At the beginning of every school year, fourth and fifth grade students at Grafton Elementary School have the opportunity to participate in a year long adventure in learning how to play a band instrument in the Beginner Band Program. Students can choose to learn how to play the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or snare drum.

In September, students attend an in-school demonstration so they will have the opportunity to see and hear the different band instruments that are available in the beginner program. There is also an Instrumental Rental Night at GES where parents can rent instruments from a local music dealer.

Beginner group lessons (generally set in homogeneous groupings) are given during the school day. Students receive one 30-minute lesson per week during the school year (at no cost) with Mrs. Crockwell. In lessons, students will learn how to play and take proper care of the instrument, learn how to develop music reading skills such as music notations and rhythms, and establish good practicing habits. Group lessons are held during class time on a pullout basis. Students are responsible for any class work missed that was covered during his or her lesson.

Although parents may rent or purchase an instrument at any local music store, the school does make arrangements for an independent instrument company to service parents with instruments and method books.

In additional to instrumental group lessons, all beginner students participate in Beginner Band, which starts in late January. Beginner Band rehearsals meet every Tuesday, during the school day for 45 minutes. During rehearsals, students will learn how to develop and play in a large music ensemble, and reinforcing the music skills and concepts learned during lessons. The Beginner Band performs in the yearly spring concert in June.