Piedmont Elementary  

Instrumental Music Program 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heather King 
Band & Orchestra  
Beach, Havens, Wildwood   
 Table of Contents 
Parent Letter 2 
Overview of the Piedmont Elementary Instrumental Music Program 3 
Ms. King’s Classroom Expectations 4 
Example of Practice Log 
Practice Log Instructions 5 
“​My Practice Log​” 6 
Instrument Rentals 7 
 
 

   

1 
Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families, 
 
I would like to welcome you all to the 2018-2019 Elementary Instrumental Music Program! This 
program is one of the most rewarding educational opportunities offered by our schools, and it 
is my goal to help your student develop a love and respect for music in these first years. 
 
A little about myself: My instrumental music experience began in third grade, playing the viola 
with my elementary school orchestra. I actually did not enjoy music and wanted to quit early 
on. However, with the support and encouragement from my parents, I continued playing and 
participated in many community and school orchestras. I made the decision to study music 
education at UCLA to keep music alive in schools so that kids could have the same positive 
experiences I had growing up with music. This will be my sixth year of teaching, and I am so 
excited to start my second year here in Piedmont! 
 
In band or orchestra this year, your child will experience the joy, wonder, and excitement in the 
art of music making. The primary goal is that each student has the opportunity to play an 
instrument to provide an introduction to the music making process. They will learn to perform 
individually and experience the joy that can be had as a group becomes an ensemble and 
engages in the hunt for perfection. 
 
You do not have to know anything about music to assist your child in this new endeavor. 
Arrange a time and place where practice can be done without interruptions. This practice 
should become a part of each child’s daily routine. Encourage them to keep trying; a positive 
can-do attitude is necessary for all music programs. Learning an instrument will be more 
enjoyable for you and your child when they feel supported in this process. 
 
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at hking@piedmont.k12.ca.us. 
Sincerely, 
Heather King 

2 
 Overview of the Piedmont Elementary Instrumental Music Program 
 
The Three Parts of the Program 
1. Daily individual practice (5 days per week 20-30 minutes per day) 
2. One group lesson weekly during school with Ms. King 
3. Concert performances in April or May for family and friends 
 
Student Responsibilities 
1. Practice for 20-30 minutes ​at least​ 5 days/week & fill out a practice log 
2. Treat instrument, book, and music with care and respect 
3. Attend all classes prepared with instrument and music 
4. Use a positive “can do” attitude 
 
Parent Responsibilities 
1. Be encouraging and supportive 
2. Help your child plan ahead for practice time - set a schedule and stick with it 
3. Verify and sign the practice log the night before their music lesson 
 
Ms. King’s Responsibilities 
1. Teach students proper ways to ​handle and care​ for their instruments 
2. Teach students the proper ways to p​ lay​ their instrument 
3. Provide opportunities for students to ​perform​ in individual, small group, and large 
settings 
4. Help students create, perform, and a​ ppreciate​ music

 
The music, art, and theater departments at our schools depend on your generosity 
to maintain the breadth and depth of the arts in our curriculum. To help grow our 
program, please consider making a donation to the PEF Arts Fund on 
PiedmontStore.com.

3 
 Ms. King’s Classroom Expectations 

Entering the classroom... 

● Come in quietly and listen for instruction. 
● Be aware of your surroundings. 

While in the classroom... 

● Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.   
● Play your instrument only when asked to do so. 
● Respect your peers and handle your instruments with care. 

Leaving the classroom... 

● When instructed to do so, pack up quietly and carefully. 
● Clean up your area - leave the room as you found it. 

4 
 Practice Log Instructions 
 
Fourth and fifth grade musicians should complete this practice log no fewer than 
5​ days a week​. Students can expect to have periodic quizzes on the skills listed on 
the log, so it is important to always be prepared for class. 
 
​This log must be signed and returned each week on your student’s day of music   
 
The log works as follows:   
● Basic skills, warm-up songs, and new songs will be discussed in class and 
practiced at home for the following week. 
● Students will check off each day the of practice 
● Parents will sign off the night before the log is due, confirming their child 
has practiced 
 
Practice tips: 
*Have the instrument easily accessible, case open & already assembled, so you can 
just pick it up and play a little. 
*​Investing in a music stand is helpful for a successful practice session. 
*When songs don’t sound quite right, parents and students can use the Internet 
together to find a recording of the song. Sometimes listening to the song again is 
all you need. 
 
 
Keep up the good practice!  
-Ms. King 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 
 My Practice Log 
 
Student Name ​___________________ ​Teacher​___________ 
 
This week I will practice... (warm-ups, songs, etc.) 

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

___ 

_________________________________________________

_ 

My Practice Goal:  
By the end of the week I hope to be able to...  

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

__ 

_________________________________________________

_ 

_________________________________________________

_ 

6 
*Fill in the chart below on the days you practice. Try for at least 20 minutes.* 

    Mon  Tue  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat  Sun 

Minutes               
Practiced   
 
Parent Signature ______________________________   

7 
 Instrument Rentals 
The California Education Code requires that all students shall be provided with a school 
instrument if they desire. However, if you are able to rent or purchase an instrument, it would 
be helpful to the overall program.   
 
Many local music stores have a "rent to purchase" plan that is perfect for young musicians of 
this age. In addition, Rockin’ Robbie’s will be offering a rental evening at Havens School. 
Rockin’ Robbie’s does free deliveries and pickups to and from Piedmont.   
 
Listed below are the music stores where instruments can be rented 

Music Store  Phone Number  Address 

A&G Music  (510) 832-2452  564 14th St 

Oakland, CA 

Acme House of Music  (510) 655-2263  4444 Piedmont Ave 

Oakland, CA 

Forrest Music  (510) 845-7178  1849 University Ave 

Berkeley, CA 

Ifshin Violins  (510) 843-5466  6420 Fairmount Ave 

El Cerrito, CA 

Rockin’ Robbies East Bay  (925) 687-4220  1835 Colfax St 

Music  Concord, CA 
 
I recommend calling the rental store ahead of visiting to be sure they stock the instrument you 
are seeking. I also recommend that if you choose to buy an instrument online that you speak to 
a music teacher for advice before purchasing. We have had many situations in the past in 
which an online instrument was below standard and inhibited students’ progress. 

8