How do I pick an instrument? If you like higher sounds you might like violin, flute, oboe, or clarinet. If you like medium/ middle sounds you might like viola, saxophone, trumpet, or French horn. If you like lower sounds you might like cello, bass, trombone, euphonium, or tuba.
Most importantly: consider the instrument whose sound you like best and that you are most excited to learn to play (which may not be the instrument that fits in your backpack or that your best friend is playing and that’s okay!)
Because we try to maintain a good balance of instrumentation in our groups, we have found that it is desirable to limit certain instruments in order to achieve this balance.
In addition, some of the larger, more expensive instruments are provided for rent from the school for an annual fee. These instruments must be limited because we have a restricted number available for use by the 5th graders.
Should I rent an instrument now? No, final instrument choices will be made based on communication from parents, students and the music teachers. We work together to make sure that each group has a balance of the right number of instruments and students.
How do I get an instrument? If a student decides to play one of the following instruments, the instrument must be provided by the student and parents: flute, oboe, clarinet, alto & tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, violin, and viola.
Most families rent from a store that specializes in musical instruments such as West Music (band) or Schultz Strings (orchestra).
Families with financial concerns or those choosing a large/specialty instrument (oboe, French horn, euphonium, tuba, cello, or string bass) may rent from the school.
Can we buy an instrument online? Some families choose to purchase an instrument privately or online. Instruments sold online vary greatly in quality. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your music teacher before you purchase! Be careful. We recommend that students rent instruments as beginners and purchase only after a long term commitment has been made. String instruments come in sizes based on the length of the musician's arms. These sizes change as the students grow.
What if I have an instrument at home or in my family to use? Can I use that instrument? Of course! However, instruments need to be maintained just like a car, so we would recommend you have the instrument “tuned up” before starting lessons. West Music (band) or Schultz Strings (orchestra) can assist you.
What if I can’t afford to be in band or orchestra? Every student in the Decorah Community School District has the opportunity to play an instrument regardless of their financial situation. If you need assistance with anything, please contact your music teacher; we are happy to help.
Why should I play an instrument? Because it’s fun and it’s good for you! This might be the one time in your life where you have the opportunity to try something new. You will not find an adult who says: “I wish I wouldn’t have tried a musical instrument,” but you will find those who wish they would have gotten the chance.
What if I’ve never played an instrument? That’s okay! Nearly all of the fifth-grade band and orchestra students we work with have never played an instrument. We will teach you everything you need to know.
What is percussion? Percussion is drums, mallet instruments like xylophone and bells, and auxiliary instruments like cymbals, tambourine, etc. Students who sign up for percussion will receive lessons on drums and bells.
I’ve heard that you need to have taken piano lessons to do percussion- is that true? Prior piano experience makes starting percussion much easier since you are learning two instruments (bells and drums).
What is chorus? Chorus is singing! You may also hear it called choir or vocal music. Chorus registration will happen at a different time than band/orchestra.
Can I do both band and orchestra? No, the classes meet at the same time and you may only choose to be in one instrumental group.
Can I be in band or orchestra and chorus? Yes, many students are in both an instrumental group and chorus.
What if I try an instrument and decide that it is not right for me: Talk to your music teacher and we will work together and find the best fit for you. We do ask that you commit to your music class for the whole school year to give it a fair shot. Exceptions may be made at mid-year with communication between student, parent, and teacher.
What if I have other questions?
Contact your middle school music teachers!
Band: Emily Hahn emily.hahn@decorah.school
Orchestra: Jennifer Larson jennifer.larson@decorah.school
Chorus: Dean Beckman dean.beckman@decorah.school