Our district band policy states that students can switch instruments, but they must take a semester of lessons outside of school on the instrument they choose to switch to before he or she is allowed to play in that section of the band. After a semester of private lessons on their new instrument, the student would then do a proficiency playing exam for their band director to make sure that he or she is able to perform at the same level as the other students in the section. Students interested in changing instruments would be expected to keep up with their regular band lessons on their current instrument that are given during the school day. Due to time constraints on the band directors, private lessons on the new instrument must happen outside of school with a private teacher. It should be noted that many students are interested in changing instruments because they are having difficulty with their current instrument and think a different instrument looks easier. Every instrument has its challenges and just needs some quality time practicing to overcome them. Instrument changes are always made at the director’s discretion in order to keep a balanced ensemble and have a successful band program.