Steps to Join

Joining the Band or Orchestra at your elementary school is EASY!

STEP 1: CHOOSE AN INSTRUMENT!
Students in grades 3-5 are currently meeting with the music teachers in the district to introduce them to the instruments available.   You’ll also get a chance to view those presentations here:

STEP 2: GET AN INSTRUMENT!
Menchey Music provides quality, affordable instruments to students under a rent to own plan.  These instruments have been tested by the music teachers in the district, and include a maintenance program.

Instruments rented through Menchey can last through your child's elementary and middle school career.  There are also opportunities down the road to upgrade your child's instrument by trading your beginner instrument in.  Please see the Menchey rental informational video below.

menchey video

If you have an instrument in the house – or a family member has one – that can be an option as well.  Please contact the appropriate music teacher so we can do a quick assessment on whether or not it may need repairs.

PASD has a limited supply of instruments that can also be rented.   If either of the options above are not a financial possibility for your family at this time, please contact your child’s music teacher to explore additional options.   We do NOT recommend purchasing an instrument at this time to anyone – especially from an online store that might advertise it as a "great deal”.  (Yes...there are purple instruments out there, but please do not get them either!)  These are NOT made well and break quite easily.  Most repair shops will not even work on these instruments since parts are not available.    

ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES:
Each student will also need to obtain a beginning method book, music stand (for at home practice) and instrument-specific accessories.  These can be purchased directly through the Menchey link when you register – or from other sources!

FOR PARENTS

Learning an instrument is an amazing experience for students – and we want parents to be a part of that – even if you have never played an instrument.

ENCOURAGE:
Like any new skill, there will be ups and downs in the process – and sounds that you may not necessarily recognize to begin with.   Let your child know that progress is not a straight line!

ENFORCE:

Developing a practice routine each day will be vital in the skill development.  Helping your child build this into their schedule will ensure progress moves along faster.

ENGAGE:
Ask them what they are playing - or ask them to teach YOU what they have learned thus far!

EXCITEMENT:

Your child is learning a lifelong skill that will open doors to them for decades to come.   

Tim Lautzenheiser Speaks on the Benefits of Music

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