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North Bellmore School District

Inspiring Confident, Passionate Learners

September 22, 2026

Saw Mill’s Future Musicians Find Their Instruments

Students listening to instructor play violin.

Fourth graders are feeling the music at Saw Mill Road Elementary School. This is the year when they can officially join the band or orchestra, and they got to explore their options during an instrument showcase on Sept. 10.  

General music instruction from kindergarten through third grade, during which they learned different musical concepts and played various percussion instruments and the recorder, has led them to this moment. Band teacher Chris D’Orio and orchestra teacher Lisa Uckardes introduced fourth graders to the different instruments in each ensemble. They also spoke about the commitment involved in learning an instrument.  

After their introduction, fourth graders rotated through seven different stations in the cafeteria – clarinet, drums, flute, saxophone, strings, trombone and trumpet. Sixth graders, who have two years of experience under their belts, briefly played their instruments and answered any questions.  

Fourth graders then select their favorite instruments and are given one of their top three choices. Lessons begin in late September and their first concert takes place later in the school year. 

 

Students practice playing violins in a brightly lit classroom while classmates look on.   A group of diverse students in a school cafeteria holding and playing various stringed instruments like violins and cellos.

A group of students practice playing string instruments, including violins and cellos, in a school cafeteria.   A teacher stands in front of a cafeteria filled with students sitting at long tables.

A group of students poses together at long tables inside a brightly lit school cafeteria.   A group of children sit and watch as two students hold saxophones in a school gymnasium or room.

A group of students watches attentively as two peers present near the front of a classroom.   A student stands in front of a small drum set, demonstrating to a group of seated peers in a classroom.