Instrument Selection Night Information
For Incoming 6th graders
2024 Instrument Selection Night Dates
Each evening will run from 4:30-7:30pm
Discovery MS - Monday February 26 and Tuesday February 27
Schmucker MS - Monday March 4 and Tuesday March 5
Grissom MS - Monday March 11 and Tuesday March 12
All PHM 5th grade families should have received an informational letter regarding 6th grade music electives and our Instrument Selection Night process. If you have not received a letter with details about this process, please contact Zac Coudret, zcoudret@phm.k12.in.us
This site is to inform you about our instrument selection process!
We hope that you will find answers to any questions you may have about this exciting opportunity. If you have any questions that are not answered on this site, please do not hesitate to contact any of our Instrumental Music Staff members. We will be happy to speak to you about any questions or concerns you might have.
What is Instrument Selection Night?
Every student who will be attending a PHM middle school as a 6th grader has the opportunity to join an instrumental music class, which includes either band or orchestra. In order to join 6th grade band or orchestra, students must select an instrument that they will learn throughout their time in their chosen class. Our Instrument Selection Nights are designed with the intention of helping your child make this decision.
You will sign up for an appointment at one of our Instrument Selection Nights. Try to sign up at the middle school where your child will attend. If those dates do not work, you may sign up for one of the other nights.
What will happen at Instrument Selection Night?
Plan on being at the school for approximately 20-40 minutes from checking in to selecting your instrument!
You will be helped by a professional music educator who will give you advice on finding the instrument that is best suited for you.
You will be allowed to try instruments from different instrument groups including woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings.
Please come with an idea of what instruments you would like to try. This will help speed up the process.
Please try to limit your options to no more than three instruments.
How can I make Instrument Selection Night successful?
Do your research before you make an appointment. Check out the "Explore the Instruments" section at the top of this page and watch the videos about the instruments. Narrow your choices to no more than 3 instruments and write them down. Make your appointment and choose those up to 3 instruments that you are interested in.
Be open to different options. Don't make up your mind before you try the instrument. Students are often surprised that their chosen instrument is not the one they originally thought they would like to play.
Choose an instrument that you are physically most capable of playing. Some students select instruments that are not suited well to their body type. We want to set all students up for success, and we will do our best to find the best option for you.
Select an instrument that you enjoy hearing the sound and making the sound. If you like the sound of your instrument, you will enjoy playing and practicing that instrument!
Please note: it is possible that certain instrument groups may be restricted in numbers. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in the event that we must limit participation for an instrument.
Thanks to the
Quinlan and Fabish Music Company
for providing instruments and testing services for our selection nights!