Ventana’s Instrumental Music Enrichment Program for Elementary Students

For students in 3rd through 5th grades, Ventana School is excited to continue our enrichment Instrumental Music Program for the 2024-25 school year under the direction of Ventana’s music teacher, Alec Hattan, with support from the Director of Elementary Education, Nicola Berlinsky. Students will be able to sign up for individual and group lessons and participate in ensemble work. Instrumental music lessons will take place after school, and ensemble work will occur during the school day.

Enrichment: Instrumental Music Program

The Instrumental Music Program is an additional after school program that 3rd-5th grade students can choose to participate in to enhance their musicianship.

To Learn More about the Instrumental Music Program:

On Aug 26, 3rd-5th grade students will participate in an assembly that will introduce them to the instruments and music instructors and review the expectations of the program.

After school at 3pm on Aug. 26, 3rd-5th graders with their parents are invited to meet the instructors and are invited to participate in an after school event to explore different instruments being considered and talk with Alec and the other instrumental teachers about lessons.

Between Aug. 26 - Sept. 6, parents of 3rd -5th graders will be able to sign up their children for the Instrumental Music Program if they wish to participate.

Making the Decision to Participate

If your child is interested in participating, they should discuss this with you. This is a serious decision and a full-semester at a time commitment. Students are expected to attend all lessons and consistently practice assignments between lessons.

It takes time and practice to become proficient enough on an instrument to truly experience the joy of playing with others. We therefore require a semester commitment from each music student that includes:

Attending weekly individual or group lessons after school
Attending a make up class during school hours on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:40 if a class is missed
Practicing at home as outlined by the music instructor
Ensuring that instruments are brought to school for lessons and ensemble work unless a school instrument has been supplied for the lesson for convenience (ie. drum set)
Attending weekly ensemble practice during school hours on Tuesdays from 12:00-12:40 (for returning instrumentalists first semester and all instrumentals second semester)

*There are no refunds for the duration of the semester should your child have a change of heart.
Offerings

All 3rd-5th grade instrumental students will receive instruction on their chosen instrument. Music theory will be embedded in each lesson.

Individual/small group lessons will be offered in violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, drums, voice, and piano for students who are new or returning to these instruments.

Signing Up and Scheduling

First Semester: Sept. 9 - Jan. 17 (16 weeks)

Second Semester: Jan. 27 - May 30 (16 weeks)

To sign up for the first semester:
- Families will be asked to sign up for the second semester during the first two weeks of January 2024.
- Creating a schedule of lessons takes a fair amount of time. Lessons will be coordinated on a first come, first serve basis. Alec may reach out to families to ask clarifying questions.
- If a student misses an after school lesson due to illness, family event, or scheduled day of no school (ie. PD day or conference day), the student will be invited to attend a small group lesson from 12:00-12:40 in the music room on next Tuesday when they are in school.
- All students who are continuing with an instrument they have already played will attend an ensemble class from 12:00-12:40 in the music room every Wednesday.
- All students who are new to their instrument will join the ensemble class from 12:00-12:40 in the music room every Wednesday in the beginning of January.

Obtaining an Instrument

Students will need a good-working instrument in time for their first lesson. There are different ways to do this.

Most people decide to rent an instrument for at least a first year before making the decision to purchase.
Some people buy or lease an instrument which is considerably less expensive over time, but more of a commitment in the beginning.
Percussion students do not need to buy a drum but they DO need to have their own size 5A drumsticks and a practice pad.
If you would like help or advice on obtaining an instrument for any reason, please contact Alec: alech@ventanaschool.org
String instruments come in different sizes and making sure students are sized properly is very important.
Students will need to bring instruments to school for lessons and ensemble work.
Students will need to bring instruments to school for lessons and ensemble work. Some instruments will be available to use at school. Individual students will work with Alec to establish which instruments may be borrowed from school for weekly lessons to reduce the home-school coordination.

Cost

Families will be required to pay for a semester of classes when signing up for lessons. There will be no refunds available for missed lessons, as weekly make-up lessons will be offered during school hours. No refunds will be available for students who might decide to stop taking lessons. Embedded in the semester commitment is the opportunity for children to persevere through the most difficult part of learning something new.

Each semester of lessons: $950

Please let the Director of Elementary Education know if your family is interested in signing up for lessons yet believes the price would result in a financial hardship.

Extended Care

Families will need to purchase an extended care ticket for students who are waiting for their lesson during after school hours.

First Semester: 16 Weeks, Sept. 9 - Jan. 17

Buffer 2 weeks for makeup lessons

Second Semester: 16 Weeks, Jan. 27 - May 30

Buffer week and a half for makeup lessons

Instrumental Music Program