The purpose of elementary instrumental music program at Pennsbury is to give as many children as possible the opportunity to receive instruction on a musical instrument. The emphasis of the instruction at this level is to develop good executive skills (proper holding position and tone production), music reading, rhythmic and pitch acuity, and basic ensemble and solo skills.

The program at this level is centered around a group lesson, which meets once every six days on a rotating time schedule. Students are grouped homogeneously by instrument. There is small band and string ensembles in each building which perform as part of the school’s spring concert.

Care is taken to counsel students on the selection of the instrument they will choose in order to provide maximum opportunities for the child in the future and to insure that the ensembles, both at this level and in the future, will have a well-balanced instrumentation.

Instruments are leased on a four or nine month trial basis through Zapf’s Music Store of Pennsauken, New Jersey. At the conclusion of the lease period, families have the option to purchase a new or used instrument or to continue leasing on a monthly basis. Pennsbury does maintain an inventory of instruments for students where financial concerns could preclude a child from participating in the program.