Band and Orchestra

Northshore School District elementary schools offer students in grade 5 an opportunity to choose between Beginning Band, Beginning Strings and General Music classes during the academic school day.

Course Options

Beginning Band

Learning to play a band instrument as part of a performing band ensemble with concert performances. Instruments:

Flute
Clarinet
Trumpet
Trombone

Beginning Strings

Learning to play a string instrument as part of a performing string ensemble with concert performances. Instruments:

Violin
Viola
Cello

General Music

Singing, moving, creating and playing a variety of instruments with informal or concert performances dependent on school. Instruments vary by school. Examples include marimbas, guitars, ukuleles and percussion instruments.

What to Expect

In September, all students will participate in a series of exploratory lessons during which they will learn about Beginning Band, Beginning Strings and General Music. Following these exploratory lessons, students will be asked to rank their top three choices for their musical experience this year.

Our music staff will observe and record your child’s initial aptitude and interest throughout the exploratory process. At the end of the exploratory process, you and your student will receive a packet with a recommendation for the instrument and class placement your child might enjoy. This packet will also include specific information for all three classes, including: required materials and titles of course books. The recommendation packet is provided to help you make the best music course selection for your student.

You and your child will have the final say in selecting their class and the instrument they would like to learn.

Please do not purchase or rent any instruments or other supplies until the process is completed and you have had an opportunity to review the information provided at the end of the exploratory period.