Which instruments can I learn?

As you will see below, there is a great variety of instruments that make up a traditional concert band. Of these instruments,  grade 5 band students will be placed on one of the following:

• Flute

• Clarinet

• Trumpet

• Trombone

After grade 5,  there will be numerous opportunities for your student to advance to a different instrument or continue with their initial placement. In addition to their wind instrument placement, all grade 5 band students will also receive an introduction to percussion (bells, snare drum, and drum set).  All percussion materials will be provided to your student.

Ideal Instrumentation 

The chart below shows the ideal instrumentation of a  middle school band. Similar to an athletic sport, we need to have certain positions covered in order to complete the team! We can't play baseball without a first baseman. The grade 5 instrument placement process takes this into account when placing students on instruments.

Instrument Test Night

Fill out the form below to RSVP to the instrument test night. You do not need to RSVP to attend. However, it does help us plan for the even.

Dracut Bands: Instrument Test Night Monday, September 30, 2024

Englesby and Greenmont 6:00 PM

Campbell and Brookside 7:00 PM

Richardson Middle School Cafeteria

(Please use the rear entrance to the school, signs will be posted)

At the event:

• Students will try all the band instruments and choose their top three placements

• Parents will

  • Review the enrollment process

  • Review the materials needed to join band

  • Learn how to get an instrument

  • Review the lesson and rehearsal schedules

  • Ask Mr. Cooper questions

Instrument Advancement

If your student has their heart set on advancing to a different instrument later in their music career. The guide below outlines the best instrument to start on  for each of the advanced instruments.

Click here to learn about the enrollment process.