Frequently Asked Questions about the Test Drive:

What happens at the test drive?

Meet your music teacher! - Learn more about the strings and band programs - try your top choices - select and instrument to play in 6th grade!

Is the test drive required in order to select band or strings classes next year?

Band and strings classes are year-long commitments. To help ensure student success, a test drive is required to make sure the instrument is a good fit for your child! Read below for more information.

If I am unable to attend this date or I am uncomfortable meeting during these sessions, what can we do?

Please try to attend this date if possible!! If you are unable to attend, then please email us!

If you have concerns with the event, then please reach out and we will make something work!

our emails: kristen.friend@lcps.org and melanie.manning@lcps.org

My child already plays a band instrument. What are our options?

If your child already plays one of the band instruments (example: learned flute in 5th grade) and wants to continue with that same instrument in 6th grade at Mercer, then please contact us through email!

If your child would like, then they can also try a new instrument and attend try outs!

My child selected choir/music lab/strings in studentvue, but changed their mind and wants to try band. What are our options?

Please attend the try out and we will send your child's choice along to the school counselors. They will make the change when they complete your child's schedule for next year!

We moved into the area in April and missed the test drive date. Can we still be a part of the band?

Please email us and we will work with you to select a band instrument!