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Cider Mill School

Music

Music

Band Department Overview

Weekly Lessons and Rehearsals

Group lessons begin during the second week of September. Before lessons start, we will visit classrooms to hand out schedule information.

How Group Lessons Work

  • Consistent Days, Rotating Times: Lessons always take place on the same day of the week, but the exact time changes each week.

  • Minimizing Academic Disruption: Because this is a pull-out program, rotating the schedule ensures students only miss a specific academic class once every six weeks.

  • Rescheduling Policy: Lesson times can only be rescheduled at the request of the classroom teacher for tests, special classroom activities, or field trips.

Morning Rehearsals

  • Schedule: Rehearsals are held once a week at 7:00 AM, starting in October (specific dates will be announced soon).

  • Attendance: These rehearsals are a core part of the Instrumental Music curriculum, and attendance is mandatory for all band participants.

  • Parent Meeting: Additional rehearsal details will be discussed at the upcoming Band Parent Information Night.

Instruments and Supplies

Most beginning band students rent their instruments. We highly recommend utilizing short-term "trial" rentals rather than full-year commitments, ensuring the instrument is a good fit for your child before locking into a long-term contract.

The Rental Process

  • Local Vendors: There are many local rental stores in the area. You can find options via a quick web search, or contact us directly for personal recommendations.

  • School Delivery: Most stores allow you to complete the entire rental process online or over the phone and will deliver the instrument directly to the school.

  • Why Choose School Delivery? This guarantees your child has their instrument and book for the very first lesson. It also prevents students from accidentally damaging the instrument by trying to assemble or play it before receiving proper instruction.

Required Supplies

Every student needs to have the following items:

  • Home Music Stand: Essential for encouraging proper playing posture at home.

  • Method Book: Tradition of Excellence, Book 1 (Note: Baritone horn books must specifically be the "Bass Clef" version).

  • Metronome: Highly recommended for all students to help practice maintaining a steady beat.

  • Woodwind Specifics (Clarinet and Alto Sax only):

    • A box of 10 Vandoren #2 reeds

    • An instrument cleaning swab

Class Expectations

The success of our ensemble depends on the dedication and cooperation of every student. We expect all participants to:

  • Practice Daily: Practice at home for 10 to 15 minutes on every day that regular homework is assigned.

  • Manage Their Schedule: Keep track of the rotating lesson schedule and arrive to music classes on time.

  • Come Prepared: Bring a pencil, method book, and instrument to every single lesson.

  • Engage in Class: Listen carefully, participate actively, and never hesitate to ask questions.

Questions or Concerns?

We are always here to offer advice, encouragement, and support. If you have any questions, please contact our band instructor:

  • Instructor: Jonathan Garcia

  • Email: garciaj2@wiltonps.org

Music Department Overview

Appreciating and creating music deepens our understanding of the world. Our daily lives are constantly filled with rhythm, melody, and harmony. The Cider Mill music department is honored to help your children discover and appreciate the "symphony" in the world around them.

Three Key Elements of Our Program

The general music curriculum focuses on three core areas of development:

  • Music Literacy: Learning to read, write, and communicate musical ideas.

  • Performance: Participating in hands-on, active music-making activities.

  • Context and History: Engaging in critical listening, analysis, and the study of music history.

Our Teaching Methods

We use two primary, proven teaching methodologies to make music literacy and performance accessible to every student:

  • The Kodály Method: Teaches music literacy through a step-by-step, logical exposure to musical elements.

  • Orff-Schulwerk Methodology: Translates singing, creative expression, and movement onto a wide variety of classroom instruments.

By combining these sequential learning approaches, we ensure that all students can successfully develop their musical skills and confidence.

 

Cider Mill Strings Overview

Welcome to the 2025–26 school year! Whether you are a returning musician or picking up a stringed instrument for the very first time, we are excited to share the joy of making music together.

How to Enroll

  • Returning & New 4th/5th Graders: Look out for an informational meeting during the first week of school. Students will bring home an enrollment form and vital program details to review with their families.

  • Interested 3rd Graders: Mrs. Karlan will present live instrument demonstrations (violin, viola, and cello) during the first week of school. Students eager to play can take home a paper enrollment form and program packet.

2025–26 Weekly Schedule

For those planning ahead, please note that while the program structure will feel familiar, your specific day of the week may have changed:

  • Tuesdays: All continuing 5th-grade students.

  • Wednesdays: Continuing 4th-grade students from Cannondale and Nod Hill.

  • Thursdays: Continuing 4th-grade students from Belden Hill and Kent.

  • Fridays: All first-year 4th and 5th-grade string students (who will have their own dedicated orchestra and classes).

  • To Be Determined (Tuesday or Wednesday): All 3rd-grade string students.

 

We look forward to an amazing year of artistic growth and collaboration!

Cider Mill Music teachers