Ventana’s Instrumental Music Enrichment Program
For students in 3rd through 5th grades, Ventana School is excited to launch an enrichment Instrumental Music Program for the 2023-24 school year under the direction of Ventana’s new music teacher, Alec Hattan, with support from the Director of Elementary Education, Nicola Berlinsky. Students will be able to sign up for individual and group lessons and participate in ensemble work. Instrumental music lessons will take place after school, and ensemble work will occur during the school day.
Core Music Instruction at Ventana School and Music Lab
All elementary students participate in Core Music Instruction during their school day. During Core Music Instruction, students receive lessons in music theory, music and rhythm notation, ear training, instrument awareness, beginning instrumentation, and movement. Elementary students are also invited to participate in Music Lab with Alec three times a week during lunch recess on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. During Music Lab, students can experiment with instruments they already play or would like to try, create soundscapes, write songs, and/or play pre-existing songs.
Enrichment: Instrumental Music Program
The Instrumental Music Program is an additional after school program that 3rd-5th grade students can choose to participate in to enhance their musicianship.
To Learn More about the Instrumental Music Program:
On Aug 21, 3rd-5th grade students are invited to participate in an after school event with parents to explore different instruments being considered and talk with Alec about lessons.
Save the Date: On August 23 at 6:30 pm, parents of 3rd - 5th graders are invited to attend an evening virtual event to learn more about the Instrumental Music Program and ask questions. A Zoom link will be sent to all 3rd-5th grade families.
During the last two weeks of August, 3rd - 5th grade students who already play their chosen instrument will meet with Alec to share their current level of musicianship. Parents can email Alec to schedule their child’s demonstration: alech@ventanaschool.org
Between Aug. 21 - Sept. 1, parents of 3rd -5th graders will be able to sign up their children for the Instrumental Music Program if they wish to participate.
Making the Decision to Participate
If your child is interested in participating, they should discuss this with you. This is a serious decision and a full-semester at a time commitment. Students are expected to attend all lessons and consistently practice assignments between lessons.
It takes time and practice to become proficient enough on an instrument to truly experience the joy of playing with others. We therefore require a semester commitment from each music student that includes:
Attending weekly individual or group lessons after school
Attending a make up class during school hours on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:40 if a class is missed
A minimum level of weekly practice as outlined by the music instructor
Ensuring that instruments are brought to school for lessons and ensemble work unless a school instrument has been supplied for the lesson for convenience (ie. drum set)
Attending weekly ensemble practice during school hours on Tuesdays from 12:00-12:40 (for returning instrumentalists first semester and all instrumentals second semester)
*There are no refunds for the duration of the semester should your child have a change of heart.
Offerings
All 3rd-5th grade instrumental students will receive instruction on their chosen instrument. Music theory will be embedded in each lesson.
Individual/small group lessons will be offered in violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard for students who are new or returning to these instruments.
For 3rd -5th grade students who would like to play the ukulele, a group class will be offered.The date and time will be determined at a later date. A minimum of 4 students need to attend this class in order for it to occur.
Signing Up and Scheduling
First Semester: Sept. 5 - Jan. 19 (16 weeks)
Second Semester: Jan. 29 - May 31 (16 weeks)
To sign up for the first semester:
First, we ask parents of 3rd - 5th graders to first email Alec to arrange a phone or in person conversation so that he can learn more about each child’s current level of musicianship and familial scheduling needs: alech@ventanaschool.org
Next, parents of 3rd - 5th graders will need to purchase the semester of lessons through the Extended Care/Enrichment app. Information about purchasing will be shared at a later date.
Families will be asked to sign up for the second semester during the first two weeks of January 2024.
Creating a schedule of lessons takes a fair amount of time. Lessons will be coordinated on a first come, first serve basis. Alec may reach out to families to ask clarifying questions.
If a student misses an after school lesson due to illness, family event, or scheduled day of no school (ie. PD day or conference day), the student will be invited to attend a small group lesson from 12:00-12:40 in the music room on next Tuesday when they are in school.
All students who are continuing with an instrument they have already played will attend an ensemble class from 12:00-12:40 in the music room every Wednesday.
All students who are new to their instrument will join the ensemble class from 12:00-12:40 in the music room every Wednesday in the beginning of January.
Obtaining an Instrument
Students will need a good-working instrument in time for their first lesson. There are different ways to do this.
Most people decide to rent an instrument for at least a first year before making the decision to purchase.
Some people buy or lease an instrument which is considerably less expensive over time, but more of a commitment in the beginning.
Percussion students do not need to buy a drum but they DO need to have their own size 5A drumsticks and a practice pad.
If you would like help or advice on obtaining an instrument for any reason, please contact Alec: alech@ventanaschool.org
String instruments come in different sizes and making sure students are sized properly is very important.
Students will need to bring instruments to school for lessons and ensemble work. Some instruments will be available to use at school. Individual students will work with Alec to establish which instruments may be borrowed from school for weekly lessons to reduce the home-school coordination.
Cost
Families will be required to pay for a semester of classes when signing up for lessons. There will be no refunds available for missed lessons, as weekly make-up lessons will be offered during school hours. No refunds will be available for students who might decide to stop taking lessons. Embedded in the semester commitment is the opportunity for children to persevere through the most difficult part of learning something new.
Each semester of individual lessons: $950
Each semester of group ukulele classes: $650
Please let the Director of Elementary Education know if your family is interested in signing up for lessons yet believes the price would result in a financial hardship.
Extended Care
Families will need to purchase an extended care ticket for students who are waiting for their lesson during after school hours. Families who purchase a yearly Extended Care subscription will receive a discount on lessons.