Hi All!
Today we discussed the different instruments the students can choose from in each grade. I sent home some paperwork which they should look at with their family to choose an instrument to play this year and to let me know how they intend to get the instrument.
The students were so excited to hear the different instruments! They had wonderful questions! One that I hear a lot is: How do I know which instrument to choose? The answer to that question is, choose the one you like the sound of the best! Any instrument will require a LOT of practice, and if they like the sound of it, that helps!
Also, I think families should consider how far the student will have to carry the instrument - if you live a long way from school and your child is a walker, a lighter instrument is a good idea! However, if your child adores the trombone and feels comfortable hoisting it to school and back, that is fine!
Fourth grade choices: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bell Kit
Fifth and Sixth grade choices: All of the above, plus Tenor Saxophone, French Horn, Baritone, Percussion
How to get an instrument:
1) Own it! Yes, I put that out there! It is a wonderful investment to buy an instrument!
2) Rent it! Music & Arts, Russo music and local music stores all provide instruments to AHES students.
3) Borrow from AHES: we have a limited number of instruments, but this is the cheapest option!
All clarinet & saxophone students are responsible for getting their own reeds.
Instrument assignments will be made next week, the schedule will be created. I will let you know when lessons are starting. After students have 2 lessons, we will begin before school band.