Enrollment is now closed. Please contact your child's band director for the possibility of late enrollment!
Before reading the information in this section, be sure you have completed Step 1: Enrollment.
What is an instrument fitting?
When you enrolled your child, you were asked to select a "First Choice" and "Second Choice" Instrument.
An "instrument fitting" is when the band and orchestra teacher meets with your child to determine which of these two choices they are best suited to play.
Why does my child need an instrument fitting, and why can't I just get an instrument now?
Fittings help avoid scenarios where students are unable to hold or play an instrument that is too big or small.
Orchestral instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) come in several different sizes. Your child's teacher will measure them to see which size they need.
Band instruments require a check of hand size, arm length, air, and embouchure considerations.
Teachers need to make sure there is a balance of the different instruments:
If a baseball team only had pitchers, they would lose every game.
If a band only had saxophone players and percussionists, it would not be a real band.
If an orchestra doesn't have any violas or cellos, it would not be a real orchestra.
All the band and orchestra teachers have slightly different policies, but we all try to have assign as many "first choice" instruments as possible.
Bells enrollment is limit to 2 student per fourth grade class.
Email your child's teacher if you have questions.
When will my child be fitted?
Once you have completed Step 1 and Enrolled Your Child, your child's teacher will contact you with more information about which instrument to get, and in which size.
Once you have this information, you will be ready to move onto Step 3: Getting an Instrument.
It's also a good idea to visit our Consumer Alert Page to avoid the many instrument scams on the internet.