Elementary Instrumental Music
2024-25: 4th & 5th Graders
Elementary Instrumental Music Program
Dedham has a long and storied history of band excellence and we are excited to be able to welcome our students to join in that tradition early in their school career.
The Dedham Public Schools offer all of our 4th and 5th graders the chance to learn to play an instrument during the school day.
Students who sign up will have one lesson per week - during the school day - taught by Dedham's elementary music teachers. The lessons are free; the only cost to families is the rental of the instrument (last year's cost was $28/mo and financial assistance is available for families who have the need). We are committed to providing an instrument to every student who wants to learn one, regardless of their financial resources.
Instruments available for 4th and 5th grade students are Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, and Trombone. Percussion (bell kit and snare) is available for 5th graders only.
- Instruments are not provided and will need to be purchased or rented.
- Loaner instruments are available for students in need.
If you have any questions about the Elementary Instrumental Music program, please contact Heather Kirby, Performing Arts Department Head, at hkirby@dedham.k12.ma.us or reach out to your child's music teacher:
- Amy Heil, Oakdale and Greenlodge Band, aheil@dedham.k12.ma.us
- Jen O’Shea, Riverdale Band, joshea@dedham.k12.ma.us
- Sara Santos, Avery Band, ssantos@dedham.k12.ma.us
Choosing An Instrument & Sign Up Details
Our band instrument demonstrations will be during the school day on Friday, September 13. Signups will be open from September 13 through September 16. We realize this is a short window which is why we are letting you know now so you may begin discussing with your child(ren) their choice of instruments sooner than later.
The sign-up process will include signing up for lessons AND renting/borrowing the instrument (if you don't already have one). Rental and loaner Instruments will be delivered to the schools before the first lesson, or available for pick up on Thursday, September 19, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the foyer of the DHS auditorium.
Lessons will begin by the first week of October.