A Message from Bonnie McNamara Coordinator of the District Elementary Instrumental Music Program The Escondido Union School District Elementary Instrumental Music program provides fourth and fifth grade students, who participate in the program, an opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. The goal of the program is to provide a beginning instrumental music class that will prepare students to progress to more in-depth instrumental music instruction offered at the middle school and high school levels. Instruments taught in the program are the clarinet, flute, percussion, alto saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. Educationally, the study of music is a great way for students to develop perseverance, creativity, sensitivity, organizational skills, conceptual thinking, aesthetic perception, flexibility, and problem solving skills. Additionally, students who participate in the program will learn the qualities of rhythm and pitch; how to read and play notes, as well as other music symbols; how to work cooperatively in a band setting; posture and playing positions; tone quality; music appreciation and performance etiquette. Students will also experience the special belonging and sense of accomplishment that comes from playing an instrument and being a member of a performing band. In June each year, students have the opportunity to participate in an end-of-the-year performance at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Last year we had approximately 270 students perform for an audience of over 1200 people. It was truly a grand finale! Thanks to the fourth and fifth grade teachers, school administrators, office staff, and parents of our band students for your ongoing support of our Elementary Instrumental Band Program. Bonnie McNamara Coordinator of the Elementary Instrumental Band Program