6th Grade Beginner Instrument Options

(click on each instrument to learn more!)

Why start with these four?

At DCMS we start kids on a limited instrumentation for several reasons. All of these reasons can be summed up by saying, we want students to be as successful as possible as soon as possible. To that end:

• These instruments are the least expensive beginner instruments.

• These instruments are the most readily available from high quality brands--easily found both new and used.

• Our instrument rental provider rents all of these at a low price, with a repair plan.

• These instruments lay a strong foundation for branching out to other instruments.

• Focusing on these four allow more control over instrumentation in the older grades so we're set up for success at adjudicated events.

• These instruments are the smallest for young students.

• Limiting the instruments during early instruction allows us to move faster while maintaining high levels of performance for each and every student.

• Where is percussion??

  • We want to know that students can read music fluently and are on their way to mastering one instrument before we ask them to master dozens of instrument like they would in percussion.

How do we know what instrument to get?

Every student will try out each instrument then provide their top-3 choices. From there, students will be assigned an instrument based on their choices and how well their diagnostic testing goes.

This usually happens in the first week or so of 6th grade. Some students may be tested in the spring of their 5th grade year.

When and how do students move to advanced instruments?

We will begin testing students to determine switching to other instruments in the spring semester of their 6th grade year. Please note, most students will stay on their first instrument. 

Spots for the other instruments are limited by our school inventory and the need to maintain a balanced ensemble. Just like everyone can't play quarter back on the football team, we can't have everyone play saxophone or percussion.

Which instrument should I start on?