Hello 5th grade families!
Greetings from the Olympia School District Music staff! The Olympia School District is excited to begin registering students for our 5th grade instrumental music for the 2025-26 school year! We are thrilled to be back to teaching and learning music in-person this fall and can't wait to hear those "beautiful" first notes from enthusiastic new musicians!
For many 5th graders a long awaited milestone has been reached!
Today in their classroom your child observed a demonstration of the woodwind, brass, and stringed instruments.
Your child now has the opportunity to be in Band or Orchestra and begin instruction at school on the Violin, Viola, Cello, Trombone, Trumpet, Clarinet, or Flute. This is the typical first step to being in Band and Orchestra at the middle school and high school.
It is only necessary that you provide your child with an instrument and the method book your teacher specifies to take advantage of this program. If providing an instrument will be a financial difficulty, The Olympia School District has a supply of instruments available to help families in this situation. Please contact your child’s band or orchestra teacher for more information.
If you would like your child to participate, you and your child should plan to attend one of the information and registration meetings next week, if possible. If unable to attend please contact your student’s teacher for the important information. The meetings will be:
- Tuesday, September 9 at Jefferson Middle School Gymnasium 6:30 to 7:15 pm
- Wednesday, September 10 at Washington Middle School Gymnasium 6:30 to 7:15 pm
Please Note: If you are unable to attend one of our informational meetings, much of what we will share is included in this presentation:
You may choose to come either evening depending on your schedule. The time will be spent sharing important information such as how to obtain an instrument, sizing, and the commitment involved in learning to play a musical instrument. Students may not register without a guardian attending this meeting. If you cannot make one of these meetings please contact your student's teacher who you can find on the reverse side of this letter.
Classes meet 90 minutes per week. Depending on the school that will either be three 30 minute sessions or two 45 minute sessions per week. Exact schedules and starting date will be communicated by your schools’ teachers. Do not worry about having an instrument on the first day of class, but do plan to have an instrument by Wednesday, September 18.
Learning to play an instrument is an adventure that can bring great joy and pride in accomplishment. It can open the door to a lifetime of memorable experiences and active participation. We look forward to meeting you and to having your child as a student.
Band Information
5th-grade students interested in Beginning Band can choose to start on the following band instruments- Trombone, Trumpet, Clarinet, or Flute. Registration is taking place during the first few weeks of September and can be done through this online 5th-Grade Band Registration Form
As you discuss this fantastic opportunity with your future musician, here are some pieces of information for you to consider:
- Our band classes are for everyone- no previous experience is required!
- Instrumental music instruction is free.
- Families in difficult financial situations can request the use of a school district instrument.
- In-person Band classes have been scheduled to fit into the regular school day.
- Our band teachers will be following the latest CDC and Washington DOH guidelines to provide a safe environment for making music.
- Numerous studies have shown that the challenge of learning an instrument is one of the very best things you can do for your brain and will lead to greater success in school!
- Our award-winning bands at our middle schools and high schools are filled with students that started in our elementary schools.
- 5th-grade band is your chance to begin this incredible journey and join these fantastic groups.
- Most of all, making music is fun!
Orchestra Information
Elementary strings in the Olympia School District is the natural starting point for future participation in orchestra in Middle School, High School, and beyond! The Olympia School District orchestra program is held in high regard throughout the Northwest for its quality performances and value it adds to student's lives.
Instruction is during the day at student's elementary schools for approximately 90 minutes per week broken up into two or three sessions. Contact your neighborhood school for more information on how to get your student involved!
We are excited to be able to provide these great opportunities for our 5th grade students. More specific information will be shared at the individual elementary schools during the first 2 weeks of school, but if you have any immediate concerns or questions, please feel free to contact your band teacher:
updated: 9/8/25