Music offers the chance to be creative and to discover and explore new talents. Your child will also develop responsibility, improve coordination, concentration, discipline, and builds confidence in meeting new challenges. What ever music is or becomes to your child, participating in the instrumental program will open up a whole new world with new friends and opportunities.

Arlington Schools offers an instrumental music program beginning in 4th grade. Students who are new to the district or 5th graders who opted not to begin the program earlier may also join. Weekly 30 minute lessons start in the fall, later when the beginners have progressed sufficiently, they come together to form a band or orchestra. Students are expected to practice daily, complete a practice chart, bring instrument and all materials to school on the assigned day for lessons or rehearsals.

Mrs. Fraitag, Band

Mrs. Ely, Orchestra

Miss Dorsey, General Music

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Guidelines For Concert Attendence

The audience, as well as the musicians, are participants in every concert. When you participate in listening to the music, you will be sharing this experience with others in the audience and with the musicians on stage. Formal concerts are much different from rock concerts or sporting events, and require you to know some specific concert manners. In order to make a concert enjoyable for everyone, here are some tips to remember:

• Enter the auditorium quietly. Once you have been seated, be alert to activity on the stage as the musicians take their place for the concert.
• When the conductor enters, it is customary to applaud politely. Whistling, yelling, or screaming is not appropriate at any time before, during, or after a concert.
• Never stand or move around while music is being perfromed. It distracts listeners around you, as well as the performers. If you must leave for any reason, wait until a piece is finished, and the audience is applauding. Also, return to your seat only between numbers.
• It is impolite to talk, or even whisper, while the music is being performed. Listeners and performers are also distracted by sounds from programs, candy wrappers, jewelry and other objects. Remain still, and be thoughtful of others by talking or making sounds only between numbers.
• It is impolite to eat or drink refreshments during a concert. It is also impolite to wear hats or caps during a concert.
• Always say "excuse me," if you must pass in front of someone while going to or from your seat.
• If you must cough or sneeze while the music is being performed, always try to muffle the sound with a tissue or handkerchief.
• Watch the conductor when the music stops to decide whether or not to applaud. Some musical works have several parts or movements and the audience is expected to applaud only after all movements have been performed.
• Do not leave as soon as your child's portion of the concert is over. All of the students deserve a full audience for their performances.
• Concerts and other perfromances require self-discipline and patience from the audience. Understandably, children under the age five have difficulty sitting quietly still for any length of time.  They become easily distracted and bored and can disturb others around them.  We ask that you consider childcare for younger siblings at home on concert night.

If you always remember these simple guidelines, and use your own good manners, you can feel confident attending a concert anywhere. We wish to thank the Union Vale Middle School music department for sharing these concert tips with us.