4th Grade Orchestra Lessons

What is orchestra? Beginning in 4th grade, students can join the AB Orchestra program to learn how to play violin, viola, cello, or bass. Playing an instrument is an exciting opportunity that reinforces teamwork, self-discipline, reading skills, spatial awareness, fine motor control, and creative expression, all while learning a wonderful life-long skill. Your child will see a demonstration this week.  Orchestra is an optional program. There is a fee to participate - $220 plus the cost of renting an instrument. Financial assistance is available. Lessons take place before school from 8:00-8:45 am. Students will need transportation for their morning lessons (no bus available). Students are expected to practice in between lessons to make progress.  Piano and guitar are not part of our school music program (they are excellent instruments, but not part of school orchestra programs). When are lessons? Gates: Monday - 8:00-8:45 am Conant: Tuesday - 8:00-8:45 am Merriam & Blanchard: Wednesday - 8:00-8:45 am McT: Thursday - 8:00-8:45 am Douglas: Friday - 8:00-8:45 am

How To Register Your Child?
Complete the Registration Form Depending on your device, the form will be located at the top or bottom of this message in the "Forms" tab. Fill out the form and click "Complete and Sign Form."  Having trouble? If you see a "Select Child" message, you may be logged in with an email not linked to your child's AB account. Try using the ParentSquare app, as this automatically links to your student's profile. Pay for the Program After you register, you'll receive an invoice via ParentSquare in the next 48 hours. You can pay online or mail a check to the address on the invoice. Important: Your child will be unenrolled if payment is not completed within 7 days. If you are applying for financial aid, please complete the district's financial aid application as soon as possible. Your invoice will be adjusted after your application is processed. Acquire an Instrument Renting is the best choice for young musicians.  The school has arranged for David French Music to deliver instruments directly to your child's school on September 17. Violin, Viola, Cello should select a 1/2 sized instrument Bass should select a 1/8 sized instrument To ensure delivery on September 17, you must rent your instrument by September 15. In addition to David French Music, Spencer Brook Strings and Leonard's Music, also serve our schools.
Caution!
We strongly advise against buying an instrument from a generic online vendor. While they may seem cheaper, these instruments are often a poor investment because they are low-quality, have no support or warranty, and can cause frustration for beginners. Our teachers cannot fix your child's instrument. If you receive a broken or malfunctioning instrument from a generic online vendor, your child could go weeks without instruction or practice while you wait for help. All of the vendors listed above will provide your child with a loaner instrument while your rental instrument is being serviced.

Common Questions:

What size instrument should I select at David French Music? All students should choose a 1/2-size instrument, except for the bass. Students who choose bass should select a 1/8th size instrument. We can make adjustments free of charge with David French Music if we feel your child should be on a different size.  Please see our Frequently Asked Questions document for a list of our most common questions.

Important Upcoming Dates
There is no instrumental pick up this year. All instruments will be delivered to the school.  9/12/2025: Regular Registration Ends 9/15/2025: Late Registration Begins (limited availability) 9/15/2025: Deadline to reserve an instrument for 9/17 dropoff 9/17/25: Instruments rented from David French Music delivered to schools Week of 9/22/25: Lessons begin at all elementary schools

Still have questions?
Orchestra Website Katherine Greene - Orchestra Director - kgreene@abschools.org George Arsenault - Director of Performing Arts - garsenault@abschools.org - 978-264-4700 ext.42101

[Friday, Sep 12 at 9:06 PM]
Good evening,

Registration for the 4th-grade orchestra program is still open. Please see our original post for full details about the program.

Important Notes:
- Registration will close on 9/17
- Please reserve your instrument by 9/17 to ensure delivery on 9/19
- All instruments will be delivered to your child's school on 9/19
- Students will collect their instruments at their first lesson after being shown proper care procedures.

Financial assistance is available. Please see post for links and details.