Download Frequently Asked Questions

PINE ROAD SCHOOL
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM FAQ
Q - Can I sing in chorus if I am a member of the Band or Orchestra?
A - YES! There is no conflict.
Q - Can I take lessons on both a Band instrument and a String instrument?
A - Not in school. Occasionally a student will play one instrument for lessons in
school, and take private lessons outside of school for a different instrument. (It takes
an exceptional amount of dedication for a student to succeed at both instruments)
Q - Can I play in Orchestra and in Band if I play two instruments?
A - Only if you are taking private lessons on the second instrument.
Q – Do you offer piano or keyboard lessons in school?
A – No, we do not have the facilities or staff to be able to offer piano lessons. If you
study the piano privately, and would like to participate in a musical group at school,
please let us know.
Q - How much does it cost to rent an instrument?
A - A 9-month rental period (recommended), lasting the full school year, will cost
about $130 for most instruments. The Cello will cost approximately $200. Renting for
a half year and paying month-to-month for the rest of the school year will cost more.
Q – Is it possible to switch instruments during the school year?
A - No, you can only sign up for a different instrument at the start of a school year.
Q - Can I ever be in the Band or Orchestra if I didn’t start playing in 5th grade?
A – Yes, of course. Many students begin studying musical instruments at the
beginning of 5th or 6th grades, and some even later.
Q - Can I take lessons in school and also take private lessons outside of school?
A - Yes. We encourage students to get one-on-one instruction.
Q - Will I play in the Pine Road School Orchestra or Band in the 5th grade?
A - The Pine Road School Orchestra includes 4th and 5th graders and rehearses one
day a week before school. The 5th Grade Band will have weekly rehearsals before
school beginning sometime in October. Performances will include both the Winter
and Spring Concerts.
Q - Do I have to play in the Band or Orchestra if I take lessons in school?
A - Yes. Students who participate in the instrumental music program are expected to
be members of the school musical groups.
Q – Why are the openings in the drum class and saxophone class limited to a certain
number of students?
A – A proper balance of instrumentation is crucial to a successful band program. We
try our best to match students with the instrument for which they are best suited. If
you are starting the saxophone, it helps greatly if you have successfully studied the
clarinet for a year or two.
FLUTE
CLARINET
TRUMPET
TROMBONE
ALTO SAXOPHONE
VIOLA
VIOLIN
CELLO