Instrumental Music

The instrumental music program is a voluntary program open to 4th and 5th grade students. Lessons on band and orchestra instruments are offered weekly for one half hour, with 4th grade string students receiving two half hour lessons each week. The goal of the program is to allow students to apply skills previously learned in vocal music, as well as to develop new musical skills specific to an instrument.  In addition to weekly lessons, students participate in performing groups. Our school string orchestras and bands rehearse once a week before school, and perform two concerts during the school year. During these rehearsals, students are exposed to literature at various levels, develop group learning skills, and apply individual musical skills within a performing ensemble. Parents of younger children with instrument experience may participate in the before school ensembles. Contact Mr. Thomas for more information.

I look forward to your child’s participation in instrumental music at Duffy!

The instrumental music program provides intensive instruction to develop music skills and is a natural extension of the classroom music curriculum. Students in grades four and five have the opportunity to study a band or orchestra instrument. Small group lessons occur during the school day. Large ensembles rehearse weekly before school.

Student Progress Report:

Performs with correct position and posture.
Correct playing position and posture is the foundation for all successful instrumentalists.

Demonstrates good technique.
Technique is dexterity and facility on an instrument.

Plays with correct breath, bow or stick control.
Control of breath (winds), bow (strings), and sticks (percussion), is essential to produce a characteristic sound.

Applies proper bowing/tonguing/slurring technique.
Articulation of notes with the tongue (winds) and bow (strings) is important to develop good technique.

Performs with characteristic tone, on pitch.
Playing on pitch with characteristic tone is the product of proper breath control and embouchure (winds), bow control, finger placement and finger pressure (strings).

Reads rhythmic/melodic notation.
Students are taught to read music notation.

Is developing ensemble skills.
Ensemble skills in band and orchestra include responding to conducting gestures, playing music in two or more parts, and performing with proper blend and balance.

Work Habits

Shows evidence of consistent practice and high quality preparation. 
Students are expected to practice daily, demonstrating careful preparation of assigned music, with emphasis on repetition and self-evaluation. 

Focuses attentively during the lessons and rehearsals.

Brings necessary equipment to lessons and rehearsals.