Last week, our middle school Symphonic Bands, Philharmonic Orchestras, and 7/8 Singers brought music to life across the district as they visited the elementary schools for the annual Tour of the Grade Schools. These special performances are always a highlight of the year, offering younger students a chance to experience live music up close while getting a glimpse of what awaits them in the years ahead.
Elementary audiences were treated to engaging, high-quality performances that showcased the talent, dedication, and growth of our middle school musicians. From energetic band selections to expressive orchestral pieces and vibrant choral singing, each performance reflected the hard work students have put in throughout the years.
Beyond the music itself, the tour served an even greater purpose, which was connection and inspiration. Middle school students took pride in sharing their experiences, encouraging younger students to explore music, try an instrument, and consider joining instrumental music and chorus.
We are incredibly proud of our students, not only for their musical accomplishments, but also for the leadership, enthusiasm, and positivity they brought to each school they visited. They represented their programs and our district with excellence.
Instrumental music recruitment begins the week of May 4, and we are excited to welcome a new group of young musicians and can’t wait to see them begin their own musical journeys. See below for more information.
Thank you to our students, staff, parents, and school communities for supporting and celebrating music across the district.
Photos from the Tours of the Grade Schools.
Join the Award-Winning D64 Instrumental Music Program!
Beginning in 4th grade, your child is eligible to join Orchestra and 5th grade students are eligible to join the band or orchestra! To learn more about the program and the string instruments offered, please see the links below:
- Read: Important Information About Instrumental Music
- Video Presentation: All About Band!
- Video Presentation: All About Orchestra!
Save the date! We will be hosting two "New Student Nights" to learn more about the instrumental music program, rent an instrument onsite, and meet the teachers:
- Thursday, May 7
- 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Lincoln
- Tuesday, May 12
- 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Emerson
You may drop in at any time on either night, but to control numbers it would be helpful if you follow this schedule:
- Last Name A-H 4:00 – 5:00pm
- Last Name I – P 5:00 – 6:00pm
- Last Name Q – Z 6:00 – 7:00pm
Plan on spending at least 30 minutes, depending on wait times. Parents and students should attend together.
If you already registered your child for the 2026-2027 school year but did not select instrumental music, log back into your account to add band/orchestra: Click Here to Add Instrumental Music, click "Forms" on the left, then "Enrollment" at the top and scroll down to instrumental music. Click here for a video tutorial on how to add band/orchestra to your child’s registration!
The instrumental music registration deadline is August 1. Band/orchestra teachers will communicate more information via email with registered families the second week of school. Lessons will begin the week of September 7.
If you have any questions, please email Erica Faulhaber (efaulhaber@d64.org), Curriculum Specialist for Instrumental Music.