In grades Kindergarten through 4, all Framingham Public School students take general music classes and in 5^th grade they have the opportunity to choose between instrumental music and chorus. Currently all schools have band programs and Barbieri, Harmony Grove, McCarthy, and Stapleton elementary schools have orchestra programs. Instrumental music classes meet once per week during the school day. 5^th grade band students have the opportunity to play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion (bells and snare drum). 5th grade orchestra students can play violin, viola, cello, and string bass.

Succeeding in instrumental music takes dedication and practice from students and caregiver support can be a key to their success. Caregivers can help by encouraging students to practice their instruments consistently and urging the important habits of mind we teach in music class, such as: caring for instruments, maintaining practice routines, and bringing instruments to and from school.