Whiting Lane Elementary School
Instrumental Music
The instrumental music program at Whiting Lane Elementary School encourages fourth and fifth grade students to explore their musical potential on a wind, brass, percussion or string instrument. The instrumental music program is designed to develop musical understanding and instrumental proficiency through ensemble performance and individual mastery of the instrument. We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve in music. The instrumental program approaches instruction through building the "inner" instrument as well as the music instrument because the music instrument is an extension of the mind and the body. Students develop their musicianship by singing, moving their bodies, improvising, reading and writing music. Students also develop the instrumental technique and proficiency needed to play their specific instrument. The focus of each activity is to empower students to become independent music makers and active music learners. The goal for all students in the instrumental program is to develop a foundation of musical understanding and appreciation that will last a lifetime.
 
All students enrolled in the program will receive a thirty-minute weekly group lesson on their instrument during the school day. Fourth grade string players will meet twice a week for thirty minutes. In addition to weekly lessons, students participate in performing ensembles. Our school string orchestras and bands rehearse once a week before school, and perform several concerts during the school year. During rehearsals, students are exposed to literature at various levels, develop group learning skills, and apply individual musical skills within a performing ensemble.