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Instrumental Music Lesson Registration Is Open!

Posted Date: 9/02/25 (10:00 AM)
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Ensemble Block
The Acton-Boxborough School District offers a weekly Ensemble Block for all 5th and 6th graders during the regular school day. This is a chance for students to explore their musical interests and grow as individuals. Your child will attend a demonstration for all instruments this week. If you've ever seen one of our award-winning high school programs and wondered how our AB students perform at such a high level, it starts here!

Students can choose from four options:
  • Band
  • Orchestra
  • Chorus
  • Stay in their  classroom
Ensemble Block does not replace or interfere with regular class instruction. While participating in a music ensemble is not mandatory, we highly encourage all students to join one.

If your child chooses Chorus or Stay in their classroom, you do not need to fill out any forms or read any further. Piano and Guitar are not taught as part of our large ensemble program (they are great instruments, but not suited to our large ensembles). 

Why do we offer ensembles?
Ensembles are a magical way for students to make music and build connections. In music ensembles, students listen, collaborate, and create something special together. Students develop essential life skills, such as teamwork, artistic thinking, and self-discipline.

Ensemble Block Options:
Here's a quick guide to the music ensembles we offer, along with any associated fees. 


Band

  • Fee: $220 + instrument cost (Financial assistance is available)
  • Who it's for: All 5th and 6th-grade students. No prior experience is necessary.
  • Registration: Register in ParentSquare (form attached to this message)
  • What you'll learn: Students can learn flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, oboe, French horn, trombone, or percussion.
  • Schedule: Lessons take place before school, with a full band rehearsal during the school day's Ensemble Block. See below for details. 

Orchestra

  • Fee: $220 + instrument cost (Financial assistance is available)
  • Registration: Register in ParentSquare (form attached to this message)
  • Who it's for: 5th and 6th graders with prior experience. Orchestra lessons begin in 4th grade.
  • New to orchestra? If your child is in 5th or 6th grade and is interested in learning an orchestra instrument for the first time, please contact Mrs. Greene at kgreene@abschools.org for more information. Students without experience need to complete study before joining. 
  • Schedule: Lessons take place during the Ensemble Block. See below for details. 

Chorus

  • Fee: NO FEE
  • Registration: No registration is necessary.
  • Who it's for: All 5th and 6th graders.
  • Schedule: Chorus is a free option that meets only during the Ensemble Block. There are no before-school lessons for chorus.
Stay In Class
  • No registration is necessary.

How To Register Your Child?
  1. Complete the Registration Form
    • Find the attached form and click "Complete and Sign Form." Depending on your device, the form will be located at the top or bottom of this message in the "Forms" tab.
    • Note: Students in chorus or those staying in class do not need to register. You can stop reading! Have a great year!
    • Having trouble? If you see a "Select Child" message, you may be logged in with an email not linked to your child's AB account. Try using the ParentSquare app, as this automatically links to your profile.
  2. Pay for the Program
    • After you register, you'll receive an invoice via ParentSquare.
    • You can pay online or mail a check to the address on the invoice.
    • Important: Your child will be unenrolled if payment is not completed within 7 days.
    • If you are applying for financial aid, please complete the district's financial aid application as soon as possible. Your invoice will be adjusted after your application is processed.
  3. Acquire an Instrument
    • Renting is often the best choice for young musicians.
    • The school has arranged for David French Music to deliver instruments directly to your child's school on September 17.
    • To ensure delivery on that date, you must rent your instrument by September 15.
    • Other local vendors, such as Spencer Brook Strings and Leonard's Music, also serve our schools.
Caution!
We strongly advise against buying an instrument from a generic online vendor. While they may seem cheaper, these instruments are often a poor investment because they are low-quality, have no support or warranty, and can cause frustration for beginners.

When Are Lessons?
Band Lessons
Orchestra Lessons


Common Questions:
Are there class size limits? Yes. Percussion and brass lessons, in particular, tend to fill quickly. We suggest registering early for these instruments.

Can my child bring their instrument on the bus? Most instruments fit on the bus. However, your child must be able to carry their own instrument and keep it on their lap if the bus is full. Percussion kits and cellos are the most common instruments to cause difficulties. Basses cannot be carried on the bus. 

Can my child try a different instrument than they played last year? Yes! 

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions document for other common questions.

Important Upcoming Dates
  • There is no instrumental pick up this year. All instruments will be delivered to the school. 
  • 9/12/2025: Regular Registration Ends
  • 9/15/2025: Late Registration Begins (limited availability)
  • 9/15/2025: Deadline to reserve an instrument for 9/17 dropoff
  • 9/17/25: Instruments rented from David French Music delivered to schools
  • Week of 9/22/25: Lessons begin at all elementary schools
  • Week of 9/29/25: Ensemble Block begins at all elementary schools

Still have questions?






[Thursday, Sep 11 at 3:09 PM]
Good afternoon,

Registration for the 5th and 6th-grade instrumental music program is still open. Some instruments are filling fast, so we recommend registering soon if your child wishes to play an instrument (percussion and saxophone have only a few seats left). Clarinet lessons have more space if your child wants to be a smaller class. All other instruments are still available.

Please refer to our original post for program details. If you have any questions or concerns (including finance and transportation), please contact me for assistance.

George Arsenault, Director of Visual and Performing Arts
garsenault@abschools.org

Important Dates:
9/17 - NEW DATE - Monday - Registration Closes
9/17 - NEW DATE - Wednesday - Reserve your instrument for school delivery
9/19 - Friday - NEW DATE - Instruments will be delivered to school
Week of 9/22 - Lessons begin. Students will pick up their instruments during their first lesson. Their teacher will show them proper care and assembly.