Instrument Test Drive for All Current 4th Grade Students
Saturday, March 7, 2026 — Chelmsford High School
Dear Families of Grade 4 Students,
To support you and your child in preparing to select a music class for next year, we are pleased to offer an opportunity for grade 4 students to “Test Drive” many of the instruments offered in the 5th grade beginning instrument programs and meet the grade 5 band and orchestra teachers. This event is for ALL current grade 4 students in the Chelmsford Public Schools.
This event will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. at Chelmsford High School, 200 Richardson Road. This is a rolling entry event — families may arrive any time between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. to allow approximately 30–45 minutes to try all of the instruments. Please use the main high school entrance (NOT the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center entrance).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What music classes are offered in grade 5?
A: In grade 5, students select Band, Chorus, Orchestra, or General Music. These classes all meet during the school day. Click the links and read the information below to learn more about the music classes.
Band
INTRO TO BAND VIDEO
Band instruments include woodwind, brass, and percussion family instruments. These include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, horn, and percussion instruments. Students perform at two concerts each year and participate in other music opportunities such as assemblies and festivals.
Chorus
INTRO TO CHORUS VIDEO
Chorus involves singing as a group with focus on good vocal production, vocal health, and performing music from a variety of cultures and genres. Students perform at two concerts each year and participate in other music opportunities such as assemblies and festivals.
Orchestra
INTRO TO ORCHESTRA VIDEO
Orchestra instruments include the string family instruments violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students perform at two concerts each year and participate in other music opportunities such as assemblies and festivals.
General Music
These classes are similar to the general music classes that students currently take in elementary school. Students will create music, make cultural connections with music, respond to music in a variety of ways, and perform in the classroom.
Q: When do we make the decision to select a music class for next year?
A: You will receive a request to sign up your child for their grade 5 music class later this spring.
Q: If my child selects band or orchestra, when do we need to decide which instrument to play?
A: If your child selects band or orchestra as their grade 5 arts block class, they will decide what instrument they will play when school starts next fall. The band and orchestra teachers will re-introduce the instruments at the beginning of the school year.
Q: Do we need to rent an instrument for band or orchestra?
A: Each student will need a rental instrument for their use. The band and orchestra teachers will describe this process after school starts in the fall. Please do not rent an instrument before then. If your family needs financial assistance acquiring an instrument, please contact your child’s teacher about available options so that your child can participate in their selected ensemble.
We hope the Instrument Test Drive will help to ease the transition for students entering the 5th grade by helping them decide if they may want to participate in band or orchestra.
Please feel free to contact me or any of the teachers through the contact information listed below with questions. We are all looking forward to welcoming this class to Parker Middle School!
Sincerely,
Dr. Christy Whittlesey
K-12 Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator
Email: whittleseyc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Grade 5 Music Teacher Contact Information
General Music: Gillian LaFosse lafosseg@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
