Learn To Play An Instrument

 

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When can I start learning an instrument? Students can enroll for band or orchestra in 4th grade.

When do lessons start? Instruments will be delivered to your school in September, and your orchestra or band teacher will contact you with the lesson schedule as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to rent an instrument? Depending on the instrument you choose to learn, pricing can vary based on the size of the instrument.  All pricing information can be found on the two district approved vendor's websites. Keep in mind that a good portion of the rental price is applied to the eventual purchase of the instrument.

Where can I rent an instrument? The district has two approved vendors that will provide our students high quality student model instruments, our required method book, and any necessary accessories. Once your teacher has contacted you with acceptance into the program on one of your desired instrument choices, they will send you links to these vendors.

Can I buy instead of rent? Yes. You may purchase an instrument if you wish to, but we recommend renting for at least a year or two. Stringed instruments come in different sizes, and the rental will include size changes at no additional charge. Both band instruments and strings can be found for inexpensive purchase, but we caution parents that these instruments may not hold up to normal wear and tear, and that many of these instruments are often frustrating to play even for an experienced professional. Many of these inexpensive instruments will not play in tune, while many just break. Reputable instrument dealers will refuse to repair them, and most likely the seller will just send you another instrument of the same quality and tell you to discard the original. Before you buy, please contact your teacher or the Supervisor of Arts Education so that you may make an informed choice!

What if I have an instrument at home? Great! Make sure it is the instrument you want to play. We also would recommend contacting us to ensure the instrument is in playable condition.

Can any instrument play any song? Absolutely. You can play any song on any instrument, so make sure you pick an instrument that you like. 

What is the hardest instrument to play? The easiest? All instruments take the same amount of work to learn, and no instruments are easier or harder than the others. You must practice often to play well, but playing an instrument is a lot of fun. Just ask anybody who already plays an instrument! When you join the Band or Orchestra, you get to play music with other kids in school, and there is nothing more fun than making music with your friends.

Can anyone play any instrument? Generally speaking, yes! If you have a concern about how an instrument works or the size of an instrument, contact your band or orchestra teacher for advice.

Will I get my first choice of instrument? We will try to honor as many first-choice requests as possible. However, there are a limited number of available slots open with certain instruments due to balance requirements in our ensembles. Generally, the sooner you submit your application, the better chance you may have of receiving your first choice.

What is the option for mallets (percussion)? Beginning students who choose mallets will rent a bell kit (similar to the piano keyboard but play with mallets), and will also learn to play the snare drum on a practice pad only. 

Can I switch instruments in 5th grade? Unfortunately, you may not switch your instrument in fifth grade, because all fifth-grade instrumental music classes would be comprised of intermediate level students (no beginning students). We encourage you to make a wise choice and pick an instrument you will want to practice and play! There may be an opportunity to then change instruments in 6th grade, to an instrument that is needed in the band or orchestra.

When is the first concert? Beginning students will perform in their first school concert in the spring of their fourth-grade year. Some smaller, in class performances will occur occasionally throughout the year.

Do I get a grade for playing an instrument? A report card is issued twice a year to indicate student progress in several areas of learning. Think of this more like a progress report rather than a grade.

Are there other opportunities to play? The school district offers an opportunity to rehearse and perform in district-wide ensembles in both band and orchestra. More information regarding these ensembles will be distributed after the start of the school year.

What are the benefits of playing an instrument? While many will say that students should be exposed to the arts for the benefit of raising test scores, the real benefits of arts education are seen in the outlet for expression. Whether you are an artist, a musician, an actor, or just an appreciator or consumer of the arts, each discipline provides the participant with a forum for appropriate and meaningful emotional expression. The ability to create, communicate, and interact with other members of society is a basic need of every person, and a vital component for growth in a child’s world. Please visit the website linked below for even more research on this subject: 

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/reasons-to-play-a-musical-instrument/

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4th Grade Instrumental Enrollment Form Link

 

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BOWNE-MUNRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mr. Beckett, Orchestra

Mr. Nuzzi, Band

EAST BRUNSWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Excellence in Academics, Athletics, and the Arts 

Michelle DaGrosa, Supervisor of Arts Education