Welcome to Band! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to play an instrument or know how to read music?

No! 

We start every single student from the very beginning and we are here to LEARN how to play an instrument and read music together!

Can I be in band and be in athletics at CRMS?

Absolutely! Many of our band students are also involved in sports—football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track, soccer, dance, cheer, etc. All CRMS athletic teams start in 7th grade. 

We also have many students that are in QUEST, robotics, PACE Math, Pre-AP classes, STEM, leadership, yearbook, Gateway etc.

Does it cost money to be in band?

Yes, but most of the cost are upfront their 6th grade year and most of the supplies will carry them through many years of band. We also never want cost to hinder a students ability to be in band and there are some Leander ISD fine art scholarships available to help.

Are there performances after school in 6th grade? 

Yes, we have two concerts a year (Winter and Spring) at CRMS in the evenings. 

There is also a Solo & Ensemble contest that is held the first Saturday of May.

How much time after school is required for 6th grade band?

Their homework for band is to simply practice their instruments! Over the course of the fall, we will guide students on how and what to practice at home. Also, there are no regularly required after school rehearsals for 6th graders. We have two concerts (winter and spring) as well as the LISD Solo & Ensemble contest the first Saturday of May that are required.

I already play piano, or another instrument, why join band?

Being in band can give you benefits that a solo instrument cannot. In band you will learn how to play in a group and how to work with your friends to make beautiful music together.

How do I sign up?

Mark band as your first choice on your choice sheet when you register for classes. We will take it from there! Sign up with a friend and have twice as much fun!

How often will I go to my elective course?

Band will meet everyday, during the day, just like math, science, and language arts.

Does Band go on field trips?

Yes! In 6th grade, we take our beginning band members to Sea World in May.

In 7th / 8th grade, we take them to Schlitterbahn as well as performances across the Austin area!

What instruments are available in 6th grade?

We start 11 instruments in the 6th grade year.

We have flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion.

Instrument Drive

Each spring, we host instrumental placement fairs for incoming band students to select their instrument. This is an opportunity to meet the band directors, some of the private lesson teachers, and see all of the instrument possibilities! No music experience is necessary! All you need is an open mind! Many times, the instrument you come in wanting to play is very different from what we realize will work best. You always want to choose an instrument that will be the easiest for you to play. Most of the students get their first or second choice based on class sizes. 

INSTRUMENT SELECTION FOR 2025-2026

We will be holding out instrument selection on Saturday, April 26. We will send an email to all families signed up for band with a SignUp Genius in mid-April. Please use that link to sign up for an instrument testing time.

We will talk about what our instrument selection looks like in detail at our Meet the Band Night. If your student would like to join band and has any questions, please contact Mrs. Allison at amy.allison@leanderisd.org.

All students must be placed on an instrument by a band director before they will be scheduled into a band class. This placement will occur at the end of the current school year. Parents and students will be notified by a letter via email what instrument your child has been selected to play. This instruments offered by the band program in 6th grade are: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and classical percussion. 

Remember that physical abilities and class size will determine the instrument your child is placed on, ensuring they are on the instrument they will be the most successful on. 

This instrument Drive is for ANY incoming 6th grader whether they are signed up for Band or not! The drive is a great opportunity to meet the band directors, private lesson teachers, find out what band is all about and get to try out all the instruments! You don’t need any musical background experience at all! Don’t forget that we only offer Beginner Band classes in 6th grade so even if they are only the slightest bit interested we encourage you to come check it out!