In early September, 5th grade students begin instrumental instruction in group lessons held during the school day.  These lessons consist of no more that five students of like instruments.  The lessons are scheduled to meet on a rotating bases so that the same period of classroom instruction is not missed each week.  All beginning band students start their study in the Standard of Excellence Book.  Elementary instrumental students participate in one or two concerts their first year.  Elementary band meets during school once a week beginning in February.

    Students continue their instrumental instruction in Grades 6, 7, and 8.   Lessons are during the school day on a rotating bases.  Schedules are designed so that students will not miss the same class repeatedly.  In most cases students will miss the same class three times or less each marking period.

    The 6th-8th middle school band meets during the day from 2:33-3:15 on B D F days.  Instruction in middle school also expands as more technical, solo and ensemble music is introduced as the students' progress. In addition to band rehearsals which are schedule during the school day, students may elect to participate in the middle school Jazz Ensemble - an extra curricular music group that will start rehearsing in February.  Students also may expand their musical involvement by participating in the Rensselaer County All County Music Festival and/or NYSSMA Solo Festival.  Information about these events will be shared with students in rehearsals and via daily announcements and postings.