How does your kids' school do instrumental music?

[Anonymous]

Growing up, every kid in my elementary school was required to pick an instrument in fourth grade and join orchestra or band. The music teachers taught group lessons during the school day. Band and orchestra class was once a week. We rented instruments through the school. I believe the teachers were shared throughout schools in our district.

I just found out that our matched school doesn't have an instrumental music program but is looking to implement one in the future. I was curious which schools do instrumental music well, and what resources are available. It would be helpful if you mention the school name and at least if charter or DCPS.one big challenge the

[Anonymous]

SWS requires students to pick a string instrument beginning in 4th grade.

[Anonymous]

Takoma Hs a good program.

For DCPS look for elementaries that say they do arts integration.

Historically DCPS stopped offering this universally at least 20-30 years ago. The DC Youth Orchestra program was launched to try and fill in the gaps. It is a Saturday program, takes very young kids and they live at their own pace. Worth looking into if you don’t have something up and running at the school you match with.

[Anonymous]

Schools that go to Fillmore have options for strings or band starting at 3rd. But they only get group lessons I think and it’s only once a week.

[Anonymous]

Rice Monroe has weekly music class and my K student plays xylophone in there. Then strings for all kids in 3rd grade I think. I have been really impressed with the music teacher and her class. They invited parents to observe the music class and it wasn’t great.

[Anonymous]

Bruce Monroe not rice!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Rice Monroe has weekly music class and my K student plays xylophone in there. Then strings for all kids in 3rd grade I think. I have been really impressed with the music teacher and her class. They invited parents to observe the music class and it wasn’t great.

Hi - Just curious if there was a typo somewhere when you say you were impressed by the music teacher and her class, and then said the class that you observed wasn't great? If they're both true, would it be possible to elaborate - what was impressive, and what was not? Thanks.