Winchester Elementary Schools
The Instrumental Lesson Program begins in the 3rd and 4th Grades. Playing an instrument can be a rewarding and lifelong pursuit. In addition, increasing brain research on the subject shows that the brain benefits from studying an instrument at an early age.
Group Lessons
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Strings (violin, viola, cello, or bass) - lessons start in 3rd grade. Please click here for more info
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Woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone) - lessons start in 4th grade
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Brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone or baritone) - lessons start in 4th grade
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Percussion (snare drum and bells) - lessons start in 5th grade. Class size is limited.
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Lessons are organized by instrument family and grade level. If students have prior experience or are starting new in fifth grade, instrumental instructors will make decisions regarding appropriate placement in the lesson program.
Instrument Lesson Schedule:
Lessons begin at each of the elementary schools in September. Please refer to Elementary School Page for details.
Elementary School Orchestra and Band:
Students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in our weekly ensembles that complement the lessons. Students enrolled in school lessons may join at no additional cost. Students who take private lessons are welcome to join for a small fee.
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Orchestra (for string players)- Wednesday afternoons at McCall
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Band (for woodwind, brass and percussion players) - Day and time vary by elementary
school. Second year players begin in October. Beginners join in February.
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Buying an Instrument - If you need help with an instrument for your child: either what to look for or evaluating an instrument that you already have or are interesting in buying...you can contact your school music teacher for help. They or someone in the Winchester Public School Music Program can help you assess your child's instrument.
WINCHESTER 3rd, 4th and 5th GRADE ALL-TOWN CHORUS
Do you love to sing? Then All-Town Chorus is for you! The chorus is a great way for young singers to have a group singing experience, while also making new friends from other schools. The group rehearses once a week, learning vocal technique and repertoire in preparation for two concerts. All 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students are welcome to join.
Ambrose Elementary School
Adam Alves is the K-5 Music Specialist at Ambrose: aalves@winchesterps.org
Lincoln Elementary School
Michelle Garciano is the K-5 Music Specialist at Lincoln: mgarciano@winchesterps.org.
Michelle Garciano has taught music at Lincoln Elementary School since 2001. She has an undergraduate degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Houghton College and a Masters degree in Ethnomusicology from Tufts University. She is originally from New York, but now lives in Winchester with her husband and two children.
Lynch Elementary School
Daniel Thompson is the K-5 Music Specialist at Lynch: dthompson@winchesterps.org. Daniel Thompson also conducts the 3-5th grade All-Town Chorus.
Lynn Shane is the pre-K Music Specialist at Lynch.
She can be reached via email at lshane@winchesterps.org
Muraco Elementary School
Madison ("Maddy") Richards is the music teacher at Muraco Elementary School. She attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell where she received her Bachelor's of Music Studies in 2020 and her Master's of Music Education in 2021. Outside of school, Maddy teaches brass lessons and marching band in surrounding towns. Maddy is very excited to join the Winchester community! She can be reached at mrichards@winchesterps.org.
Vinson-Owen Elementary School
Katherine Perkins is the K-5 Music Specialist at Vinson-Owen: kperkins@winchesterps.org
Message from Mary Costello, Director of Music
Please take a look at the following clips that should give students a sense of what each instrument is like. This is a small sampling of what is available. There are hundreds of examples of every instrument online.
Please preview the clips before having your child view them. Each link worked at the time that we created this list. We cannot vouch for the advertisements that may appear alongside the videos, nor the comments written below the video.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or need suggestions. We look forward to having your children in the instrumental music program!
Intro to Orchestra-BBC National Orchestra
Student String Quintet
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
STRING BASS
ARMY FIELD BAND INSTRUMENT DEMONSTRATIONS
FLUTE
OBOE
CLARINET
ALTO SAXOPHONE
TRUMPET
FRENCH HORN
TROMBONE
BARITONE/EUPHONIUM
BRASS ENSEMBLE
PERCUSSION - XYLOPHONE
PERCUSSION - SNARE DRUM