Fifth Grade Band

The band program consists of both small group lessons and full band rehearsals, with concerts presented in the winter and spring.

Lessons

Students receive a 30 minute small group lesson once a week during the school year.  These lessons take place during the school day and students are allowed to leave class to attend their weekly lesson. Lessons are where students learn to play their instrument.

Rehearsals

After getting started on their instruments, all of the  band members are joined together for weekly full band rehearsals. These rehearsals are held once a week in the school gym and typically start in October.  Rehearsals are where students learn to play together and work as a team  and prepare for the winter and spring concerts.

Concerts

The Fifth Grade Band presents two concerts during the year so that parents, friends, and other relatives have the opportunity to hear their music and observe their progress. These concerts are open to the public and all are welcome!

Who should Join?

All fifth grade students are invited and encouraged to join the band!

 JOIN THE BAND   PARTICIPATION FORM  

How are Instruments Selected?

Instrument selection is based on the student's personal choice, physical characteristics (jaw structure, lip formation, hand and finger size) and the instruments needed to provide a well-balanced band. Ms. Firchow will help students choose their instrument. This happens in the spring of 4th grade for most students. Ms. Firchow does not choose the student's instrument. 

Which instrument should I think about? Watch This Video Starring District 196 Students  CLICK HERE 

How do I Get an Instrument?

Most instruments are rented from a music store unless you already own one. Information will be provided to families in the fall for the three music stores that service out district and their rental programs. Larger instruments such as French horn, baritone, and tuba, are rented directly from the school district. 

Are Scholarships Available?

Families who qualify for free or reduced school lunches will qualify for a scholarship for an instrument from the district's Band for All program, which provides donated instruments for students to play. These families can also receive a scholarship for a school owned French horn, baritone, or tuba. Information on requesting a band scholarship will be available in the fall.

Family Owned Instruments

If you already have an instrument your child will play, it is important it is in good playing condition. Instruments that are old or have been not played for some time often need the attention of a good repair person. Repairs can range from minor adjustments to major overhauls. Here are a few recommended local repair shops.

Repair Shops:

Groth Music 952.884.4772

Schmitt Music 952.435.2454

Most families will rent an instrument from one of the music stores (listed below) via online. Please inquire with the stores about specific costs and terms.

Groth Music: (952) 884-4772, Bill Golden, Edith

Website: https://www.grothmusic.com/aerntschoolselect.aspx

Schmitt Music, (952) 435-2454, Leeanne Kardock

Website: https://www.schmittmusicforbeginners.com/aerntschoolselect.aspx?PlanCode=MN196

Eckroth Music: (800) 543-8255

Website: http://www.eckroth.com/aeRntSchoolSelect.aspx

Recommended instrument brands/models of beginner instruments if you are shopping from friends and family:

The brand of the instrument is extremely important. Quality musical instruments will stay in adjustment over a long period (avoiding costly repairs), are built to play in-tune with a quality sound and will play easily for your child - allowing for maximum success and enjoyment!  The instruments and mouthpieces listed below have met this set of criteria.  This list is a good basis to start a search if you are a “shopper” and want to look around for a “deal.”  The three music stores will be offering this exact “menu” online, see their website links listed.

District 196 recommends the following brands/models and accessories:

FLUTE:

●        Jupiter CF-50

●        Yamaha 221S or YFL-200AD

●        Armstrong - as a third option if Jupiter or Yamaha are not available. 

OBOE:          Yamaha YOB-241

CLARINET:  

●        Vito V7214WC  (or used 7214) 

●        Yamaha YCL200AD Advantage

●        Jupiter CC-60, CC-65 or 635N #JCL710NA 

SAXOPHONE:  

●        Vito model #V7141

●        Yamaha YAS-23, YAS-26, YAS-200AD or YAS-200ADII

●         Jupiter 769GN or CAS-70 with Yamaha 4C mouthpiece

TRUMPET:  

●        Accent TR512L

●        Bach BTR301, TR-300H, TR-300H2 

●        Bach TR300 

●        Yamaha YTR-2330, YTR-200ADII 

●        Jupiter CTR-60 or 606 RL

TROMBONE: 

***7 C Bach mouthpiece

●        Bach BTB301, TB-301, Bach TB-300

●        Getzen 451 

●        Yamaha YSL-354 or YSL- 200 AD 

●         Jupiter

PERCUSSION:  (need BOTH snare and mallet instrument and a stick bag) 

(Snare) 

***VIC FIRTH SD1 sticks

●         Ludwig LE 2472 or LE 2477R, Pearl SK-800 or SK-900 

●         Ludwig Tuneable Drum Head L379 and stand LE1353

●         Mapex MK12DL Lite Backpack Snare Drum Kit 

(Mallet Instrument) 

***Majestic, Balter #6 or Yamaha #6 mallets

●        Majestic X5535DR

●        Musser Xylophone M47

●        Ross Xylophone R319

●        Musser LM Xylophone  

To avoid damage to the instrument as well as the development of bad playing habits, please do not allow your child to play their instrument before their first lesson. 

Privately Owned Instruments Must Be Shop Checked!

If you are considering the outright purchase of a used instrument, or if your child will use an instrument which your family owns, it is strongly encouraged that  you have it checked by a qualified professional instrument repair person before registration. An adult or advanced student may be able to overcome problems in a used instrument, which would prove insurmountable to a beginner. Young students often have less finger strength than older students and, therefore, cannot close the keys on a flute unless it is adjusted for a light touch. Weak springs or worn pads on a flute, clarinet or alto saxophone may not be detectable by the untrained eye. Trumpet valves, which do not move easily, may simply be dirty, or they may need to be repaired. Trombone slides which are worn may need to be re-plated. In some cases, you may find that the cost of the repair is higher than you anticipated. 

Local Recommended Professional Instrument Repair Shops:

Groth Music:  (952) 884-4772, 8056 Nicollet Ave. S., Bloomington (Bill)

Schmitt:  (952) 435-2454, 14150 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville (Leeanne)

Eckroth Music: (800) 543-8255

A WARNING ABOUT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FROM DEPARTMENT STORES AND ONLINE DISCOUNT RETAILERS! Some “off brand” musical instruments (instrument brands not listed above) can be found at local discount stores or on the internet  and do cost less than those obtained from the district recommended music vendors.  Over the last few years, a small number of students have used these “off brand” instruments and the results have been poor and very frustrating for the student and their families.  The quality of the parts and workmanship found in these “off brand” instruments are poor and the instruments seem to be in constant need of repair (which can be quite costly!).  As a result, most local music store repair shops will refuse to work on them, leaving the student with an unplayable instrument.  The money saved on the purchase is then wasted.

Shopping Tips:  

1.) Don’t purchase anything “off brand” (instrument brands not listed above).

2.) When purchasing a used instrument (online or from a private seller) get it shop-checked and “play tested” before purchasing.  All instrument repair shops (for a small nominal fee) will carefully inspect, play-test and give you their value/price estimate of the used instrument.

** It is similar to buying a used car in that you would take it to your mechanic first.  Different from a car:  A used instrument, if cared for properly, should hold its value over time.