Music Education

In Bethel, we have tremendous support for the arts and place great value on music in a well-rounded education. We strongly believe in giving every student the opportunity to grow as a musician through band, orchestra, or choir. All students sing, play, and create as early as kindergarten, with many students joining band, orchestra, or choir in fifth grade and continuing their musical journey through middle and high school.

Getting Your 5th Grader an Instrument
Students should ensure they have their instruments in class by September 28th, 2026. Most families rent instruments privately, therefore it is recommended instruments be ordered by September 21st so they arrive in time. We strongly recommend renting from vetted, local music stores rather than purchasing beginner instruments online. Renting is safer and more cost-effective, as local stores also provide quick access to repairs and instrument swaps when needed. Instruments purchased from large retail stores often break easily and cannot be repaired.

Note: Families are responsible for ordering, delivery, returns, and repairs through their chosen rental provider. Teachers are not able to manage private rental logistics.

School-Owned Instruments
Please note that school-owned instrument inventories are limited. School-owned instruments are generally reserved for students whose families are experienceing financial hardship and are unable to afford a private rental. Your support in helping us prioritize these resources for those in need is greatly appreciated. If you are interested in renting a school-owned instrument, please reach out to your Band or Orchestra teacher to verify availability and learn more about renting a school-owned instrument.

Ted Brown Music

Ted Brown Rental Flier (English and Spanish)

Local, family owned company in business since 1931
Free pickup and delivery to your school
Maintenance and Replacement guarantee protects your instrument from normal wear, accidental damage, and theft
Simple exchange and return policy
Easy month-to-month rental plan
Earn up to 30% additonal discount toward the purchase of a step-up instrument

Music & Arts

MUSIC & ARTS RENTAL flier (English)

MUSIC & ARTS RENTAL flier (SPANISH)

Convenient, local services at our Lakewood & Puyallup Stores
100% of rental credit goes toward owning an instrument
Month to month rental with FREE exchanges, 30% early purchase, or return at any time
Preparation & inspection by our professional repair technicians
Shop YOUR school supply list in-store OR online
Educator approved, name brand instruments

Applebaum Violin Shop

Applebaum Rental Flier (English)

APPLEBAUM RENTAL FLIER (SPANISH)

Locally owned since 1975.
We prefer fitting your child for size in our shop, for a memorable experience – a personalized introduction to the world of string instruments.
Instruments are rented for a three month period and thereafter in one-month periods.
Rental program offers credit towards purchase of rented instruments or upgraded instruments. 100% of the first 12 months can be applied towards purchase.
All details of our rental program may be found on our website, applebaumviolinshop.com.
1948 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402.
Phone: (253) 272-4754. Email: applebaumviolinshop@gmail.com
Call to schedule an appointment or Click here to schedule an appointment online.

Hammond Ashley Violins

Locally owned violin family specialist since 1964
Rent paid month to month, with up to 9 rent payments credited toward an instrument purchase
Insurance provided with rental instruments
Located in Issaquah WA. Rental violins can be shipped. Cellos and basses picked up in store.
Professional set up. Highest quality bowed string rentals in the region
Phone: (425) 392-3963
Rentals.HammondAshley.com

Band

Participation in fifth grade band allows students to go deeper into the study of music, building off of the instruction they’ve received in general music during the kindergarten through grade four years. Further, band fosters higher-level thinking, teamwork, structure, confidence, and joy and it builds community within the school.

What to Expect in Beginning Band

Band students will meet 2 or 3 times per week during the school day at their home school.
Students will have the opportunity to develop the fundamental building blocks of music while learning a new instrument — flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone.
Students will experience the joy of making music with their classmates in a safe and supportive environment.
Students will learn to apply rhythm, note reading, tone production, and musical expression through performance.

Band Instrument Demo Videos

Choir

Students who join fifth grade choir get to spend the year singing and reading music with their friends, building off of all the experiences they have had during previous years in general music. Being in choir is an excellent opportunity for students to develop musical skills, team work, and confidence, while also contributing to their school’s culture and community.

All 5th Grade students get a chance to participate during school hours, and some home schools even have an optional before- or after-school choir too!
Students will continue experiencing the joy of music on an instrument that is free and cannot be bought - their voice!
Students will learn more about musical notation, and their teacher will select songs fit to their musical needs and growth.
Students will develop more expression through musical performance at a variety of events, including the annual Bethel Choir Festival in Spring.

Orchestra

Fifth grade orchestra is a student-centered experience where students learn from highly qualified teachers and from one another. Beginning orchestra students enjoy a community-centered environment which celebrates diversity, fosters higher-level thinking skills, strengthens social-emotional skills, and has fun learning and creating music in an ensemble setting!

What to Expect in Beginning Orchestra:

Orchestra students will meet 2 or 3 times per week during the school day at their home school.
In our model, students will learn with others beginning on their same instrument, and have the opportunity to play with students learning other instruments.
Students will develop discipline and confidence as they engage in focused instruction on their instrument.
Students will experience joy and satisfaction through the process of learning and performing music.