Instrumental music begins in the fall of 5^th grade. The 5^th grade concert band meets two days out of the six day cycle for forty minutes. The 5^th graders receive a 15 minute small group lesson once per cycle. They give three concerts per year.

The 6^th grade concert band meets every other day for forty minutes. The 6^th graders receive a 15 minute small group lessons once per six day cycle. They give three concerts per year, all students participate in the NEIBA solo contest, and the NEIBA Large Group Festival where they have consistently received Superior ratings. The Independence 6^th grade concert band has been chosen to perform at the Iowa Bandmaster’s Conference two times (2000 & 2008).