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View Winners → Arcadia Elementary Music Program Starts September
Arcadia Weekly Aug 30, 2018
Students have the opportunity to perform in at least one concert per year.
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Students have the opportunity to perform in at least one concert per year. – Courtesy photo / YouTube, @AYMA Arcadia
The Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) is providing music instruction for all fourth and fifth grade students starting the week of Sept. 10. Students in fourth and fifth grade will select a music class to attend once a week during school.
All parents will need to register their child for a music class by 4 p.m. on Sept. 5. Students have the option of joining Instrumental Music (Band/Orchestra) or General Music. All music classes are taught by highly-qualified, credentialed music teachers, with additional support from instructional assistants.
AUSD has restructured the Instrumental Music Program to eliminate pullouts for music instruction. Students will not miss class to attend music classes. Students who signed up for Instrumental Music in May are encouraged to select the same instrument.
Please read the important information below to assist you in making your decision. Music classes are full-year courses, students are not able to switch classes mid-year.
Music Class Choices
Each student will choose one of the following classes:
1. Band (Instrumental Music)
Students will receive instruction on one of the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, or baritone. Percussion is available to fifth grade students who have completed one year of study on another instrument in fourth grade.
2. Orchestra (Instrumental Music)
Students will receive instruction on one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, or string bass.
3. General Music
Students will study elements of music through singing, playing small classroom instruments, working on independent projects, technology and etc. General Music is a non-performing class, meaning there will be no concerts.
The AUSD Instrumental Music Program begins in the fourth grade. No experience is necessary to enroll. Students who opt to enroll in the Instrumental Music Program will participate in either the Band or Orchestra classes based on instrument choice.
Students are expected to practice at home and have the opportunity to perform in at least one concert per year. Fourth grade instrumental classes are geared toward beginning instrumentalists, although accommodations will be made for students with previous musical experience. Fifth grade instrumental classes are geared towards second-year players, although it is possible to start a new instrument in fifth grade.
Students will need to provide their own instrument for the year. However, AUSD does have a limited number of district instruments to loan to students who are unable to provide their own instrument. Please click here for a list of local music stores.
Additional sessions will be held before school to support Band and Orchestra students. These “sectionals” will help beginning students learn their instruments and provide enrichment opportunities for advanced students. The sectional schedule will be distributed to parents and students in advance. Please note that attendance at sectionals is not required for students to participate in band or orchestra.
Information regarding instruments and supplies will be sent out either via email or distributed during the first class. It is not necessary to have an instrument for the first class.
