not in this school in question it wasn't. The young man I'm referring to played the piano beautifully, but that didn't count. Had to be a stringed instrument, and he had to play in 4th grade orchestra.
I agree that some schools are quite good. I'm collecting stories on the ones that aren't.
If it was part of a regular class curriculum why is it an evil thing to learn a new instrument?
Well, piano ain't exactly a school ensemble instrument. The first time I remember piano being used in school (other than accompanying the choir or for solo festivals) was in Jr. High jazz band. I still don't get the beef here.