Attention Parents of Third Grade Students

Students entering 4th Grade have a wonderful opportunity to learn how to play a Band or Orchestra instrument. Recently, the third grade students had a demonstration of the instrument choices available to them at Horace Mann Elementary.

Fourth Grade Instrumental Music Program

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES for 2017-18

STEP 1

Submit your Pre-Registration by June 23rd

Review and discuss the list of instruments available at Horace Mann and complete the attached “Pre- Registration” form. To help decide what instrument to choose, I suggest you use YouTube to look up videos of what these instruments sound like. (You can go to for some videos to get you started.) Give the form to your music teacher before the end of this school year. This will help your music teacher prepare a draft roster and class schedule so classes will begin on time in the fall.

INSTRUMENTS AVAILABLE atHorace Mann Elementary School

BAND Instruments: Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Percussion (Bell Kit w/drum pad), Trombone, Trumpet,Baritone Horn

Band Method Book: Accent on Achievement, Book 1

STRING Instruments: Cello,Viola, Violin

Strings Method Book:Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1

STEP 2

Acquire an Instrument and Method Book for Your Child

Over the summer, investigate options for leasing/renting a musical instrument for your child.Parents are responsible for obtaining an instrument and method book for their child.* Please read the information about acquiring a musical instrument and method book on the music web page ( See above for which method book you will need to buy.

Classes will begin the week of September 25. Students should have their instruments and books no later than September 22, 2017.

There are several music stores in the greater Boston area where you can lease/rent an instrument. Some of these stores are listed on the music registration web page. For specific questions about instrument selection for your child, please discuss options with your instrumental music teacher: Megan Lotz () and Geoffrey Wadsworth ()

We also advise purchasing a music stand for at home practice. Affordable music stands will be available at your music store or online.

*Families who require financial assistance may apply for a needs-based scholarship instrument as well as for assistance with class tuition. Please go to the registration web page (mentioned above and below) for more information about Financial Assistance and to apply.

STEP 3

September 22nd, 2017: Registration Due

Instrumental music teachers will remind 4th grade students about the program and will continue to accept pre-registration forms until September 22nd. Families who miss this deadline should speak to Ms. Lotz or Mr. Wadsworth before completing a late registration. Families who submitted their pre-registration form in June will receive a reminder and update from their instrumental music teacher in early September.

STEP 4

Complete Registration & Fee Payment

On-Line Registration OPENS June 16, 2017

  • Families that confirm their pre-registration will receive an invoice in October

for the $150 participation fee or they can register/pay fees online

  • Parents will have the option to pay $75 for the fall semester and will be

invoiced$75 in January 2018 to continue classes in the spring semester

  • Online Registration and Fee Payment is encouraged

Fee-Waiver & Needs-Based Scholarship Instrument

Newton Public Schools will ensure that all students have access to this opportunity. Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to apply for a Fee Waiver. Applications for a fee waiver and scholarship instrument are available on the Music Registration page of the NPS website:

Newton Public Schools Fourth Grade Instrumental Music Program 2017-18

Pre-Registration Form

Complete this Form and Return it to your

Music Teacher by June 23rd

PLEASE PRINT

STUDENT NAME: ______

SCHOOL IN FALL 2017: ______

4th GRADE TEACHER (if known):

PARENT CONTACT NAME: ______

PARENT CONTACT EMAIL: ______

INSTRUMENT: ______

Can’t decide which instrument right now? Discuss options with your music teacher or explore instruments at a local music store or on YouTube. A final decision must be made in time to ensure you have your instrument by Sep. 22, 2017

Why pre-register? Organizing instrumentalclasses is a large task that must happen quickly at the start of the school year. Pre-Registration forms collected at the end of 3rd grade help our music teachers prepare draft schedules to ensure classes begin on time. For students who follow through to enroll in the program at the start of 4th grade,invoices for the $150 lesson fee will be sent home in October. Pre-registration at the end of 3rd grade is not required but students must make their decision before Sep. 22nd.

We intend to use Online Registration & Fee Payment (opens June 16, 2017)

We are applying for a Fee Waiver andNeeds-based Scholarship Instrument. (Applications for a fee waiver and scholarship instrument are available on the Music Registration page of the NPS website)

PLEASE MAKE A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS