School District 91 offers musical instrument classes after school

There’s a lot of emphasis placed on math and science in the public schools, but Idaho Falls School District 91 has a special program that offers musical instrument lessons to 5th and 6th graders after school.

Eagle Rock Middle School band teacher, Terry Wright, teaches some of the classes.

“We feel that 5th and 6th grade is a perfect time for them to get started on a musical instrument,” Wright said. “They’ve got the physical and mental abilities they need to be successful at it.”

Eleanor Hilton is in 8th grade band at Eagle Rock, but she got her start in 6th grade in the District 91 after school program. The only cost is for instrument rental and a music book. That comes to a little over $50.

Eleanor says she’s learned a lot through music.

“At the beginning I couldn’t even play the simplest notes you could learn, so you just have to keep going at it and going at it.”

Musicians say there’s a power in music that has lifelong benefits.

“It just helps express their emotions sometimes, and it just helps people get through the day if they love it so much,” Eleanor said.

“Band was one of the main reasons I went to school and I enjoyed my time at school,” student teacher, Jake Snarr, said.

“I believe students who take music class end up getting a lot of self esteem from the successes they had during class,” Wright said.

If you want to look into the District 91 5th and 6th grade music program, there’s an open house at
Eagle Rock Middle School for parents and students this coming Monday, Oct. 3 between 6:30 and 8:00 pm.

You can drop by, take a look at the instruments available to rent, get any questions answered, and sign up.