4th Grade Orchestra Lessons at AB

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. 

• Orchestra is an optional program.

• There is a fee to participate - $195 plus the cost of renting an instrument.

• Financial Assistance is available.

• Lessons take place before school from 8:00-8:45 am.

• 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 - 8:00-8:45am
• Conant: Tuesday - 8:00-8:45am
• Merriam & Blanchard: Wednesday - 8:00-8:45am
• McT: Thursday - 8:00-8:45am
• Douglas: Friday - 8:00-8:45am

Can my child's instrument fit on the bus?
Lessons take place before school, so all students require their own transportation in the morning. For bus rides home, most instruments (except bass) will fit on the bus. Please remember that all children must be able to carry their instruments. Bus drivers cannot assist students with getting on or off the bus due to their instruments. 

How do I register my child? 

1. Fill out the form using this message: "forms." (depending on your device, it will be at the top or bottom of this message)
2. Submit payment with one of the options below:
   • Pay online using this message: "items for purchase" (depending on your device, it will be at the top or bottom of this message), 
   • Pay by check:
     • make out a check for $195 to ABRSD.
     • print out a copy of your registration form.
     • Put your child's name and school on the check.
     • Mail within seven days to Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, ATTN: George Arsenault, Director of Performing Arts 36 Charter Road, Acton MA 01720.
     • Your child's school office will not accept this check.
   • If your family qualifies for financial assistance, please follow this link to apply for financial assistance.
3. Acquire an instrument

How do I acquire an instrument?
You may rent an instrument anywhere you like. However, the school district has done a lot of work for you. Every string instrument comes in a variety of sizes. Violin, for example, can be found in 7 different sizes! Students need to play on the correct size instrument, and they will likely go through a few sizes as they grow.



[Monday, Sep 9 at 3:12 PM]
Good afternoon,

This is a friendly reminder that registration for the AB 4th grade elementary string program ends on Friday, 9/13. If there are remaining spots in lessons after this date, we will accept them via a late registration process. If you have already registered and paid, you should have received confirmation via ParentSquare.

Instruments: www.davidfrenchmusic.com
David French Music will host an Instrument Rental Pick-Up Night on Thursday, 9/12, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the ABRHS cafeteria. To pick up an instrument at this event, you must reserve one online by tomorrow, Tuesday, 9/10. You do not have to attend this event to rent an instrument or participate in the program. Instruments reserved after the cutoff date will be delivered to the school.

Please select a 1/2-size instrument unless you are certain your child needs a different size. We can adjust the instrument later if the 1/2-size does not work.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

George Arsenault
garsenault@abschools.org
K-12 Director of Performing Arts

[Monday, Sep 16 at 11:11 AM]
Good morning,

Registration for the AB 4th grade orchestra has been extended. Please see our original post for more details, register, and pay. If you rent early this week, rental instruments should be delivered in time for the first lesson.

www.davidfrenchmusic.com

Are you trying to register but see this sign below when you hover your cursor over "Select Child"?You may be logged into ParentSquare with an email address not associated with your child's AB account. We suggest trying the ParentSquare app on your device and trying again. 

For questions, please contact:

George Arsenault
garsenault@abschools.org
K-12 Director of Performing Arts