Instrumental Music

FAQs about the Instrumental Music Program

1. What instruments can my student play?
   • Band: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion
   • Orchestra: violin, viola, cello, and string bass
2. Where can I rent an instrument?
   • We have many instruments available to rent from the county.  The fee for the year is $100; $50 for students on reduced lunch; $25 for students on free lunch.  Preference for school rentals for free and reduced lunch students.
   • Percussion students are expected to purchase their own sticks and practice pads for practicing at home.
   • You may also go to a local music store (Foxes Music, Music and Arts, or Chuck Levins) and rent instruments.
   • I do NOT recommend purchasing an instrument for a 4th or 5th grade student since most music stores have rent-to-own programs.  Instruments from retail stores (not music stores) are often not as good a deal as they seem – many instruments break quickly and parts are very rare or very expensive.
3. How are lessons scheduled?
   • Students should register before mid-September.
   • Once students are registered I will place them into small groups with similar instruments.
   • Lessons will meet once a week for 35 minutes.
   • Lessons are scheduled during the school day, but I do my very best to not pull students out of classes like math, science, or writing.
4. Are there any performances?
   • Yes!  We have 2 concerts each year.  The spring concert has two performances – one during the school day and one in the evening.
   • Evening concerts will start at 7 pm.  Students should arrive at 6:30.
   • We have a concert dress at Glebe of black shoes, black pants/skirt, and a white top.  However, students are NOT graded on what they wear, just on their ability to come and play to the best of their ability!

Important Forms:

• APS Instrument Rental Form
• APS Instrument Rental Form (Spanish)

Other Local Band and Orchestra Websites to check out:

Swanson Middle School
Williamsburg Middle School electives, Williamsburg Middle School Band
H-B Woodlawn Music, H-B Woodlawn Band (Facebook page)
Washington-Lee High School
Yorktown High School:  Music and Band