Band Registration-Grade 4

Dear 4th Grade Students and Families,

Timeline of Important Dates for 4th grade Band:

• 9/18: Deadline for signing up for the Band program using the online form on the website. 
• 9/18: Families are notified via email of their musician’s instrument assignment.  While most students will receive their first choice of instrument, we may need to assign students their second choice. We make every effort to accommodate students' first choices, however other factors are also considered when finalizing all students' instrument assignments.
• 9/26: Information Night for Families & Rental Instrument Pick-up: Students and a parent/caregiver should plan to attend a meeting at 6:30pm at Scituate High School in the Center for Performing Arts to learn about how our Band program, expectations for participating in the program, getting to know their music teachers, and renting an instrument. Attendance of at least one caregiver is expected, even if your family is not renting an instrument through Goulet & Co. Families renting through Goulet & Co. will pick up their instrument. 

The week of 9/30: Anticipated start date for grade 4 Band lessons. By this point students will have:  selected and rented an instrument, know what lesson group and time they have been assigned, and will be getting very excited to start their musical journey!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  Why should my child learn an instrument?

A:  There is a tremendous amount of research showing the benefits of learning an instrument for its own sake, but also for the academic, cognitive, mental, physical/health, and emotional benefits it provides students – now and as they get older. You can read about some of those benefits here.

Q: What are the main expectations of Band students?

A: Students are expected to attend their weekly lessons and weekly Band rehearsals, attend the spring concert, come prepared to lessons/rehearsals with all required materials and equipment, and have a growth/learning mindset. Students are expected to practice at home roughly 5 days per week for roughly 15 minutes per day. 

Q:  When do the lessons/Band rehearsals take place?

A: Students meet once per week for a 30-minute small-group lesson (with students who have chosen the same instrument). Roughly around February, students will also begin attending a 45-minute rehearsal with the full Band once per week. Small-group lessons and Band rehearsals occur during the school day. If you are concerned about your child missing time in their main classroom, we can assure you that Band students’ overall academic progress is typically improved, enhanced, and enriched!

Q: Is there an opportunity to learn a string instrument?

A: Bonnie Harlow, a wonderful string teacher, runs a separate, private string program that takes place after school. She offers lessons on the violin, viola, and cello for a fee. If your child is interested in one of these string instruments, you may contact her directly at (781) 254-8525 or Bcelliharlow@gmail.com to make arrangements for lessons  with her. Please be advised that Bonnie’s string program is not part of our in-school Band program. It is a private lesson program that she offers after school and all communications regarding string lesson sign ups and cost must be coordinated with Bonnie directly. 

Q:  What if I have other questions?

A:  Feel free to reach out with any questions:

    Mr. Andrew Loretz (Elementary Band Lead Teacher): aloretz@scit.org

    Mr. Jim Thomas (Department Chair of Fine Arts): jthomas@scit.org