Elementary Music Program
Program Overview
The Elementary Instrumental Program is offered to 4th and 5th grade students. We have had great success with this program, offering group lessons in a variety of instruments, and an elementary ensemble for students with previous musical instruction, and an elementary chorus.
The fifth grade Elementary Ensemble is directed by Michael Ferreira. The Director of the fourth and fifth grade Elementary Chorus is Kathryn Hayashi. As your child pursues their musical education, they will have the opportunity to participate in the Middle School and High School bands and choral groups.
- Instruction Options
- Instrument Demonstrations
- Group Lesson Registration
- Class Schedule
- Scholarships
- Faculty Information
- BCW Elementary Chorus and Band
- Instrument Rental Info
Instruction Options
Class Offerings
Beginner Level: Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, and Clarinet
Small group instruction for fourth and fifth grade students with no previous instrumental experience taught after school for 45 minutes, once a week. Group lessons are offered in two 12-class sessions. Classes are held in the music room at the Winthrop School. The transfer bus can only be used for lessons held immediately after school. In the event there is not enough interest in an instrument, a private lesson will be the option. Please note: To keep the groups manageable, lessons are capped once the group hits the maximum number determined by the instructor, so please don't delay in responding.
Private Lessons:
Private lessons for the serious student, offered to either fourth or fifth graders. Lessons are arranged directly with the instructor.
Cost
Group lessons are held in two 12-week sessions. Cost per 12-week session is $192, payable to the instructor on the first day of each session.
The instruction book, Essential Elements 2000, is required for both lessons and ensemble. This book is available at Music and Arts, and Amazon.com.
The instrument rental is also required. Music and Arts.com and The Musary are options.
Instrument Rental Options
RENT ONLINE: MUSIC & ARTS.COM
BORROW INSTRUMENT from The Musary.
Instrument Demonstrations
Group Lesson Registration
Class Schedule
There are 12 classes per session.
Cost per session = $192
Lessons begin the week of October 9, 2023
Every effort is made to keep class sizes small. In the event there are not enough students to make a class, or there are too many students, the instructors will attempt to structure it so everyone has a positive experience.
You will receive a confirming email from hwelementarymusic@gmail.com. Please check your SPAM folder.
Checks should be made payable to the instructor and brought to the first class. Instructor information will be included in the email confirmation.
Upon the conclusion of Session 1, students have the option of continuing for an additional session of 12 classes. Instructors will inform students of the first session's end.
- For class times see the Sign-Up Genius Registration
ALL CLASSES ARE HELD IN THE WINTHROP SCHOOL MUSIC ROOM.
Students may take the transfer buses to Winthrop if their class is right after school. Students in later classes need to arrange transportation to the school at the appropriate class time. Students may not come and wait for their class, as there is no adult supervision.
Students must be picked up promptly at the end of class and will enter and exit using the outside door of the music room. Please park in the back parking lot and meet your child at the music door designated by the cone with the musical note!
Ensemble Schedule:
| Elementary Band Ensemble | Wednesdays - Winthrop | 7:20a-8:10a |
| Elementary Chorus | Thursdays - Buker | 7:20a-8:10a |
Scholarships
The Friends of the Arts (FOTA) has generously supported scholarships for participation in these programs for more than a decade.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please complete this form and turn it into your child's school office, with the requested documentation.
A group lesson scholarship covers the instructor's fee, not the book or the rental costs. You will be notified of the scholarship, if awarded.
Faculty Information
- KATHRYN HAYASHI (DIRECTOR OF BCW CHORUS)
- Michael Ferreira (Director of BCW Elementary Ensemble)
- Monica Duncan (Clarinet and Saxophone)
- Eileen Yarrison (Flute)
- Jay Daly (Trumpet and Trombone)
- TBD (Percussion)
KATHRYN HAYASHI (DIRECTOR OF BCW CHORUS)
This Kathryn Hayashi’s first year in the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District and she is excited to lead the BCW Chorus this year. Ms. Hayashi has most recently worked in the Belmont Public Schools teaching general music and chorus, grades PreK-6th. Additionally, Ms. Hayashi has worked for Wakefield Summer Music Camp, the Gordon College Children's Chorus, and adjudicated for the All-State Children’s Choir. Ms. Hayashi looks forward to supporting the HWRSD music programs and joining the community in song.
Michael Ferreira (Director of BCW Elementary Ensemble)
Mr. Ferreira has been the Director of the BCW Elementary ensemble for five years. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. In his last semester at UNH, he student taught in Chelmsford, MA, teaching classes such as Orchestra, Band, Guitar and Music Theory. Michael’s primary background is in piano, but he also has experience with string instruments, and percussion.
Over the past few years, Michael has worked with the University of New Hampshire Youth Band and the University of New Hampshire Summer Youth Music School as a percussion assistant. He has taught piano privately for many years through the Piano Extension Program at the University of New Hampshire. Michael is excited to continue sharing his passion for music in the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District.
Monica Duncan (Clarinet and Saxophone)
Clarinetist Monica Duncan freelances throughout the Greater Boston area, and has performed with Symphony By-The-Sea, Cape Ann, Lexington, and Greater Lansing Symphonies, North Shore Music Theater, Hillyer Festival Orchestra, Chalumeau hamber Ensemble, and Arlington Street Chamber Players. Monica has performed in Japan and Canada, and has premiered works at the 1999 SCI National Conference and the 1998 Latin American Music Festival. She can also be heard on the CDs Awaiting the Sun, FleetingVisions, and Metamorphosis through Beauport Classical, and Basically British with Philharmonia a Vént.
Monica holds a Masters degree from Indiana University where she studied with James and a Bachelors degree from Michigan State University. In addition to her role as performer, Duncan teaches clarinet from her private studio and in the Hamilton- Wenham School District. She is also a chamber music coach with the Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Eileen Yarrison (Flute)
Mrs. Yarrison has been teaching kids and adults to play the flute since 1980. Many of her students have gone on to become professional flutists themselves. What makes her happiest is that her students love to play the flute, no matter what age they are or to what goals they aspire. A graduate of UNH (music education) and Penn State (flute performance), she holds the DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degree from the University of Nebraska, where she was the first flutist to earn that degree. Eileen is Instructor of Flute at Gordon College as well as at the Indian Hill School of Music in Littleton, MA. (www.indianhillmusic.org)
She also maintains a full private studio in Beverly. Eileen is also Music Director and Conductor of the Nashua Flute Choir in Nashua, NH- a group which has recorded three CDs and made four appearances at National Flute Association Conventions. (www.nashuaflutechoir.com) She loves Irish music and jazz, as well as classical flute playing, and performs frequently with Lowell-based guitarist Jamie Dunphy. Eileen is also learning to play the Native American flute and the hulusi (a Chinese reed instrument).
Jay Daly (Trumpet and Trombone)
For nearly 30 years Jay’s soaring trumpet has been a mainstay of Boston’s diverse venues. From Tanglewood to the Tweeter Center, he has endeared himself to audiences and fellow musicians alike as “one of the most versatile trumpet players in the Boston area,” in the words of the Boston Globe. Jay is a favorite with touring star attractions.
His talents have been tapped by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and the Moody Blues, among many other notable stars. In addition, Jay was lead trumpet for the North Shore Music Theatre for 19 years. As an educator, Jay is in demand both as a clinician and private teacher. His students hold playing and teaching jobs all over the country.
TBD (Percussion)
BCW Elementary Chorus and Band
BCW Elementary Chorus
The BCW Chorus is open to all 4th and 5th grade boys and girls from Cutler, Winthrop, and Buker Schools and is Directed by Kathryn Hayashi. A wide variety of songs from many different periods and cultures will be learned throughout the year, with two performances scheduled. You will also learn fun exercises to develop better vocal skills.
BCW Chorus meets on Thursdays from 7:20-8:15 A.M. in the BUKER SCHOOL. Students from Winthrop and Cutler will be escorted to transfer buses after rehearsal.
This is a wonderful opportunity for all 4th and 5th grade students to become part of very high caliber Hamilton-Wenham Schools Fine Arts organizations. Continuing chorus after elementary school offers many exciting choral and musical drama performance opportunities during Middle and High School.
BCW Elementary Band Ensemble
Ensemble is open to musicians who have had at least one year of previous musical instruction. Rehearsals are once a week (Wednesday, 7:20am-8:10am / Winthrop School.) Students can take the transfer buses to their schools. The Elementary Ensemble Director is Michael Ferreira. The ensemble has an end-of-year performance.
Instrument Rental Info
General questions: hwelementarymusic@gmail.com
INSTRUMENT RENTAL INFORMATION
Instruments can be rented or purchased from many vendors. An online option is Music and Arts, located on Rte 114 by Trader Joe's. Please direct any questions about your instrument to the instructor, whose email address will be included in your confirmation email. Email addresses are also in the Faculty tab.
ONLINE RENTAL OPTION:
- Music and Arts Rentals - www.musicarts.com
- Instruments can be picked up at the store located on Rte. 114.
- Remember that an instruction book is also necessary: Essential Elements and can be purchased online, as well.
BORROW an instrument: The Musary
OTHER RENTAL OPTIONS:
Timeline Music in Wakefield (781-246-4424)
National Music in Woburn (781-271-1189)
News and Updates
Instrument Lesson Registration: OPEN
Band Ensemble Registration: OPEN (paper form)
Chorus Registration : OPEN (paper form)