Elementary Music, Art & Physical Education

Welcome to the new school year!

Please contact Lisa Vaca at lvaca@fcusd.org with any questions about the Elementary or Visual Art program. 

Please contact your local elementary school with any questions about the Elementary PE program.

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
What does Secondary Music look like?
The benefits of Music Education
Using Music During Instruction to Support Cognition

An article by Judy Willis ~ Edutopia  

Welcome to Elementary Music, Art & PE! 

Elementary Music Program Information:

Music is 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)

• 5th Grade Students:
  • Choir/General Music 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)

General Music classes: Your child will learn to play the recorder, sing, move and engage in a group performance. 

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 course. Your child will need an instrument for this class. You can rent from a private music company or borrow from the school district. We also recommend a floor stand for practice at home. Books will be given out at the beginning of the class. 

Obtaining 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.
• You may rent an instrument from a private local music vendor. 
• 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.
• General Music recorders and all books are provided to all students in General Music classes.

Borrowing a District Loaned Instrument:

• Families must complete an online reservation/contract to borrow an instrument.
• Instruments will be delivered directly to schools.
• Families return the loaned instrument to Cordova Lane Center at the end of the school year.
• 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.
• Families will receive instructions to return the instruments.
• Instruments are to be returned to Cordova Lane Center, 2460 Cordova Lane, Rancho Cordova.

VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Summer Enrichment Camp 2026: Check back in March, 2026

Spring Chorale 2026! Check with your school to get information on School Choirs

Musical Director, Laurette Gaberman

Elementary PE: We are excited about the new school year! 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.