Elementary Music, Art & Physical Education

Welcome to Elementary Music, Art & Physical Education!

Please contact Lisa Vaca at lvaca@fcusd.org with any questions about Elementary Music or Visual Arts. 

Please contact your local elementary school with any questions about the Elementary Physical Education.

Please contact your local secondary school's Athletic Director with any questions about athletics.

Welcome to the Elementary Music, Art, and Physical Education Department

 

 

   

            

 

 

FCUSD Elementary Music Introduction Video
The benefits of Music Education
Using Music During Instruction to Support Cognition An article by Judy Willis ~ Edutopia  

Elementary Music Program Information: We are proud to share that Music is a required part of the curriculum for all 4th & 5th grade students.

• 4th Grade Students:
  • General Music (Recorder, singing, movement): This option is recommended for students who plan to take band class in 5th grade or middle school.
  • Beginning Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello (Students must take Beginning Strings to continue in Intermediate Strings in 5th Grade).

• 5th Grade Students:
  • Choir: This option is recommended for students who plan to take choir in middle school.
  • Intermediate Strings: Violin, Viola, or Cello.
  • Beginning Band: Clarinet, Flute, Trombone, or Trumpet.
  • 4th/5th Grade combination classes participate in music with 5th Grade.

General Music classes: Your child will learn to play the recorder, sing, move and engage in a group performance. This class will prepare students for Choir or Band in 5th grade.

Choir: Your child will learn to sing, move and engage in ensemble performances. This class will prepare students for middle school choir.

Instrument classes: Your child will learn to play an instrument, learn basic music theory and engage in a group performance. Instrument classes take commitment on the part of your child and family. Students are required to practice daily at home. We ask that your child commit to play the instrument for the entire school year. Your child will need an instrument for this class. You can rent from a private music company, purchase or borrow from the school district. We also recommend a floor stand for practice at home. Theory books will be provided at the beginning of the class. 

Getting an Instrument:

• You may buy an instrument or may already own one. Please purchase your instrument from a reputable music store. We do not suggest that you purchase an instrument online or from a big box store. The quality of the instruments are sometimes not good and may not be repairable if damaged.  Please be sure it is one of the instruments listed above. We don't offer instruction in any instruments other than the ones listed above. Families are responsible for the cost. Families are responsible for lost or stolen loaned instruments.
• You may rent an instrument from a private local music vendor. Families are responsible for the cost. Families are responsible for lost or stolen loaned instruments.
• You may borrow from the FCUSD Instrument Loaner program. We have a limited number of each instrument. We can not guarantee that your child will receive their first instrument choice. The district is responsible for the cost. Families are responsible for lost or stolen loaned instruments.
• Do not attempt to repair any damage to any borrowed instrument. The instrument should immediately be given to the music teacher for repair.

Borrowing a District Loaned Instrument:

• Families must complete an online Choice form to borrow an instrument and submit the form by the deadline.
• Instruments will be delivered directly to schools.
• Instruments will be collected directly from schools.
• It is vital to keep your family email updated with the school district so important information and deadlines are not missed.

Returning a District Loaned Instrument:

• Each elementary school will be given a schedule of days and times to return the instrument at the end of May.
• Instrument cases should be cleaned out and any personal items should be removed. 
• Instruments are to be left at school immediately after the showcase performance is complete. Music teachers will direct students as to where to place them.

FCUSD VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Summer Camp 2026: VAPA Camp is open to all currently enrolled 4th and 5th grade students. Students participate in 4 classes daily which include Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. At the end of this 2 week program, students perform a show for families. Attending VAPA camp prepares students for electives in secondary schools. This year, we are adding a Theater Tech strand for students who are interested in learning about theater production. The program is staffed by highly qualified and credentialed FCUSD teachers, therefore building connections and pathways through the District's Arts programs. We are excited to share that our show this year will be Madagascar!

Please note: VAPA Camp is full and there is a waiting list for both the Folsom and Rancho Cordova locations.

Spring Chorale 2026! Check with your school to get information on School Choirs. Many school are participating this year and we are excited to see them performing together!

Spring Chorale Performance: 5/12/26, Jill Solberg Theater located at Folsom High School

Chorale Musical Director, Laurette Gaberman

Elementary PE: Our Physical Education programs at our elementary schools are thriving! Our teachers have collaborated to bring a shared comprehensive curriculum and progressive scope and sequence to each school. Students participate in skill building activities, learn about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being active. You may see a different PE teacher at your school this year as there have been a few changes to our teaching assignments. All of our PE teachers are highly qualified and excited to be working with our students. 

The PE schedule for your child is shared at the beginning of the school year. Please remember to have your child wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear on PE days.