Third Graders Learn about Instrumental Program
Huntington School District instrumental music teachers toured through the four primary level buildings earlier this week, presenting separate concerts for third graders and kicking-off an informational campaign about the instrumental program that will be available to the youngsters next September
Later this month, parents of the third graders will be invited to an evening meeting that will highlight the available instruments, including demonstrations, and include an overview of the band program.
In early February, music teachers will return to the primary schools, visiting third grade classrooms to discuss just how the instrumental program works and providing details about the individual instruments. The youngsters will be asked to complete an application and list three choices of instruments they would like to learn to play.
Students can begin to study an instrument in fourth through sixth grades. Sometimes the district is able to start students at either the middle school or high school level, too, depending on the teenagers’ schedules and level of interest.
Ultimately, the success of Huntington’s instrumental program depends on having well balanced ensembles, so not everyone can play their first choice. “The groups wouldn't sound very good if there were only saxophones and drums, or all violins,” explained Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts. “Our experience is that most students are quite happy with playing any of their choice instruments.”
Third graders headed into the instrumental program are encouraged to sign up for the summer arts enrichment program, where they can begin the study of their instrument and take a wide variety of music, art and dance programs. Students who enroll in the summer program play five times a week, and have been known to make substantial progress toward learning their instruments. The brochure for the Summer Arts Program will be available by mid-February and posted on the district’s website at www.hufsd.edu.
The music teachers who performed the recent concerts are a dedicated group. “They all feel very strongly about maintaining the quality of our program and are committed to providing students and parents with as much information as they can share about the benefits of playing an instrument,” Mrs. Fretz said.
For more information about the music program contact Mrs. Fretz at 673-2106 or jfretz@hufsd.edu.
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