The school district's summer instrumental music program was the subject of discussion at a recent board of education meeting. Arlette Sanders, assistant superintendent for secondary education, presented the report, along with reports on the district's other summer enrichment programs. (The Great Neck Record will continue stories on this report next week. The two prior issues also included summer enrichment reports.)

The summer instrumental music program, directed by Michael Schwartz, is in its fourth year of operation. Last summer the program, then based at the South Middle School, attracted 143 students---48 beginners, 81 intermediates, and 14 advanced students, expanding over the previous year's enrollment of 103. ''This program grew dramatically in size from the previous summer,'' reported Mr. Schwartz.

In fact, as a result of the large enrollment, in his report Mr. Schwartz recommended looking into putting a class cap on the beginner classes this coming summer. He expects a very high return rate for summer 1999, plus additional new students. And, as most of the students in this music program are young, Mr. Schwartz anticipates many years of involvement in the summer music program.

Classes were offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. In addition to the band and the orchestra, there was also a jazz band.

According to the report, ''sessions were developed to dovetail with elementary recreation programs and middle school enrichment programs.'' Additionally, the report indicates that all enrichment program and recreation program students were exempt from any additional payment to the summer instrumental music program.

Students also enrolled in the recreation program left for one and one half hours per day to attend the music program, while the enrichment students who wanted the music program enrolled in the music classes as part of their three class choices.

This summer music program affords students the opportunity to begin musical training over the summer, or to have the opportunity to continue musical training during the summer. Mr. Schwartz reported that, ''Many parents commented to me about the wonderful opportunity this program afforded their children.''

All participating students were included in last summer's musical performance in July. Offering a wide range of musical tastes, the concert ranged from solo to full ensemble, classical to jazz, Mozart to Duke Ellington.

Mr. Schwartz's report did note one issue of concern---transportation. ''Transportation for this program is essential if we are going to continue to attract students throughout the entire district,'' he stated. He recommended continuing to transport the students from the various recreation programs to and from the music program. And, in order to increase participation, he called for establishing transportation throughout the district for the advanced program in the afternoon.

Air conditioning is also an issue, as the South High auditorium (which is air conditioned and had been used in the past) will continue to be unavailable due to asbestos abatement.