Huntington School District third graders will be exposed to a variety of musical instruments on Wednesday, January 23. “Meet the Instruments” is an annual program that introduces primary level students to musical instruments they can study and play as fourth graders.
Orchestra and band teachers will be visiting third graders across the district, meeting with classes to demonstrate and discuss instruments and explain the instructional and performance program that awaits the youngsters next year. Students will be asked at a later date to complete an application and indicate three choices of instruments they would like to learn to play.
Students can begin to study an instrument in fourth through sixth grades. Students may occasionally start in later grades depending upon the circumstances.
Ultimately, the success of Huntington’s instrumental program depends on having well balanced ensembles, so not everyone can play their first choice. The groups wouldn’t sound very good if there were only saxophones and drums, or all violins, the music teachers told the third graders. “Our experience is that most students are quite happy with playing any of their choice instruments,” one teacher said.
For more information about the music program contact Eric Reynolds, district director of fine and performing arts at (631) 673-2106 or ereynolds@hufsd.edu.