6th Grade Band & Orchestra

In 6th grade, students are offered their first elective
music class: either band or orchestra. 6th Grade Band/
Orchestra introduces students to traditional
instrumental ensembles and prepares them for
continued study at the middle and high school levels.
Although all students are encouraged to participate,
band and orchestra are not required. Most middle and
high schools do not offer beginning instrumental
classes; this is really the only opportunity to enter the
band/orchestra program.

Students who do not participate in Band or Orchestra
are not penalized; they often are given choices such
as silent reading time or helping out in younger
students’ classrooms. Students who do participate do
not miss anything in their main classrooms; no 6th grade classroom instruction takes place during Band and Orchestra time.

Orchestra and Band are taught as separate classes three times a week for 45 minutes. A registration slip, signed by both the student and a parent or guardian, is required for enrollment in band or orchestra. Once registered, students are expected to participate for the entire school year.

During the first few weeks of school, band and orchestra teachers visit each school to describe the program and demonstrate all the different instruments that are taught. In addition, there are two "Parent Nights" offered in September to allow sixth graders and their parents an opportunity to learn more about the different instruments taught in our program. Please plan to attend one of these evening events (dates, times and locations can be found under "miscellaneous dates" on page two of the Festivals/Honor Groups Calendar).

It is important that students choose an appropriate instrument. Students should certainly pick instruments that appeal to them, but physical factors such as hand size and dental structure can have a big impact on playing success. Students should not acquire instruments before checking with an orchestra or band teacher; instruments are not needed in class for the first 2-3 weeks of the school year.

Band/orchestra students receive quarterly progress reports. They earn grades of O (Outstanding), S (Satisfactory), or N (Needs Improvement) in two categories: Achievement and Effort.

Festivals & Honor Groups

Honor Band
Honor Orchestra
Area Band & Orchestra Festivals
Sonic Boom!