Dear 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Families,
Happy New Year! I am excited to share that instrument registration for the second half of the school year is open! This is particularly exciting for two reasons. First, because this is the first time 3rd grade students are eligible to play wind instruments and secondly because all students in grades 3-5 have completed a comprehensive unit of study on the instrument families and showed great interest! I am hoping that many of the students I have met in music class will consider playing a band or orchestra instrument as they would surely be an asset to the Sprague School Band and Orchestra programs.
Often times I get questions and concerns from families about choosing instruments. Here is some advice I always like to share.
- First and foremost, even if your child has tried an instrument before and was not successful, please let them try again! Perhaps it wasn’t the right instrument or the right time developmentally. I often compare it to choosing an ice cream flavor, just because you don’t like Maple Walnut doesn’t mean you give up on ice cream altogether, you probably just need to try another flavor! If your student shows interest, let them try again! My youngest tried 4 instruments before she found the one she loved!
- Let your student choose an instrument by choosing one they love the sound of. Of course, the flute is much easier to transport, but if they love the sound of the Trombone or Euphonium they are far more likely to practice. Even if you played the Saxophone once upon a time and have one at the back of your closet, unless they love the sound of the Saxophone, don’t make them play that instrument. Let them choose it themselves, they are more likely to be successful.
- Playing an instrument does NOT take a lot of time. In the beginning, the basic commitment is one 30 minute lesson a week and 10 – 15 minutes of practice time a day at home. Just like sports, kids start small and build up their skill level, stamina and time commitment and this is based on their interest level.
- If your child plays an instrument, it is okay to let them try a second one! Students who are already successful on an instrument often demonstrate an interest in playing another one. Let them give it a whirl, they will probably enjoy playing both! Additionally, students who play a solo instrument such as Piano or Guitar often enjoy the camaraderie of playing an instrument in a school ensemble.
- Finally, you are never too old to start an instrument! People start instruments at all different ages and stages of their life, it would be better to try an instrument than always regret never giving it a whirl.
I hope you and your student will consider giving an instrument a try this semester. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have regarding our instrument lesson program and the attached registration information! 3rd grade registration.pdf
Thank you,
Katie Dexter
Sprague Music Teacher/Band