Choosing an Instrument

During the recruitment process, every student is tested to determine which instrument(s) would be best for them to play in the Fifth grade band. Band teachers take several things into account when making their recommendation including sound quality, physical size, fingers, lip shape, rhythmic and melodic aptitude, and overall band instrumentation. Choosing an instrument is a decision that should be made very carefully. In most cases, students will be expected to stay on their chosen instrument throughout their participation in the Johnston band program. Like all academic areas, the skills learned in band build upon each other every school year. Every student will receive an instrument testing summary and recommendation letter from the band teacher at his or her school.

Choosing an instrument

· Students have the freedom to choose the flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone as their instrument for 5th grade band if they received an excellent or good score on the testing summary for that instrument.

· Students who received a fair score on their top choice and are not interested in any other instruments can still choose their top choice with the understanding that getting started on that instrument might be extra challenging especially at the beginning of the year.

· Students who choose saxophone, horn, euphonium, tuba, or percussion as their top choice must be selected for that instrument. The instrument testing summary and recommendation letter will note whether or not a student is selected. If a student is not selected for their top choice, they will need to make a second choice.

Click here for information on finding an instrument for 5th grade band.