When Assistance League of Flintridge opened registration for its Instrumental Music program this week, it celebrated the 32nd year of this popular program.
Since 1985, the beginning of the school year has brought the annual call to “Choose your instrument!” as the League offers students in grades 4-6 the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument and perform in an orchestra or band.
To aid students in the selection of their instruments, demonstration concerts introducing students to the characteristics of the brass, woodwind and string instruments will be held at each of the elementary sites the second week of school. Students will be treated to contemporary and classical works presented by professional musicians.
In addition, there will be an instrument “Petting Zoo” to be held at Lanterman Auditorium on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m.-noon. Students will have the opportunity to try all the different instruments, helping them decide which is the right one for them.
This year, ALF welcomes the return of its lead instructors: John Tegmeyer, beginning woodwinds and concert band; Mike Davis, beginning brass and concert band assistant; Sahak Karapetyan, beginning strings and string orchestra; and Sean Moriarty, beginning percussion. Joining them will be assistants Ruth Kasckow (woodwinds), James Myers (brass), Ripsi Yepremyan (strings) and Colin Ring (percussion).
All classes except beginning percussion are held at the three La Cañada Unified elementary schools, either before or after school. The percussion class will meet at ALF on Saturday mornings. The program fee for the year is $150. Registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 7. Both new and experienced students are welcome. Available instruments may be rented for $200 at Instrument Rental Day on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Lanterman Auditorium. Classes will begin the week of Sept. 11. For detailed information and online registration, visit ALFlintridge.org.
