6th Grade Band

6th Grade Band Information

The number one question you probably have is about how to get your child an instrument.  There are a few different ways to make that happen and I will outline them below.

If you're not sure what instrument your child was fitted to play, don't worry!  Here is the document that shows everybody's name and instrument.   While this information isn't "set in stone" I'd like students to make every effort to stick with the instrument listed.  In some cases, this can be switched but it involves a schedule change and that can be tricky.  Email me if you have questions about this. 

1.  Rent to Own a new instrument from Meyer Music.   Meyer Music will be at the Middle School Open House on Wednesday, August 21st from 4pm to 5:30 pm.  You can rent in person during that time.  If you're ready to rent but cannot attend the Open House rental time, you can rent online at www.meyer-music.com and look for Battle Creek Pennfield Public in the drop down list for schools.  Everything your child needs will be delivered to school.You make monthly payments of $34 until the instrument is paid off.  These are new or nearly new instruments that are insured for accidental damage during the rent to own contract.  If you are choosing this option, visit their website, www.meyer-music.com and you can read in further detail about the Rent to Own process.  This is a very popular option for families.   

2.  Purchase a quality used instrument.  We recommend Keifer's Music (269-601-1961) in Battle Creek near the corner of Territorial Road and 20th Street.  They have quality, used instruments for sale at all price points.  Keifer's also carries all Band supplies your child needs and visits us at school each week for supplies and repairs.  

3. Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to look for instruments.  If you forward me the link (driverb@pennfield.net) I can tell you if it's a quality brand or not and if the price is reasonable.

4.  Obtain a quality used instrument from a family member, or a friend.  This is a great way to get an instrument in the hands of your child.  Ask your family members, neighbors, co-workers if they have an instrument that is just sitting in a closet that you can have or borrow.  You just never know who has one until you ask.  Even if the instrument is older, it probably is a quality instrument and could be put into playing condition by Keifer's Music at a minimal cost.

***Please note**** If you choose to look for a new instrument at a low cost on the internet, be very careful.  I have yet to find a $100 brand new instrument that works correctly, that sounds good, or can withstand the hands, fingers, and habits of a beginning Band student.  These instruments will look great and come with fancy accessories and cases but do not let that sway you!  I'm happy to look at any web link you send me and give you my opinion on what you're looking at, before you buy it.  In 99.9 percent of all situations, a COLORED instrument is not a quality instrument and will NOT play correctly or hold up for your child.  This will frustrate them and make Band a negative experience.  The best thing you can do for your child is to get them a good instrument that plays correctly, whether it's new on the rent to own process, or a quality used choice.

Click here to read what previous Pennfield 6th grade Band members have to say to you about their experience!

Parents:  Click here to listen to other parents talk about their kids' first band experiences!

Hey Kids, click here to listen to kids just like you talk about why they joined band.

Click here to learn about the flute.

Click here to learn about the clarinet.

Click here to learn about the trumpet/cornet.

Click here to learn about the trombone.

If a student is interested in Percussion, Saxophone, Baritone, or Tuba, students will try-out in January for those instruments.