Vocal & Instrumental Music

All Performance dates are tentative, and subject to change

**Daytime performances are for LB Students and Staff ONLY**

Winter Concert – Thursday, January 16, 2025 @ 6:30 PM – LBES Gym

• Band, Orchestra and 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Chorus

Spring Concert – Thursday, May 1, 2025 @ 6:30 – LBES Gym

• Orchestra, Band, 3rd Grade Chorus, Ukulele Ensemble

Musical – Thursday, June 5, 2025 @ 6:30 PM – LBES Gym

• 4th & 5th Grade Chorus Classes ONLY

Please click each link to find out more about auditions, practices, and performance dates

• Elementary Honor Chorus
  • Open to interested 5th graders

• Junior Honors Orchestra
  • Open to instrumental music students in grades 4 – 6
• Junior Honors Band
  • Open to instrumental music students in grades 4 – 6.

GENERAL MUSIC

All students pre-K through 5th grade participate in general music classes.

CHORUS

• 3rd, 4th and 5th grade ensembles — one of the enrichment choices at the beginning of the year
• Voluntary participation, not required
• All rehearsals are on Thursdays or Fridays during the school day
• Two concerts for all choruses (Winter Concert and Spring Concert)
• Members of chorus may also be in band and orchestra—not an either/or choice
• DRESS CODE: dark pants/skirt, white shirt, black socks, black shoes
• Countywide Honors Chorus – An additional opportunity open to just 5th grade. Must audition and be selected.

SPRING MUSICAL

• 4th and 5th Grade Choruses combined
• A big, FUN performance for chorus member that is fully staged, with costumes, sets, lights, microphones, and choreography.
• Opportunities for solo speaking and singing roles (by audition), and small group featured parts
• Past shows include Annie Jr., The Sound of Music, The Jungle Book, I’m Gonna Let It Shine, We Haz Jazz, Compose Yourself, The Aristocats, Press Start! and many more.

Music Games

• MUSICPLAYONLINE
• INCREDIBOX

Welcome to the Long Branch Instrumental Music Program (Grades 4 & 5)

• Long Branch Band & Orchestra 2024-2025 Sign up
• Instrument Rental Form
• String Instrument Sizing Guide

Instrumental Music FAQ

1.  What instruments are available for my student to play?

• Instruments available for band (4th & 5th) are Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion Mallets, Percussion
• Instruments available for strings (4th & 5th) are Violin, Viola, Cello

2. How do we rent or purchase an instrument?

• We have many instruments available to rent from the county.  The fee for the year is $100; $25 for students on free or reduced lunch program. Preference for school rentals for free and reduced lunch students.
• We have limited inventory of alto saxophones, euphoniums, and string basses.
• Percussion students are expected to purchase their own drum sticks.
• There are also many local music stores in the area that rent instruments: Foxes Music and Music and Arts.
• Please be careful of the $100 instruments offered at Wholesale retail outlets.  Sometimes these instruments are very difficult for beginning students to play and almost impossible to repair.

3. How are lessons scheduled?

• Students will sign up for instrumental music lessons in September – lessons are free!!
• Once students have registered, we will start scheduling their lesson times.
• Students are placed in small classes, with like instruments.
• Lessons are once a week, for thirty minutes during the school day.
• As soon as the lessons are scheduled, information will be sent home stating the day, time, and start date of the lesson.

4. Are students permitted to study an instrument and participate in the choral program at school?

• Absolutely!!! We encourage participation in both groups!

5. What other materials am I expected to purchase or rent?

• Woodwind students should provide appropriate reeds for their students.  I have some reeds available at school, but should be considered for emergency situations.
• APS provides the method book for your students to use at school.  Please care for it as you would a textbook.

6. How often should my student practice at home?

• Students should practice every day, but, we understand how difficult that can be for busy families.
• The minimal amount of practice we expect every week is 45 minutes – divided however you desire.

7. Should my child use a music stand when they practice?

• It is very important to use a music stand at home. They can often be found at yard sales, and would be a great gift for your student.
• Be sure to ask family members and neighbors – very often they have an old music stand that you can use.

8. Are there any performances?

• Yes!  We usually have a Winter Concert and a Spring Concert.
• Second year string students will have the opportunity to participate in the Wakefield String Pyramid Concert.
• More advanced students are also invited to audition for the Arlington County Junior Honors Orchestra and Band.

9. How can families help their children practice?

• It is very important to establish a consistent practice routine from the beginning. Perhaps, have your daily practice right after school or before dinner.
• If time permits, listen to your child practice and ask them to teach you what they are learning. Try requesting one of your favorite songs (from the book, of course!).

10. Who is the Instrumental Music Teacher?

• Erik Kamenski is the Band and Orchestra Director and is at Long Branch on Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays. Please contact him via email.