The Escondido Union School District Elementary Instrumental Music program provides fourth and fifth grade students (6th at Conway) an opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. The goal of the program is to provide a beginning instrumental music class that will prepare students to progress to more in-depth instrumental music instruction offered at the middle school and high school levels. Instruments taught in the program are the clarinet, flute, alto saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and percussion.

Educationally, the study of music is a great way for students to develop perseverance, creativity, sensitivity, organizational skills, conceptual thinking, aesthetic perception, flexibility, and problem- solving skills. Additionally, students who participate in the program will learn the qualities of rhythm and pitch; how to read and play notes, as well as other music symbols; how to work cooperatively in a band setting; posture and playing positions; tone quality; music appreciation and performance etiquette. Students will also experience the special belonging and sense of accomplishment that comes from playing an instrument and being a member of a performing band.

Elementary school Music Instructors: Peggy Ann Baker, Jeffrey Johnson, Monique Niemela, Raul Yepez

• During school hours - Students attend band once a week for 45 minutes as part of their instruction day.

• A full school-year commitment.

• Open to all interested 4th and 5th grade students.

• Free of charge!

• Classes begin in September.

• Care for and maintain their library loaned instrument*

• Purchase the music book “Accent on Achievement, Book One” and all necessary supplies (approximately $20)

• Practice approximately 15 minutes per day, each school day

• Come to class on time with their instrument, music book, and Skill Builder book

• Notify band director if he or she is not going to be in class

• Parental confirmation is required to drop out of class

• Work hard and be prepared to have fun!

*EUSD has many instruments to loan to students. If your students instrument of choice is unavailable, parents/guardians will need to provide their own musical instrument, book, and supplies.

Instruction will be provided in the following instruments, each with its own advantages and challenges. The following descriptions are to provide you assistance in choosing an instrument.

Accent on Achievement, Book One: Make sure the book is for the instrument your child will play.

Clarinet: A small, lightweight instrument. Good for achieving early success!

• Six #2 reeds

• Swab, preferably cloth with drawstring

• Plastic reed guard

• Cork grease

Flute: A small, lightweight instrument. (The most difficult for children to learn in the early stages.) Requires good breath control and finger dexterity.

• Cleaning rod

• Handkerchief or cloth with stitched border

Alto Saxophone: A larger, heavier instrument. Good for achieving early success. Requires some finger dexterity. Good for students with larger hands.

• Six “#2” reeds

• Pad saver or swab

• Neck strap (should be included)

Trombone: A larger, heavier instrument that requires less finger dexterity. Requires a good musical ear and lots of patience.

• Slide oil or slide cream

• Small soft cloth

Trumpet: A mid-sized instrument that requires finger dexterity and a good musical ear.

• Valve oil

• Slide grease

Percussion: Sticks and practice pad make for a small, lightweight instrument. Students can rent/purchase a snare drum or use a practice pad. Requires good motor skills and rhythm.

• Pair of medium drumsticks

• Practice pad

**Concert Bells: Only offered at some schools.

No purchase necessary

1570 Cherokee Street

San Marcos, CA 92078

760-744-3699

354 E. Grand Ave

Escondido, CA 92025

760-480-1511

985 Escondido Avenue

Vista, CA 92083

760-630-7451