HERSHEY ELEMENTARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
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Getting an Instrument
Having a quality instrument is essential to success in the band and orchestra programs! Having a quality instrument means that students can focus on sound production, tone, and musical moments rather than if their instrument is working properly.
We work with two fantastic music companies that can supply with you exactly the instrument and supplies that your child needs to be successful. These companies have worked with Mrs. Obielecki and Mrs. Kisner to make sure that anything that you order from them will be great for your child's participation in the Hershey Elementary Band or Orchestra.
Both Menchey's Music and JR Judd Violins offer rent-to-own programs, repair programs, and trade-up opportunities. Menchey's Music provides both band and orchestra instruments and JR Judd Violins works specifically with orchestra instruments. Both companies also visit the school on a weekly basis to drop off repairs and supplies and pick up new repairs.
Required Brands
Percussion
Bell Kit - Yamaha, Ludgwig
w/drumpad, not snare drum
Brass
Trumpet - Yamaha Selmer, Bach, King
French Horn - Yamaha, Bach, King, Conn
Trombone - Yamaha Selmer, Conn, Bach, King
Baritone/Tuba - NA
The instrument brands listed are companies that specialize in musical instruments. There are other brands out there, but they are often made by toy companies and may use sub-par metals and materials. It has been our experience that they break easily and if the instrument is not the brands listed below our local repair shops will not repair them because they are unable to get replacement pieces and they cannot guarantee that the repair will hold due to the nature of the materials. Instruments that are not from the brands listed below will not be repaired by Mrs. Obielecki or Mrs. Kisner. Instruments should not be purchased at big box stores like Amazon, Costco, Sams Club, Walmart, etc.
If you choose to purchase or rent an instrument outside of our recommended companies, the instrument you purchase should come from one of the brands listed.
If you find an instrument online that you are considering, please send the link to Mrs. Obielecki or Mrs. Kisner to ensure that it is worth the investment.
Strings
Orchestra instruments should not be purchased because the size of the instrument will change with the size of the child.
If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Kisner
Woodwinds
Flute - Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong
Clarinet - Yamaha, Selmer, Accent, Bundy, Buffett
Alto Sax - Yamaha, Selmer, Bach, Accent, King
Band Supplies
A music stand is recommended for all students
OBOE
Most supplies listed can be purchased through Menchey Music and delivered straight to the school.
Call Menchey Music at
1-888-636-2439
ALTO SAX
CLARINET
F HORN
TROMBONE
TRUMPET
PERCUSSION
Orchestra Supplies
A music stand is recommended for all students
VIOLIN
VIOLA
All supplies can be ordered from
J.R. Judd Violins - (570)321-8070
OR
Menchey Music - 1-888-636-2439
are delivered directly to the elementary school.
strings should be bought in the same size (scale) as the instrument
strings should be bought in the same size (scale) as the instrument
Kun or Everest Shoulder Rest
must be purchased from Mencheys or J.R. Judd
Kun or Everest Shoulder Rest
must be purchased from Mencheys or J.R. Judd
BASS
CELLO
strings should be bought in the same size (scale) as the instrument
Contact rental company for string repairs
Orchestra Instrument Sizing
String instruments come in a variety of sizes to best fit each musician. It is important to have an instrument that fits one's body in order to produce the best tone that is free from tension. Mrs. Kisner, Menchey Music, or J.R. Judd Violins can measure your child to provide them with an instrument that is the correct size. Violins, cellos, and basses come in fractional sizes and violas are sized in inches. As your child grows, they will need to "size up" their instrument. This is why it is best to rent an instrument until your child is big enough to handle a full sized instrument.
The Teachers
Mrs. Kisner
Mrs. Obielecki
Mrs. Kisner is the Orchestra Director at Hershey Elementary and Middle Schools for grades 4-6. She also performs locally as a professional flutist and vocalist in pit orchestras, choirs, and symphonies around Central Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Kisner graduated high school from Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg, PA and earned a B.M in Music Education, specializing in instrumental instruction from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She earned her her Masters in Music Education and Peacebuilding degree from Elizabethtown College and has a Trauma-Informed Practice certificate from Elizabethtown College as well.
Mrs. Kisner began her career in Derry Township School District as the Kindgarten- 3rd Grade general music teacher and is proud of the introductary music education she gave to the young students in Hershey for 14 years.
Mrs. Kisner lives with her husband and two sons in Harrisburg. They enjoy visiting Hershey Park, playing board games and making music together.
Mrs. Obielecki is the Director of Bands of Hershey Elementary School. She is also the Assistant Marching Band Director for the Hershey HS Trojan Marching Band and the Vocal Director for the Hershey HS Musical Theatre Department.
Mrs. Obielecki graduated high school from Williamsport Area High School in Williamsport, PA and obtained a B.S. in Education, specializing in Music Education, from Indiana University of PA (IUP). Mrs. Obielecki also has a Masters in Instructional Technology from Wilkes University, a Masters in Music Education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and a Teacher Leadership Certificate from Penn State University.
Prior to teaching at DTSD, Mrs. Obielecki taught for 5 years at Pen Argyl Area School District in Northeast PA and 3 years in her home district, Williamsport Area School District, in Williamsport, PA (home of the Little League World Series!)
Some of Mrs. Obielecki's favorite activities include traveling, reading, crocheting, and all things nerdy! She loves Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter. She lives in Hummelstown with her husband and son, Oliver.
Contact Us
Band
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