Band & Orchestra

  • Welcome to the Grosse Pointe Public Schools' Fifth Grade Band & Orchestra website! Our Band & Orchestra program enjoys a long tradition of musical and educational excellence and offers a multitude of rewarding experiences for students. Instruction begins in 5th grade with students choosing a string (violin, viola, cello, bass), woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone), or brass (cornet, trombone, baritone) or percussion instrument. The 5th Grade program is designed to provide a foundation upon which students can build as they continue with our award-winning band and orchestra programs at the middle and high schools.  

     
    Trumpet     Violin      
    Band & Orchestra At-A-Glance:

     Instrumental music staff meets with 4th graders each spring to introduce the program, demonstrate instruments, show video, and distribute informational brochure
     
     Instrument Selection form for Parents & Students
     
     Enrollment and instrument rental are done online; first, you must complete online enrollment and you will then be automatically directed to online instrument rental. Click here to view the instrument selection form sent home in May/June 2019.

     Instruments may be rented from GP Schools or from the retailer of your choice; enrollment is for the full school year, but school instruments may be rented for the entire year or by semester. Online enrollment must be completed before online instrument rental can be accessed.

     Enrollment is finalized and classes begin in September; classes are grouped by instrument family (strings, woodwinds, brass)

     Regular at-home practice (15-20 minutes 2-4 times a week) is necessary for best progress

     Students are expected to stay enrolled for the entire school year; drops are permitted between semesters only (January) with parental notification.  Students will perform several times throughout the school year at holiday assemblies, Band-O-Rama/String Extravaganza, Spring Concerts. Attendance at and participation in concerts is expected. 
     
     
    Fifth Grade Band & Orchestra Faculty

    Strings: Mr. Paul Miller 313.432.5553

    Woodwinds: Mr. Jim Cadotte 313.432.5280

    Brass & Percussion: Mr. Dean Doss 313.432.5337

     
     
    "Music is about creativity, communication, and cooperation, and by studying music in school students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective."  President Bill Clinton
     
    "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."  Victor Hugo, poet
     
    "Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them -- a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music."  President Gerald Ford