Mascoma Valley Regional School District Kicks Off Fourth-Grade Band Program 

Learning an instrument requires time, patience, and funding. Oftentimes, it can be too much for families to make the commitment due to the high prices of instruments and transportation needs.  

At Mascoma Valley Regional School District, this year’s fourth graders will have the opportunity to participate in a new band program, which is at no cost to families and will now be built into the regular school day.  

The new program officially kicked off at the beginning of the school year. Fourth graders from Canaan Elementary and Enfield Village School will receive their very own school-issued instruments, with the goal of allowing students to learn a musical instrument without the barrier of cost.

The District partnered with Ellis Music of South Royalton, Vt., to purchase instruments for all Grade 4 students, using grant funding. 

The incoming fourth graders have selected their top three choices for instruments. They made their decisions through a combination of listening to demos, seeing and holding the instruments in person, and learning about the benefits of each choice. 

Students will also be able to purchase their instrument in the future if they wish to continue playing, and scholarships are available.

Mascoma High School band members will help the Grade 4 students set up their instruments.

“We’ve seen the impact of learning an instrument throughout the district, not only in mastering a new skill but in communicating and collaborating with their peers,” Superintendent Amanda Isabelle said. “The cost of an instrument has been a challenge for some of our families. We’re grateful for this partnership with Ellis Music that will make music education accessible to every student.”

###