Frequently Asked Questions

 

When can my child enroll?

Enrollment begins in April through June of each school year.

 

Do you offer all musical instruments?

In the Niagara North Region consisting of St. Catharines, Virgil, St. Davids, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Jordan, Vineland, Beamsville, Grimsby, Smithville & Caistor Centre, all of our Strings, Brass & Woodwind, and Percussion instruments are available.  In the Niagara South Region consisting of Thorold, Fonthill, Pelham, Welland, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls & Fort Erie, Brass & Woodwind and Percussion instruments are available. Unfortunately, instruction for our String Program is NOT available in the Niagara South region.

 

What grade does this program start?

String instruction ( Violin, Viola, Cello & String Bass ) begins in Grade 4. 

Brass instruction ( Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone Horn, Euphonium & Tuba ) begins in Grade 4 in Niagara South, Grade 5 in Niagara North.

Woodwind instruction ( Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Alto & Tenor Saxophone ) also begins in Grade 4 in Niagara South, Grade 5 in Niagara North.

Percussion instruction begins in Grade 5 in Niagara South & in Grade 6 in Niagara North.  Percussion includes the study of Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Drum Set, Timpani, Bongos, Roto-Toms, Keyboard Mallet Instruments including Orchestra Bells, Xylophone, Vibraphone & Chimes, and Auxiliary Percussion including Tambourine, Cowbell, Woodblock, Temple Blocks, Maracas, Triangle & Claves.

 

What does the Program cost?

As of 2009/2010, we offer an "Early Bird" Special rate between April & the 19th of June 2009, saving students $100.00, reflected in the pricing below.  Please ADD $100.00 to each of the two categories after June 19th, 2009.

The cost is currently $350.00 per student which includes the use of a DSBN instrument.  All students receive approximately 30 weekly In-school "lessons", 25 to 60 minutes in length, depending on class size, and approximately 30 weekly After-school Band/Orchestra "rehearsals" of 60 minutes duration.  Based on a total of approximately 60 classes, the cost per class is less than $6.00 per class!!    

If you have your own instrument, the cost is currently $250.00 per student.  Based on the above information, the cost per class is less than $5.00 per class!!

Comparatively, the cost for an individual private lesson is approximately $15.00 per half hour.

 

When does the Program start?

The first In-school lessons begin during the third week of September.

What happens when there are not enough beginner students to start a class at a school? 

 If there is not enough students to start a beginner class (minimum of 3 students) at a school we have two options:

1.  Is the student able to attend a neighbouring school that has a scheduled beginner lesson.  Transportation to and from the lesson would be the students responsibility.

2. They could join our "Catch the Singles" lessons that are held prior to the scheduled After-school Band/Orchestra rehearsal.  Please visit our After-school Band/Orchestra pages for time and locations.

Do students get a report card?

Progress reports are completed by our Instructors twice a year.  The first report is distributed in December/January and the last report is handed out in May.

 

What happens if my child doesn't like the program after a few lessons?

We would like everyone to enjoy our music program, however, you may cancel the program prior to December 1st, 2009 provided we have been notified in writing and our instrument is returned.  A refund, less an administration fee, will be issued.

 

What if a student can't go to a Band/Orchestra rehearsal?

Band/Orchestra rehearsal is an integral part of your child's music experience and should be attended regularly.  If you can't make it to a particular rehearsal or it interferes with another commitment,  please advise your Instructor in advance or call our office, let us know and we'll contact your child's Instructor.  If and when your child becomes involved with Basketball or Volleyball, our general policy is to "alternate" weekly between Sports and After-school Band/Orchestra. 

 

When do the students have Concerts?

Yes we have Concerts!  The Concert Bands, Orchestras & Percussion Ensembles have their first public performance during the second week of December.  We then hold Open Rehearsals in March, a Workshop Week in early April & finally, a Year End Concert at the end of May.  Visit our Website for updates on Concerts and musical happenings!

 

What about regular school homework?

Niagara Elementary Instrumental Music is an extracurricular program and regular school homework is above and beyond the 15 to 20 minutes of daily practice recommended for each and every student to spend with their chosen instrument .... it is up to each child to be responsible and complete his or her regular school homework. 

 

What if my child changes their mind about the type of instrument they chose?

If your child would like to change his or her instrument, this may be possible after a consultation with their Instructor.  Please keep in mind that we can only supply instruments on a "first come, first served" basis.

 

When do the classes begin and end?

Classes begin the 3rd week of September and finish the 3rd week of May.

 

What happens on PD Days, Snow Days and Early Release Days?

Our In-School classes and After-School Band/Orchestra rehearsals are CANCELLED on half & full PD Days & Snow Days.  On Early Dismissal Days, all morning In-School classes are as scheduled as usual with ALL afternoon In-School classes and ALL After-School Band/Orchestra rehearsals CANCELLED.  Check our website for Cancellation updates.

 

Do you accept Visa, Mastercard etc...?

No, we do not accept Visa or Mastercard.  We will happily accept cash or a personal cheque!

 

Can anybody enroll?

Any elementary student enrolled as a student of the District School Board of Niagara in Grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 may join our Niagara Elementary Instrumental Music Program.

 

Can parents and family members attend an After-School Band/Orchestra rehearsal at any time?

We encourage all of our Parents/Guardians and family members to be audience members at any time.  Many times "open rehearsals" are announced for your viewing pleasure.  Feel free to ask your child's Instructor.

 

Can you give me a list of students that are in a particular Band/Orchestra so we can share car pooling?

Unfortunately, due to Privacy Legislation, we cannot provide you with any information regarding any student other than your own.  Our Band/Orchestra rehearsals do not start until the first week of October, so that should give each student ample time to make friends, find out who attends the same rehearsal from their own school and make arrangements to car pool.

What happens when my child misses an In-School class?

When students miss an In-school class due to sickness, a family outing/holiday or a school function, the classes may or may not be made up by the Instructor.  This depends completely on the Instructor's scheduled timetable and if any time is available.  When a school function is scheduled on the very same day as an In-School lesson, the Parents/Guardians must ultimately decide which is more important.  Informing both the school and the Music Instructor would be much appreciated!

What happens when an Instructor misses an In-School class?

If your child's Instructor misses an In-School lesson due to sickness, vehicle trouble or personal family matters, his/her lesson will be rescheduled for another time convenient for the Instructor.

What happens if my child damages his/her instrument?

If a DSBN-used instrument is damaged, the student must immediately report this to his/her Instructor.  The Instructor will then assess the damages and in consultation with the student and Parents/Guardians, find a suitable solution.  Accidents do happen, however, and students that abuse the privilege will be responsible for any and all repairs to their instrument!

Students that use their OWN instrument are responsible for any and all repairs or damages to that particular instrument(s).