Enrollment Information
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The Upper Moreland Elementary Music Department is pleased to offer your child with a wonderful opportunity to discover the joys of playing a musical instrument. Studies have shown that students who play instruments beginning in elementary school and continuing into high school score higher on standardized tests, have better thinking abilities and understand mathematics, science and geometry better than those who don’t study music. Above all, your child will be given the opportunity to experience a lifetime of fulfillment through musical expression.
The Instrumental Music Program offers beginning group lessons on band or string instruments for 4th and 5th graders. Lessons are scheduled for 30-minutes and are given to small groups of the same or similar instruments once per week. These lessons often mark the beginning of a lifetime of studying and playing a musical instrument. If you and your child are willing to make the commitment necessary to succeed, it’s an investment that you will not regret.
Music is an integral part of a complete education. It engages students in individual and group activity; develops creativity, problem solving skills, critical thinking, and evaluative skills. Music integrates understanding from multiple disciplines and leads to an improved self-concept, a broader cultural awareness, and a development of life-long skills. Music develops the total person and evokes the very essence of humanity. Through performance-based music instruction, students discover and develop their potential through varied, sequential musical experiences in listening, performing, and creating. The program’s primary goal is to foster and promote an appreciation and understanding of music. Best current practices and techniques are regularly researched and updated enabling students to develop the proper skills needed for musical achievement.
Please read the following information so that you and your child will be able to make the most of this exciting musical opportunity. This information is provided to you as an overview of the program so that you and your child may make informed decisions about participating in the program.
If you need further information or have any questions please feel free to contact us via email, written note, or phone. From all of the music teachers in Upper Moreland, thank you for supporting your child’s interest in learning to play a musical instrument.
Lesson Scheduling
- ½ Hour lesson scheduled once per week.
- Lessons are scheduled during the school day and all students will be expected to make-up missed school work.
- Large Group Ensembles: Beginners Band (SYMPHONIC BAND) & Beginners String Ensemble rehearse before
school. These groups tentatively start rehearsing in January of each year. Band and Orchestra are optional
performing groups in which participation is highly encouraged once required skills have been achieved.
Obtaining an Instrument
- Via a relative or friend
- Lease through a local music dealer
PURCHASING AN INSTRUMENT, AT THIS TIME, IS NOT RECOMMENDED
> Be aware of plastic or colored instruments via Ebay, Sears, Sam Club
(i.e.- blue, green, purple, salmon, red...)
- Borrow/Acquire via friend/relative/acquaintance
> Have it checked by an authorized musical instrument dealer to see if playing condition before the first lesson.
- Music and Arts Center (District Recommended) Go go on-line or visit the store!
490 Easton Road
Horsham, PA 19044
Phone: 215-443-7880
Mr. Tom Gajkowski is our Sales Representative
Already Have An Instrument
- Make sure it is in playable condition
- Must provide required lesson book:
Band Expressions……………….…….Winds Book 1 (Brass & Woodwinds)
BREEZE EASY……………….......…...Drums Book 1
Orchestra Expressions……...........Strings Book 1
Note To ALL String Students
- All String students need to be measured for appropriate instrument size.
- If your child is playing the cello, go directly to Music & Arts Center to be measured.
- If your child is playing the violin or viola, please refer to the chart below for measurement sizes.
- If you are still unsure, go directly to Music & Arts Center to be measured.
Instrument Responsibility
School is not a safe place to leave instruments overnight. Please do not leave instruments in school overnight.
Transportation Alert:
State
Law prohibits large instruments: Baritone Horn, Percussion Learning
Kits (Drums), and Cellos on school buses. Instruments
that can safely rest on a student’s lap will be permitted. Be aware
that parents/guardians will be responsible for the transportation of
larger instruments. In most instances, with the exception of drums,
U.M.I.S. can accommodate transportation conflicts by providing a
“back-up” instrument for in-school use. It will be the
parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to transport drums ("PLK") to and
from school on lesson days. In extenuating circumstances, special
arrangements can be made for drum pick-up/drop-off.
Parents/Guardians are advised to take this information into
consideration in the instrument selection process.
Dates To Be Aware Of:
Monday..............6/5.......School loaner requests due by 9:00 AM via:
- Email (Preferable Method)
- Written notice (acceptable for extenuating circumstances ONLY).
- Requests should be received NO LATER THAN 9:00 AM.
Wednesday........6/7.......School loaner confirmation notices Emailed
See chart below for measurement guidelines
Friday.................8/18.....Lease contracts due in to Music & Arts Center by noon*
* This can be done and is highly recommended to do so online at:
Find our school.
Drummers should order the "PLK" (Percussion Learning Kit/Bell Snare Combo Kit)
Those selecting Violin or Viola should scroll down to the bottom of this page
Tuesday............8/29......Online Enrollment Closes *
Music & Arts Center Leased Instrument Delivery *
* No instruments will be distributed before the 1st scheduled lesson.
Thursday...........8/31......1st Year Lessons Schedules Distributed
* Should Have
all required materials:
Instrument and Lesson Book (If not ordered), 3 Ring Binder, and Pencil.
* CAN NOT GUARANTEE INSTRUMENT DELIVERY FOR THE 1st SCHEDULED LESSON
IF CONTRACT IS RECEIVED AFTER 8/18 NOON
Week of..............9/5.......1st Year Lessons Begin! *
In effort to "Go Green" we will post announcements and needed paperwork (i.e.- rehearsal calendars, weekly announcements/updates) on our UMIS "Music Bulletin Board" Web-page. You can copy and paste the above provided direct link. So you can stay best informed, we urge you to book mark this page and check it on a weekly basis (Fridays or Sundays are best) We will update the bulletin board on Fridays and occasionally on Sunday evenings. You will be able to check the bulletin board for rehearsal cancellations in the event of inclement weather. By keeping in touch with the "Music Bulletin Board," the need for our onslaught of emails will be greatly reduced.
In closing, we are excited that your child has taken interest in learning a musical instrument and we hope that he/she will choose to experience the joys that music has to offer. We look forward to teaching your child and creating musical memories that will last a lifetime!
Violin and Viola Measurement Guidelines: Have child fully extend left arm palm of hand face up. Measure, using tape measure or yard stick, from side of neck to middle of palm. Use measurements below to fins the appropriate instrument size.
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Violin Sizes
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18 ½ inches - 20 3/8 inches
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¼ Size
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20 3/8 inches - 22 ¼ inches
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½ Size
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22 ¼ inches - 23 5/8 inches
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¾ Size
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Over 23 5/8 inches
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4/4 or Full Size
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Viola Sizes
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21 ¾ inches - 23 1/4 inches
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Jr. Viola (12” or 13”)
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23 ¼ inches - 24 7/8 inches
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Intermediate (13" or 14")
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24 7/8 inches - 25 5/8 inches
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15 inch Viola
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25 7/8 inches - 26 3/8 inches
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15 ½ inch Viola
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26 3/8 inches - 27 1/8 inches
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16 inch Viola
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Over 27 1/4 inches
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16 inch or Larger
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