the lifelong benefits of Music Education. 

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