Allen ISD
6th Grade Band
Frequently Asked Questions:
BAND INSTRUMENT SELECTION DAY:
 Saturday, March 19 at your feeder middle school
 Student and Parent will meet with a band director for about
15 minutes to determine the student’s instrument. This is a
REQUIRED meeting as the student’s instrument placement
must be approved by a Band Director for maximum success!
What instrument can I play in the 6th Grade?
All students will be placed on Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, or Trombone.
Can we use any instrument we want?
To maximize your student’s success, it is very important that students be willing to purchase or rent a
director-recommended instrument. When selecting an instrument, be cautious of “bargain-basement
deals” and internet purchases. Unfortunately, there are some instruments on the market whose poor
design and craftsmanship will make it difficult to maintain and difficult for your student to succeed.
We are always available to help in the selection of your instrument, particularly those that are used.
How much does it cost to rent an instrument?
The approximate cost of rentals can range anywhere from $25.00 to $50.00 a month depending on the
type of instrument, the brand and its overall condition.
What are practice expectations?
Students are expected to take their instruments home after every class and practice 20 minutes at
least 5 days a week. Home practice is required in this class.
How does 6th Grade Band Class work?
In Allen ISD, 6th Grade Band meets twice a week during the school day. Three of our schools have Band
on Tuesday & Thursday, while the other three have Band on Wednesday & Friday. 6 th Grade Band
students will bring their instrument, binder, and supplies on their band day and will take it home that
same day. Instruments are not allowed to be left at school overnight. This is a class in 6th grade and
students will receive a grade based on their home practice, class participation, and hard work.
Students are expected to participate in the class the entire year.
What instruments can I play other than clarinet, flute, trumpet or trombone?
Switchover instruments are: Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Bass
Clarinet, and Percussion.
When can I switch to a different instrument?
Students will be able to try out for a switchover instrument in the Fall Semester. Academic success and
behavior are considered for switchovers. Performance in class, note reading skills, and director
recommendation will also be part of the consideration. Private lessons on the new instrument may
also be required as a condition of the switchover agreement.
When is a good time to get a “step-up” instrument?
Sometimes late in 6th Grade, but more typically in 7th or 8th Grade, depending on your student’s
interest and skill level. Please consult your child’s director for help in this process.
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Allen ISD
6th Grade Band
BAND INSTRUMENT SELECTION DAY:
 Saturday, March 19 at your feeder middle school
AISD Instrument Selection Guide
All 5th grade students entering band will begin by selecting one of the 4 instruments listed below. At the end of the first semester of
beginning band students will be given the opportunity to audition for other band instruments.
Starting instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet and Trombone
Flute
The flute is the smallest of the beginner instruments and the highest in pitch. It is a
very popular choice each year. Flute players typically play melody lines in band
music.
Physical Characteristics: Flute tones are produced by being able to focus a very
small airstream to an exact location on the tone hole. A student who has a tear drop
shaped lip or an extreme overbite (receded jaw) may have more difficulty directing the air
precisely. Flute players should have agile fingers and possess high fine motor skills.
Students with double-jointed fingers could struggle with the agility required to play the
instrument.
Other Considerations: The only supplies a flute player will need for beginning band
are the instrument, a cleaning rod (this should come with the instrument), and a silk
cleaning swab.
Clarinet
The clarinet is a popular single reed instrument that is very important to the band
and even the orchestra. The clarinet produces a mellow tone and has a wide range
from the lower register notes to the highest notes. This is one of the larger sections
in the band. Students may have the opportunity to switch to bass clarinet later in
the year. It is also a good starting instrument for those thinking they may be
interested in switching to Oboe, Bassoon, or Saxophone.
Physical Characteristics: It is important that you can keep your chin flat and your
corners firm (like drinking a milkshake through a straw). Braces are not a problem for
most clarinetists. Clarinet players should possess great finger dexterity.
Other Considerations: Students are responsible for keeping up with their own reeds.
A box of ten reeds costs approximately $25 and should last up to four months when they
are taken care of in a reed guard.
Trumpet – The trumpet is the smallest member of the brass family. The sound on
the trumpet is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece. The trumpet typically
plays the melody and is one of the larger sections in the band.
Physical Characteristics: While braces can be somewhat troublesome for students, it
is not impossible to produce good sounds with braces. A slight overbite is okay, but and
under bite can severely hinder progress on cornet. Lip shape is also a consideration for
selection of this instrument. Students showing an ability to produce a high frequency
focuses buzz will be considered more strongly over students that do not.
Other Considerations: Students who choose and are selected for trumpet should
exhibit a confident demeanor, strong personality, and demonstrate a high level of selfmotivation.
Trombone
The trombone is a member of the brass family. The characteristic sound is dark and
powerful and it has a wide range. It is played like the other brass instruments
(buzzing into a cup-shaped mouthpiece), but uses a hand slide instead of valves.
The slide is not marked or notched and players rely on their muscle memory and
listening skills to tell if they are in the proper location.
Physical Characteristics: While some might think that trombone players must have
long arms, the truth is there are numerous accommodations that make it possible for
students of all shapes and sizes to play. A slight overbite is acceptable, while an extreme
underbite would hinder success. Trombone players should have average to full shaped
lips.
Other Considerations: Trombone students should have good listening skills and
possess a great sense of pitch.
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Allen ISD
6th Grade Band
BAND INSTRUMENT SELECTION DAY:
 Saturday, March 19 at your feeder middle school
Additional Instruments to consider: Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba & Percussion
Oboe
Similar in its appearance to a clarinet, the Oboe is the smallest member of the double
reed family. Its distinct sound characteristic is often described as brilliant or
penetrating and as a result is often used as a solo instrument or in small numbers.
Selection for this very specialized instrument is often limited.
Physical Characteristics: Students with profound over bites or under bites would have
EXTREME difficulties producing quality sounds on the oboe since the embouchure (mouth
position) requires equal pressure on both sides of the reed at the same placement. Hand
size is not generally an issue, however, finger dexterity is a must.
Other Considerations: Students should possess a natural sense of pitch and musicality.
Previous success on piano or another instrument is very helpful. Students that are
meticulous and enjoy working independently would be a great match for Oboe. Most
successful Oboe players study with a private instructor in addition to the classroom
instruction. Oboe reeds usually cost about $15.00 each.
Bassoon
The bassoon is the largest, lowest sounding member of the double reed family.
Students interested in playing bassoon may wish to begin on clarinet, or possibly
even trombone.
Physical characteristics: A slight overbite is okay for students wishing to play bassoon.
A student who has an underbite may have to deal with a few challenges if he or she wishes
to play bassoon. Agile thumbs and a medium or large hand span are necessary for playing
bassoon proficiently.
Other considerations: Like the oboe, the bassoon is a challenging instrument to
master. Students wishing to play bassoon should possess a great work ethic and enjoy
working independently or in small groups. Private lessons are highly recommended.
Students are expected to maintain 3-4 high quality reeds at all times. Reeds may cost $1517 each.
Saxophone
The alto saxophone gives the impression of being both a brass AND woodwind
instrument, however it is officially considered a woodwind instrument. The alto
saxophone is a very popular instrument however its bright projecting tone quality
often limits the number of saxes in each ensemble.
Physical Characteristics: Orthodontia is usually not a problem for students playing the
saxophone. Students should have good finger dexterity. The weight of the instrument
necessitates using a neckstrap.
Other Considerations: Saxophone players are responsible for maintaining a working
stock of 4-6 quality reeds. A box of 10 reeds costs $25.00 and can last (with proper care)
up to 4 months. Students in middle school band will be exposed to the other members of
the saxophone family: Tenor Sax and Baritone Sax.
French Horn
The French Horn is a member of the brass family. The characteristic sound of a
French Horn is commonly described as dark and mellow and is occasionally featured
as a solo instrument. Its sound is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece
similar to a cornet/trumpet.
Physical Characteristics: While orthodontia is somewhat troublesome to a French Horn
player, it is not impossible to make good sounds with braces. The student's top lip should
be medium to thin and cover the top teeth. The bottom lip should not be overly full. A
slight overbite is okay, but an underbite can severely hinder progress. The student should
be able to flatten their chin with minimal instruction.
Other Considerations: A natural sense of pitch and musicality is a must. The student
considering French Horn should exhibit an ability to match sung or played pitches by
humming or singing. An ideal beginner should be outgoing, self-confident and not afraid to
make mistakes. Students wishing to play French Horn should possess a great work ethic
and be able to work independently or in small ensembles. Most successful French Horn
players study with a private instructor in addition to the classroom instruction.
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Allen ISD
6th Grade Band
BAND INSTRUMENT SELECTION DAY:
 Saturday, March 19 at your feeder middle school
Euphonium
The euphonium is sometimes known as the baritone. It is a member of the brass
family and looks like a small version of a tuba. Its sound is similar to that of a
trombone, but it uses valves like a trumpet instead of a slide like a trombone. The
euphonium is used like the cello in the orchestra, sometimes teaming up with the
tuba, and sometimes playing beautiful melodic lines.
Physical Characteristics: Euphonium players should have moderately full lips, but not
too full. A SLIGHT overbite is okay, but an underbite would hinder a good sound. The
euphonium requires a medium-sized hand span to reach the valves and students should
have an above average lung capacity.
Other Considerations: Students with an above average amount of orthodontia will find
the mouthpiece of the euphonium a bit more comfortable than trumpet or French horn.
Tuba
Tuba is the largest and lowest-sounding instrument in the brass family. It’s also the
most important instrument in the band! Its deep, mellow tone provides the
fundamental sound of the ensemble. It is also great for playing solo melodies--not
just "oom pahs"!
Physical Characteristics: Success on tuba requires that students be able to move large
amounts of air, so good lung function and large air capacity are important. For 6th graders,
we use a 3/4 size instrument, which is easier to handle than the full-size models.
Other Considerations: The tuba provides the musical foundation for the band and
requires students who possess good leadership qualities and are self-motivated.
Percussion
Being in the percussion section provides the opportunity to play and perform on many
different kinds of drums, keyboards, and small accessory instruments. The first couple
of years for a percussionist involves the mastery of the snare drum (practice pad) and
the keyboard (marimba). The number of percussionists in an ensemble is typically
limited therefore those students will be selected by audition only.
Physical Characteristics: Students should exhibit a great deal of coordination in gross and
fine motor skills. Many successful percussionists have had experience playing sports or
other physical activities to help develop the hands and arms.
Other Considerations: The study of percussion includes bells, triangle, tambourine,
maracas, claves, among many other instruments. Since 50% or more of practice time is
playing keyboards any prior piano experience (lessons) provides young percussion players
with a good foundation to build their mallet skills.
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