Blanchard 5th and 6th Grade - Ensemble Block Registration - 2026-2027

Posted Date: 09/09/26 (01:16 PM)

Ensemble Block
The Acton-Boxborough School District offers a weekly Ensemble Block for all 5th- and 6th-graders during the regular school day. This gives students a chance to explore their musical interests and grow as individuals. If you've ever seen one of our award-winning high school programs and wondered how our AB students perform at such a high level, it starts here! Blanchard's Ensemble Block for 5th and 6th graders is on Wednesday morning at 9:00 am. Students can choose from four options: Band - requires registration in the Blanchard Band Program and private lessons; there is a fee for this program Orchestra - requires one year of experience or more; there is a fee for this program Chorus - no requirements, no fee Stay in Classroom - no fee Limited financial aid is available for these band and orchestra. Ensemble Block does not replace or interfere with regular class instruction. While participating in a music ensemble is not mandatory, we highly encourage all students to join one.

Ensemble Block

The Acton-Boxborough School District offers a weekly Ensemble Block for all 5th- and 6th-graders during the regular school day. This gives students a chance to explore their musical interests and grow as individuals. If you've ever seen one of our award-winning high school programs and wondered how our AB students perform at such a high level, it starts here! Blanchard's Ensemble Block for 5th and 6th graders is on Wednesday morning at 9:00 am.
Students can choose from four options:

Band - requires registration in the Blanchard Band Program and private lessons; there is a fee for this program
Orchestra - requires one year of experience or more; there is a fee for this program
Chorus - no requirements, no fee
Stay in Classroom - no fee

Limited financial aid is available for these band and orchestra.

Ensemble Block does not replace or interfere with regular class instruction. While participating in a music ensemble is not mandatory, we highly encourage all students to join one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ensemble Block Chorus different from the Blanchard Chorus? Yes.
The Blanchard Chorus with Mrs. Callaghan meets before school. The group has evening concerts throughout the year, field trips, and community performances. This group will continue to operate as it has for many years under Mrs. Callaghan's wonderful leadership.

The Ensemble Block Chorus rehearses once a week during the school day with Ms. Ghassabian. There are no outside-of-school rehearsals, and there is no participation fee. It is a more casual singing experience (but still meaningful) that meets entirely during the school day, with no evening performances or field trips.

Is the Ensemble Block Band different from the Blanchard Band? No.
The Ensemble Block Band is another chance during the school day for students in 4th, 5th, & 6th Grade to work on their band music and fundamentals.

If my child is part of the Blanchard Band, can they sing in the Ensemble Block Chorus? Yes.

How To Register Your Child?
Complete the Registration Form Find the attached form and click "Complete and Sign Form." Depending on your device, the form will be located at the top or bottom of this message in the "Forms" tab. Having trouble? If you see a "Select Child" message, you may be logged in with an email not linked to your child's AB account. Try using the ParentSquare app, as this automatically links to your profile. Pay for the Program (if applicable) If you choose Band or Orchestra, you'll receive an invoice via ParentSquare. This process is not automated, so it may take a few days to receive your invoice. Band students must also register for private lessons (14 in the fall and 14 in the spring) via Community Ed. Please see Mr. Baird's communication about this on the Blanchard Band Program site. Acquire an Instrument (if applicable) Renting is almost always the best choice for young musicians. The school has arranged for David French Music to deliver instruments directly to your child's school on September 18. To ensure delivery on that date, you must rent your instrument by September 16. Other local vendors, such as Spencer Brook Strings and Leonard's Music, also serve our schools.
Caution! We strongly advise against buying an instrument from a generic online vendor. While they may seem cheaper, these instruments are often a poor investment because they are low-quality, have no support or warranty, and can cause frustration for beginners. Renting a proper student instrument or buying a used instrument is always a better choice.

How To Register Your Child?

Complete the Registration Form
- Find the attached form and click "Complete and Sign Form." Depending on your device, the form will be located at the top or bottom of this message in the "Forms" tab.
- Having trouble? If you see a "Select Child" message, you may be logged in with an email not linked to your child's AB account. Try using the ParentSquare app, as this automatically links to your profile.
Pay for the Program (if applicable)
- If you choose Band or Orchestra, you'll receive an invoice via ParentSquare. This process is not automated, so it may take a few days to receive your invoice.
- Band students must also register for private lessons (14 in the fall and 14 in the spring) via Community Ed. Please see Mr. Baird's communication about this on the Blanchard Band Program site.
Acquire an Instrument (if applicable)
- Renting is almost always the best choice for young musicians.
- The school has arranged for David French Music to deliver instruments directly to your child's school on September 18.
- To ensure delivery on that date, you must rent your instrument by September 16.
- Other local vendors, such as Spencer Brook Strings and Leonard's Music, also serve our schools.

Caution!

We strongly advise against buying an instrument from a generic online vendor. While they may seem cheaper, these instruments are often a poor investment because they are low-quality, have no support or warranty, and can cause frustration for beginners. Renting a proper student instrument or buying a used instrument is always a better choice.

Important Upcoming Dates
9/16/2026: Deadline to reserve an instrument for 9/18 drop-off 9/18/2026: Regular Registration Ends 9/18/2026: Instruments rented from David French Music delivered to schools 9/21/2026: Late Registration Begins (limited availability) 9/30/2026: Ensemble Block begins at all elementary schools

Still have questions?
Masami Rodriguez - Orchestra - mrodriguez@abschools.org Katherine Greene - Orchestra - kgreene@abschools.org Chris Baird - Band - cbaird@abschools.org Kristen Dye - Band - kdye@abschools.org George Arsenault - Director of Visual and Performing Arts - garsenault@abschools.org