Band students can choose the flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, or percussion.

If a student is truly passionate about learning the oboe or the French horn, then a plan for success will be created and agreed upon between the student, teacher, and parents/guardians.

Check out this video for a quick overview of all the band instruments:

Watch the first video for each instrument below and listen to the sound each instrument makes. Which sound do you like the best? Do you prefer higher sounds or lower sounds? Which instrument's sound makes you feel excited about learning music?

Music stores may be able to let you try an instrument once you have narrowed your choices.

• Flute
• Oboe - challenge instrument, lessons recommended
• Clarinet
• Alto Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Horn - challenge instrument, lessons recommended
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Mallets and Snare

Percussionists learn both mallets and snare together. Please be aware that percussion kits cannot be transported on school buses.

Most families rent an instrument from a local music store. It is highly recommended for beginners to rent an instrument rather than purchase one. If you do decide to purchase one, make sure you are buying a well-made instrument. Bargain-priced instruments are often made of cheap materials and cannot be repaired when they fall to pieces in the first few months.

The district owns a few instruments for families with financial needs or instruments like euphoniums, which are terrific instruments, but expensive to rent from a store. You'll have an option to indicate your interest in a school-owned instrument when you complete the online registration for band.

Some stores are now selling “beginner packs” which include all the needed cleaning supplies and a music stand for $25-30. Having a music stand at home is not required, but is highly recommended.

• Flute - tuning rod, swab or cloth
• Oboe - swab, cork grease, at least two reeds (medium-soft to start)
• Clarinet - cleaning swab, cork grease, three to five #2 or #2½ reeds
• Alto Sax - cleaning swabs (one for mouthpiece, one for body), cork grease, three to five #2½ reeds
• Trumpet - slide grease, valve oil, mouthpiece brush, valve brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Horn - slide grease, valve oil, mouthpiece brush, valve brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Trombone - tuning slide grease, playing slide oil or cream, mouthpiece brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Euphonium - slide grease, valve oil, mouthpiece brush, valve brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Percussion - full kit that includes bells, mallets, snare drum, sticks, and stands

A Success List for Students and Parents/Guardians

Students

• Bring your instrument and music to school every day.
• Clean your instrument every time you play it.
• Place a pencil in your instrument case and have it with you every day in class.
• Find a quiet place at home where you can practice each day.
• Practice music that is challenging.
• Clap and count the music.
• Finger the notes on your instrument and say the note names out loud.
• Play the music slowly, making sure you are playing it correctly.
• End each practice session by playing something for fun.
• Get together with friends to practice outside of school.
• Bring a note from home if your instrument is being repaired.

Parents/Guardians

• Check to make sure that your student is taking their instrument to school and bringing it home.
• Provide a quiet place for your student to practice.
• Provide a folding stand for them to use at home.
• Encourage your students.
• Firmly insist that they practice even when they don’t feel like it.
• Set up a regular practice time. 15–20 minutes each day is enough time to guarantee success.
• Familiarize yourself with basic music notation, so you can help your students at home.
• Have your student make flashcards with notes on the staff on one side, and the names of the notes on the other side. Use the last page of the class music book to help.  This often makes the difference between students who struggle and those who flourish.
• Consider private lessons. This gives advanced students the challenge they need and gives weaker students the one-on-one attention they require to be successful.
• Send a note to the school if your student’s instrument is in the repair shop. Ask the store for a loaner while it is being fixed.

2022-23 5th grade band sign-ups have closed. Thank you!

This year, we will offer the Violin, Viola, and the Cello. Please pick one.

Watch the following video. It is a demonstration of all the instruments of the string family that are available to you. Listen to the sound and make your choice based upon what you would like to play. Don’t worry about what your friend is going to do. You pick the instrument that appeals to you.

You will need to rent an instrument from one of our terrific local music stores. R.L. Ray violin shop, Music and Arts, and Music 6000 are all local and will be able to help you with sizing and rentals. Rental prices vary slightly but cost around $25/month. If you want to play the Cello, the school district has very few larger instruments that can be rented from the school. Send Ms. Gage an email if you have questions about this. rgage@nthurston.k12.wa.us

If you need financial assistance with the rental, please contact our school counselor.

Your rental package should include: the instrument, a bow (strung with horsehair), a good quality case, rosin, and a cloth. Additionally, you should get a wire folding music stand for practicing at home. The school district will provide a music book for you to use at school and at home.

Ready to sign up? Click the button at the top of the page and fill out the form!

Sign up for Orchestra