At their most recent meeting, the Belmont School Committee voted to eliminate the $250 Participation Fee for Grade 4 Strings and for Grade 5 Band and Orchestra.

What Does This Mean For You?

Many families have already registered students for Grade 4 String Lessons and for Grade 5 Band or Orchestra.

• If you have not yet paid the $250 Instrumental Music Fee, do not pay it. The fee has been eliminated and you are no longer required to make payment.

• If you have already paid the fee electronically via MySchoolBucks, your fee will be refunded. Our hope is that all electronic fees will be refunded by October 15.

• If you submitted payment by check, you are likely aware that your check has not been deposited yet. Our office will VOID all paper checks and keep them securely stored until Dec. 15.

  • If you would like to have your check returned to you, please contact Erin Hudkins, ehudkins@belmontschools.net.

  • All checks will be securely disposed of after Dec. 15.

• If you have applied for a fee waiver, your application will still be processed so that we can determine your eligibility for a Scholarship Instrument from David French Music, Saturday Morning Music School tuition assistance and the Belmont Scholars program through Powers Music School.

• Instrument Rental is not included in the $250 Participation Fee. Your rental agreement will remain unchanged by the elimination of this fee. If you are eligible for a Scholarship Instrument, you will still be able to receive that instrument at no cost.

If you have any questions about the Instrumental Music Program, please feel free to contact Arto Asadoorian, Director of Visual & Performing Arts (aasadoorian@belmontschools.net).

If you have questions about the district’s fee structure or any other budget related questions, contact Tony DiCologero, Director of Finance (adicologero@belmontschools.net).