8700 Allentown Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Instrumental Music is a curricular program offered in every traditional elementary, K-8, middle, and high school in PGCPS. Most students begin in 4th grade and participate through high school completion by selecting one of over 18 orchestral or wind musical instruments. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to further their path to college and career readiness by teaching various musical skills and important life skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, multi-tasking, creativity, advanced literacy/reading, organization, and responsibility. Enrichment programs are provided to students during and outside the regular school day to increase proficiency via concerts, honor ensembles, performance assessments, jazz and marching band showcases, solo and ensemble festivals, cluster concerts, and other community performances. No previous musical knowledge is required to participate in the beginning classes.
About 4,500 students complete performance assessments every year in secondary band & orchestra
130 students participate in the High School Honor Band & Orchestra
25 students make up the High School Jazz Ensemble
250 students highlight their skills at the secondary Jazz Showcase
600 students take to the field in the High School Marching Band Showcase
130 students participate in the Middle School Honor Band & Orchestra
2,250 students from elementary to high school participate in the multiple-day Solo & Ensemble Festival