• Students begin on one of the following: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone, percussion and have opportunities to switch to other instruments in the winter of their 6th grade year.

• Students are able to participate in band from 6th through 12th grade at HPS, creating a band family and growing as an ensemble for many years daily in class.

• Opportunities in the future to participate in colorguard, drumline, jazz band, and fun trips!

• Perform in 3 concerts per year.

What Will My Child Learn in Band?

• How to read pitches in the staff

• How to read rhythms

• Correct playing techniques

• How to become a successful, independent musician

• Perseverance and how to work hard

• How to work together as a team and have effective rehearsals

• Most importantly having fun while doing it all!

It is important for a student to start their musical training with a good quality instrument to support their learning and enjoyment of the class. It is highly recommended that parents rent a new instrument from Meyer Music. All repairs are included during the rental period and a representative visits the school weekly to pick up or drop off supplies and repairs. We highly encourage that you not purchase an instrument online or big box store - these instruments are not made with the same quality and generally cannot not be serviced by local repair technicians when they frequently break.

Recommended Brands and Models

• Flute - Yamaha 221 or 222

• Clarinet - Yamaha Advantage YCL-200AD with Vandoren B45 Lyre mouthpiece and Rovner ligature

• Trumpet - Yamaha YTR200 with Vincent Bach 7C Mouthpiece

• Trombone - Yamaha YSL 200 with Vincent Bach 6-½ AL Mouthpiece

• Baritone - Yamaha 48 Mouthpiece with 1 bottle of standard valve oil (instruments provided by the school)

• Percussion - Percussion Kit including bell mallets, yarn mallets, timpani mallets, snare sticks, stick bag, practice bell kit, and practice drum pad

If you choose a used instrument I highly recommend reaching out  to make sure the instrument is in good playing condition and is worth the investment.

Students will have an opportunity to switch to oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, and tuba during the winter months of 6th grade.

Please reach out if you have financial need. We are committed to making sure that all students who want to participate in band have the opportunity to!

Time Commitment

6th grade band involves 3 concerts throughout the year and various practice assignments. We understand students are busy and encourage them to create a schedule that works for them so they are successful in both band and their other classes and activities. Our students are involved in many things, including sports, and are able to do everything! Band is a year-long commitment.

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