The Right Instrument for Every Student

Hands-On from Day One 

Students’ musical adventure begins during their first week at Explorer West, when music teacher Kali Poore presents a variety of band and orchestra instruments to sixth-grade students. Through demonstration and hands-on experience, the class becomes familiar with each. Experienced players are invited to introduce their instrument to classmates, and also try out something new.

Kali wraps up this first week by asking students what went well with the instruments they tried, what was more challenging, and whether they were able to make a sound. Then, each student shares their first and second choice instrument. Kali will take these preferences into account when making instrument assignments.

The process of matching instruments to students is a science: aligning the interests of players, ensemble, and families. Kali encourages students to consider the music the class wants to play and the need for a balanced ensemble. Families weigh feasibility, such as whether the instrument can be transported and stored safely at home. Not everyone gets their first choice, but that’s part of the process.

Once instruments have been selected and assigned, the learning begins. Students focus on reading notes, pitches, and rhythm while everyone rents, borrows, or purchases their instruments. In as few as two weeks, the class begins to play together. 

Switching with Purpose

Decisions made during these early days are not necessarily permanent. Sometimes, seventh and eighth grade students ask to switch to a different instrument. Kali supports this choice if the reason for the switch feels genuine and not socially influenced, and if the student is willing to put in the work necessary to catch up to the rest of the class. If a student can make and stick with that commitment, Kali will foster the transition.

One Giant Group Project

Kali shares that music class is, in a sense, one giant group project every day. Students must learn to play on time and together. Before new music and skills are introduced, everyone needs to be on the same page and the ensemble needs to sound good. Frustration among classmates is minimal, because students are supportive of each other and want to bring their friends along on the musical journey.

Kali ensures experienced players remain engaged by providing additional music pieces for practice, and setting up strategic pairings with classmates who need additional guidance and support. She strives to appropriately challenge each young musician, to keep the whole class moving towards the same target.

Beyond Class: Pops Ensemble

The after school, mixed-grade Pops Ensemble started with 9 students in its first year, and has grown year over year – with 30 students (that’s nearly 1/3 of our student body) interested this year.

Pops Ensemble was established in response to students having such a great time during class that they wanted more opportunity to create music together. After performing at an all-school assembly in that first year, the ensemble doubled in size.

The group strategically kicks off after mid-winter break, giving sixth graders time to become proficient enough to join. Eighth graders are delighted to have new members join the group. As Kali described, they take younger students under their wing and constantly ask, “Can we do a piece with the sixth graders?”

Students leave our music program not only as musicians, but also having gained the skill of perseverance. The process that begins with learning to read and sound out musical notation, moves into playing individually, and culminates in performing as an ensemble creates a much larger learning experience.

Our music program is a fun community of musicians, so much so that almost all sixth and seventh grade students signed up for optional small-group performances at Winter Arts Night.

Kali sets the tone for it all. With kindness and positivity, she encourages students to keep going. She reminds them that while learning an instrument can be challenging, it is also rewarding. Becoming a musician takes time and practice, and Kali inspires students to sit in the struggle. Once they start noticing their own improvement and progress, excitement and gratification follow.

Instrument Offerings at Explorer West

Band: alto saxophone, baritone, clarinet, flute, trombone, trumpet, trombone

Orchestra: cello, double bass, viola, violin