Instrumental Music
In grade 4, Colfax students may choose to begin studying wind, brass, and percussion instruments. These classes are given under the direction of instrumental specialists. The students in the classes combine to form an elementary band. The goals of the instrumental program are to encourage students to expand their knowledge of music through playing an instrument and to join together to form an ensemble. Playing an instrument requires students to learn how to do a number of items at one time, for example read the notes, play the notes, watch the director, listen to the rest of the group, etc.

Students may start in the program as early as grade 4 or may begin at anytime throughout their time at Colfax Upper Elementary School. Typically the students choose the instrument of their liking. Beginning students will try  their instrument of choice until the end of the second nine weeks or at the end of the school year before deciding to opt out of playing. In other words, beginning students may choose to opt out of the program ONLY at the end of the second nine weeks.  If a student continues, then he/she is to finish out the rest of the school year before opting out.  Students who are in their second or third year of the instrumental program are required to finish out the school year before making the decision to opt out. Students and parents will sign a commitment form at the beginning of each school year. 

The students meet for instruction for twenty minutes per week in small group lessons. These small groups usually consist of 3 to 6 students working together and individually in their lesson books. In addition, students meet once each week for a full band practice. It is also expected that students practice their lessons at home. The instructor recommends that grade 4 students and beginners practice 10 to 20 minutes at home each day; grade 5 students or 2nd year players practice 20 to 30 minutes at home each day; and grade 6 students or 3rd year players practice 30 minutes or more daily. Progress reports are sent home every nine weeks to indicate strengths and weaknesses.

Summer Program
Several years ago, Colfax Upper Elementary School’s instrumental music program began a summer program of instruction for students. During this instruction, students who are currently enrolled in the Colfax Upper Elementary instrumental program have an opportunity to participate in individual music lessons. Lesson times run between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a five-week period. Lesson times are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must apply for the program with the instrumental music teacher and are required to attend all lessons as assigned.