Decorah Instrumental Music Department

Tradition of Excellence 

August 2019

Dear Parents of Fifth Graders,

As a fifth grader, your child is eligible this year to participate in the instrumental music program
by joining band or orchestra. Last May we began our recruiting process by giving a brief interest
and aptitude survey to the students as fourth graders. Within the next few days we will have an
assembly in which high school band and orchestra students answer questions and demonstrate
all of the instruments. We hope that you will ask your fifth grader about this and encourage him
or her to consider joining band and orchestra.

During the next two weeks we will be having individual interviews with those students who are
interested in trying out the instruments. Students will be assigned an appointment time during
the school day. Each student will be able to try any or all instruments and teachers will assist
the students in making suitable choices. We hope to help the students select several
instruments they would be willing to play, as we will be limiting the number who will be allowed
to start on certain instruments. We will explain this more thoroughly to you after these first
interviews are completed.

On Thursday, September 19, there will be a meeting in the middle school band and orchestra
rooms at 7:00 pm for all students interested in band or orchestra and their parents. At this
meeting, teachers will describe their programs and be available for parent questions.
Representatives from West Music Center and Schultz Strings will also be available and will
explain their instrument rental procedure.

Thank you for your interest and cooperation. If you need to talk to either of us please feel free
to e-mail or call us at school.

Sincerely,

Emily Hahn
5th Grade Band Teacher
emily.hahn@decorah.k12.ia.us

Jennifer Larson
5th Grade Orchestra Teacher
jennifer.larson@decorah.k12.ia.us