INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Instrumental music is provided for students beginning in 4th grade. Students begin in 4th grade with a short course in recorder. They then have an opportunity to choose an instrument. Small group instruction is provided for students who choose to participate during the year. In the spring, students have a chance to perform as part of a band or orchestra for their peers and families.
In 5th grade, group rehearsals begin. They are held on Wednesday afternoons at Latimer Elementary School for Honor Band and at Easterbrook Discovery School for Honor Orchestra. Band instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion. Orchestra instruments include violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Students have many opportunities throughout the year to perform.
Instrumental music lessons are free. However, some costs may be incurred such as renting an instrument (a few are available to borrow from the district), purchasing music books, and transportation to/from Latimer or Easterbrook Discovery Schools. Parents must provide transportation from Country Lane to the rehearsal site either by driving, or by purchasing a bus pass from the Transportation Department.
PERFORMING ARTS
Country Lane students get lots of opportunities to perform. Linda Covington is the Performing Arts teacher for 1st and 2nd grade. Students participate in an integrated performing arts class each week. Students learn music and rhythm theory and have an opportunity to experiment with music, acting, and dance. Each class has a chance to shine for larger audience once a year in an evening performance. Starting Arts provides performing arts classes to our 3rd-5th grade students during the school day and also have performances for families.
In addition, Country Lane is proud to partner with Starting Arts to provide a full scale production each spring. This is an after school activity and requires a fee to participate. Students rehearse two afternoons per week at Country Lane for about 8 weeks and then have a chance to perform with full music, lights, and sets in a professional grade theater. 3rd - 5th grade students who have signed up are planning to put on Seussical in April at the historic Hoover Theater.
Also, dance and drama classes are often a part of our after school (fee-based) Enrichment Program.