Band was fun and it was cool to learn an instrument. It helped me socialize with kids from other grades and make new friends. I’m really glad that our school had this program.
Since the pandemic, instrument instruction has not been available at GUSD schools. The Goleta Instrumental Music program provides after-school classes twice a week on both strings and band instruments. In its pilot year at Foothill Elementary (December 2024-May 2025), classes were offered twice a week on-site for both string and band instruments.
GEF aims to support high-quality instrumental instruction to students in fourth, fifth or sixth grade in the Goleta Union School District in an equitable, fun, and accessible manner.
The Instrumental Music Program is designed for the needs of an individual school to:
- provide opportunities for creative expression, skill development and joyful discovery after school.
- emphasize concentration, critical thinking, group cooperation, self-confidence and positive self-esteem.
- address the Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools and can integrate the arts with academic subject areas.
In the 2025-2026 school year, the instrumental music program is expanding to include Foothill, Goleta Family School, Brandon, Ellwood, La Patera, and Kellogg schools!
- Offer instruction on band and orchestral instruments
- Available to 4th through 6th graders
- After or before school
- Students will receive:
- Instruction twice a week
- 30 total weeks of instruction
- Currently, over 120 students at these schools have expressed an interest in joining the band or orchestra!
Your support gives us the ability to lower student costs, purchase instruments, and offer scholarships.
