Pacific Grove Unified School District Instrumental Music Program
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
★ Felix Diaz Contreras - Itinerant Instrumental Music Teacher
★ fdiazcontreras@pgusd.org
★ October 10, 2025
Hello Parents and Guardians,
My name is Felix Diaz Contreras (aka Mr. DC), and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Instrumental Music Teacher for the PGUSD district! As a proud Pacific Grove alumnus who attended all PG schools starting from Forest Grove, it’s a joy to return and give back through music. I’m excited to offer your child the wonderful opportunity to learn an instrument this year. I’ve included as much information as possible here, but if you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: fdiazcontreras@pgusd.org
❖ To All Students:
Learning an instrument takes time, patience, and dedication, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do! Nobody is expected to be perfect; the most important thing is that you always try your best. Instruments can be an investment and require daily practice, so when you sign up, you’re committing to giving it your best effort each day. My goal is for you to have just as much fun learning an instrument as I do teaching you. Together, we’ll make great music and I can’t wait for our first concert!
❖ Schedule:
Mr. Masar (the choir teacher) and I share a classroom, so we’ll have alternating schedules:
- Mondays & Tuesdays: Forest Grove
- Wednesdays & Fridays: Robert Down
- Thursdays: Forest Grove (morning) → Robert Down (arriving around 11 a.m.)
Once the final schedule is confirmed, I’ll send it out so you’ll know exactly when your student should bring their instrument.
❖ End of the Year Concert:
All instrumental students will perform in our End-of-Year Concert. This is a mandatory
performance for all participants. In the five weeks leading up to the concert, we’ll hold
after-school rehearsals at the Robert Down Auditorium to bring both schools together for
full-ensemble practice. (Dates, times, and attire details will be shared closer to the event.)
❖ Clinicians:
Throughout the year, I plan to invite professional musicians to share their experience and artistry with our students. Our first confirmed guest is Emmy Award-winning composer and Monterey Symphony violinist/violist, Mr. John Wineglass. Whenever a clinician visits, I’ll notify parents with the date, time, and details. You’re always welcome to attend these special sessions!
❖ Instruments:
We ask all students to rent their own instruments, and we recommend our local music store Bookmark Music. Just mention that you’re a PG student with Mr. DC and they’ll know exactly what you need.
-Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass): We’ll size instruments on the first day of class to ensure a proper fit.
-Larger Instruments (Cello, Bass, Tuba): We have instruments on site so students don’t need to carry them daily. Please still rent one for home practice. If renting an instrument is a financial challenge, please contact me privately. I’ll do everything I can to make sure your student can participate.
Please have your instrument available to bring to school and at home to practice by
November 3rd, 2025.
❖ 3rd Grade Parents:
This year we’re launching a brand-new opportunity — instrumental music for 3rd graders!
Students may choose from:
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass
Next year, as 4th graders, they’ll have the option to continue with strings or switch to a
band instrument.
❖ 4th Graders:
Welcome to the band! Available instruments include:
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Percussion
Percussion students will start with the basics — rhythm, snare drum, xylophone, and
other percussion instruments — before moving on to the drum set later in the year.
-Students may choose one instrument only (either band or string).
If choosing a string instrument the after-School String Lessons are on Thursdays:
• Violin & Viola – 2:05 p.m.
• Cello & Bass – 2:35 p.m.
-This Thursday schedule is an alternating site visit. The first week I will be at Forest Grove with the Forest Grove students and the following week at Robert Down with the Robert Down students. It will be a continuous alternating cycle till the concert rehearsals start.
❖ 5th Graders:
We highly encourage you to continue with the instrument you started last year. You’ve built a great foundation, and this year is your chance to grow, perform, and explore new styles. However, if you are severely dissatisfied with the instrument you have chosen last year, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you’d like to switch instruments, we’ll work to accommodate you by placing you in a beginner class for your new instrument (alongside 4th graders).
For example: If you switch from flute to percussion, you’ll join the beginner percussion class and perform with the 4th grade band at the end of the year concert.
❖ Final Note:
I hope this guide answers most of your questions and helps you feel ready for an exciting year ahead! Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support — I can’t wait to make music together!
Sincerely,
Felix DC
Youtube Video Link: "The First Note"
Robert Down Links:
3rd Grade Instrumental Google Form: RD: 3rd Grade Instrument Signups
4th Grade Instrumental Google Form: RD: 4th Grade Instrument Signups
5th Grade Instrumental Google Form: RD: 5th Grade Instrument Signups
