MS AAP Course Selection Process

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only concern is language if you’re in an IB pyramid, as that requires 5 years.

Otherwise, let him explore and try out whatever he wants! Electives should be enjoyable, not a means to an end.

He does not need to do band or theater or art in middle school to participate in high school. Middle school is truly exploration.

If there is any interest in TJ don't pick Spanish.

OP here. Yes, DS is interested in TJ. But we are being realistic that might not happen. Why is Spanish not a good choice for TJ?

Of course. Why else would OP be asking about HS credits and talking about her kid being in geometry in 7th. lol. This is a TJ wannabe family.

OP here. This is AAP forum with many kids taking Algebra 1 and thriving this school year. And they will go on to take Geometry in the 7th. This is a new normal for those who are thriving in the pilot rolled out by FCPS this school year.

I also know many sixth graders who are very smart and ambitious and many who think it would be amazing to take courses and study at TJ and go to prestigious universities. There is nothing wrong with that ambition. To each his own.

I have a child who would consider himself lucky to get to TJ and one that doesn’t care. Both children are more than fine and I will try my best to help both. Personally, I know next to nothing after ES and would appreciate any advice. For those with younger children, without hesitation, I share every bit of knowledge I gained along the way. I understand that not everyone is happy or willing to share what they know, and that’s ok too.

But, I’ll bite and take on your insult because it is tiring to see so many honest posts derailed with people who are either jealous or lack understanding that not all children are the same. My children are non athletic. I wish they were athletic. It carries so many health and social related benefits. If they were and they had a desire to go pro, I would support them just the same. They ended up being bookworms with beautiful and curious minds dreaming of academic achievements (well, one of them). Here comes a question for you.

What fill you with so much hate to wake up on a Sunday morning and call a family “wannabes” in any way? What hurts so badly in your life? If you have an 11 year old dreaming to play in NFL do you call them a wannabe? Or do you reserve your judgment for the parents of kids dreaming of solving the most difficult scientific questions? TJ has its issues, but has many positive unique opportunities.

I don’t know whether we will apply or not, but will most definitely do it if DS continues to express that desire.

I am clueless when it comes to MS and HS, and have a child with strong interest in science. Yes, I think it would be nice for him to attend TJ. But, more than anything, I would like to learn what we need to know as not to hurt him going forward. We made some uneducated choices early on in ES and it had a negative impact overall. Trying to avoid the same mistake of not asking other parents who have more experience.

That’s the whole purpose of my post. I hope your day improves and you stop posting nasty comments.

Now to respond to your real question. If I could go back in time and tell myself anything about FCPS it would be that there are a LOT of schools that have a critical mass of bright kids that creates a good peer effect if your kid is smart. I would tell myself to focus less on splitting hairs on the school pyramid.

FCPS is a bit equity focused in that they will expend a lot of resources for the bottom end of the curve but it's really up to the family to nurture kids that are at the top end of the curve. So if your kid is bright, be prepared to supplement and enrich their education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only concern is language if you’re in an IB pyramid, as that requires 5 years.

Otherwise, let him explore and try out whatever he wants! Electives should be enjoyable, not a means to an end.

He does not need to do band or theater or art in middle school to participate in high school. Middle school is truly exploration.

If there is any interest in TJ don't pick Spanish.

OP here. Yes, DS is interested in TJ. But we are being realistic that might not happen. Why is Spanish not a good choice for TJ?

Of course. Why else would OP be asking about HS credits and talking about her kid being in geometry in 7th. lol. This is a TJ wannabe family.

OP here. This is AAP forum with many kids taking Algebra 1 and thriving this school year. And they will go on to take Geometry in the 7th. This is a new normal for those who are thriving in the pilot rolled out by FCPS this school year.

I also know many sixth graders who are very smart and ambitious and many who think it would be amazing to take courses and study at TJ and go to prestigious universities. There is nothing wrong with that ambition. To each his own.

I have a child who would consider himself lucky to get to TJ and one that doesn’t care. Both children are more than fine and I will try my best to help both. Personally, I know next to nothing after ES and would appreciate any advice. For those with younger children, without hesitation, I share every bit of knowledge I gained along the way. I understand that not everyone is happy or willing to share what they know, and that’s ok too.

But, I’ll bite and take on your insult because it is tiring to see so many honest posts derailed with people who are either jealous or lack understanding that not all children are the same. My children are non athletic. I wish they were athletic. It carries so many health and social related benefits. If they were and they had a desire to go pro, I would support them just the same. They ended up being bookworms with beautiful and curious minds dreaming of academic achievements (well, one of them). Here comes a question for you.

What fill you with so much hate to wake up on a Sunday morning and call a family “wannabes” in any way? What hurts so badly in your life? If you have an 11 year old dreaming to play in NFL do you call them a wannabe? Or do you reserve your judgment for the parents of kids dreaming of solving the most difficult scientific questions? TJ has its issues, but has many positive unique opportunities.

I don’t know whether we will apply or not, but will most definitely do it if DS continues to express that desire.

I am clueless when it comes to MS and HS, and have a child with strong interest in science. Yes, I think it would be nice for him to attend TJ. But, more than anything, I would like to learn what we need to know as not to hurt him going forward. We made some uneducated choices early on in ES and it had a negative impact overall. Trying to avoid the same mistake of not asking other parents who have more experience.

That’s the whole purpose of my post. I hope your day improves and you stop posting nasty comments.

Now to respond to your real question. If I could go back in time and tell myself anything about FCPS it would be that there are a LOT of schools that have a critical mass of bright kids that creates a good peer effect if your kid is smart. I would tell myself to focus less on splitting hairs on the school pyramid.

FCPS is a bit equity focused in that they will expend a lot of resources for the bottom end of the curve but it's really up to the family to nurture kids that are at the top end of the curve. So if your kid is bright, be prepared to supplement and enrich their education.

OP here. Thank you for the post. Yes, we supplement and this is one of the things I was unaware of in the early ES. Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are also NOT preoccupied with TJ, but will fully support DS if he decides to apply.

We are not worried about the school pyramid either. Both the one we are in and the one we might move to are good. The main difference is that the new one would probably be close to the IB HS.

But, going back to specials. I appreciate the information shared here. It helped us better understand the process and our choices. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for the many typos above. Getting ready for bed. Obviously, “I prefer NOT to repeat the same mistakes again” . ~OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only concern is language if you’re in an IB pyramid, as that requires 5 years.

Otherwise, let him explore and try out whatever he wants! Electives should be enjoyable, not a means to an end.

He does not need to do band or theater or art in middle school to participate in high school. Middle school is truly exploration.

If there is any interest in TJ don't pick Spanish.

OP here. Yes, DS is interested in TJ. But we are being realistic that might not happen. Why is Spanish not a good choice for TJ?

Of course. Why else would OP be asking about HS credits and talking about her kid being in geometry in 7th. lol. This is a TJ wannabe family.

OP here. This is AAP forum with many kids taking Algebra 1 and thriving this school year. And they will go on to take Geometry in the 7th. This is a new normal for those who are thriving in the pilot rolled out by FCPS this school year.

I also know many sixth graders who are very smart and ambitious and many who think it would be amazing to take courses and study at TJ and go to prestigious universities. There is nothing wrong with that ambition. To each his own.

I have a child who would consider himself lucky to get to TJ and one that doesn’t care. Both children are more than fine and I will try my best to help both. Personally, I know next to nothing after ES and would appreciate any advice. For those with younger children, without hesitation, I share every bit of knowledge I gained along the way. I understand that not everyone is happy or willing to share what they know, and that’s ok too.

But, I’ll bite and take on your insult because it is tiring to see so many honest posts derailed with people who are either jealous or lack understanding that not all children are the same. My children are non athletic. I wish they were athletic. It carries so many health and social related benefits. If they were and they had a desire to go pro, I would support them just the same. They ended up being bookworms with beautiful and curious minds dreaming of academic achievements (well, one of them). Here comes a question for you.

What fill you with so much hate to wake up on a Sunday morning and call a family “wannabes” in any way? What hurts so badly in your life? If you have an 11 year old dreaming to play in NFL do you call them a wannabe? Or do you reserve your judgment for the parents of kids dreaming of solving the most difficult scientific questions? TJ has its issues, but has many positive unique opportunities.

I don’t know whether we will apply or not, but will most definitely do it if DS continues to express that desire.

I am clueless when it comes to MS and HS, and have a child with strong interest in science. Yes, I think it would be nice for him to attend TJ. But, more than anything, I would like to learn what we need to know as not to hurt him going forward. We made some uneducated choices early on in ES and it had a negative impact overall. Trying to avoid the same mistake of not asking other parents who have more experience.

That’s the whole purpose of my post. I hope your day improves and you stop posting nasty comments.

Now to respond to your real question. If I could go back in time and tell myself anything about FCPS it would be that there are a LOT of schools that have a critical mass of bright kids that creates a good peer effect if your kid is smart. I would tell myself to focus less on splitting hairs on the school pyramid.

FCPS is a bit equity focused in that they will expend a lot of resources for the bottom end of the curve but it's really up to the family to nurture kids that are at the top end of the curve. So if your kid is bright, be prepared to supplement and enrich their education.

OP here. Thank you for the post. Yes, we supplement and this is one of the things I was unaware of in the early ES. Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are also NOT preoccupied with TJ, but will fully support DS if he decides to apply.

We are not worried about the school pyramid either. Both the one we are in and the one we might move to are good. The main difference is that the new one would probably be close to the IB HS.

But, going back to specials. I appreciate the information shared here. It helped us better understand the process and our choices. Thank you.

Awww. Did your baby pick violin and now can’t stand out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only concern is language if you’re in an IB pyramid, as that requires 5 years.

Otherwise, let him explore and try out whatever he wants! Electives should be enjoyable, not a means to an end.

He does not need to do band or theater or art in middle school to participate in high school. Middle school is truly exploration.

If there is any interest in TJ don't pick Spanish.

OP here. Yes, DS is interested in TJ. But we are being realistic that might not happen. Why is Spanish not a good choice for TJ?

Of course. Why else would OP be asking about HS credits and talking about her kid being in geometry in 7th. lol. This is a TJ wannabe family.

OP here. This is AAP forum with many kids taking Algebra 1 and thriving this school year. And they will go on to take Geometry in the 7th. This is a new normal for those who are thriving in the pilot rolled out by FCPS this school year.

I also know many sixth graders who are very smart and ambitious and many who think it would be amazing to take courses and study at TJ and go to prestigious universities. There is nothing wrong with that ambition. To each his own.

I have a child who would consider himself lucky to get to TJ and one that doesn’t care. Both children are more than fine and I will try my best to help both. Personally, I know next to nothing after ES and would appreciate any advice. For those with younger children, without hesitation, I share every bit of knowledge I gained along the way. I understand that not everyone is happy or willing to share what they know, and that’s ok too.

But, I’ll bite and take on your insult because it is tiring to see so many honest posts derailed with people who are either jealous or lack understanding that not all children are the same. My children are non athletic. I wish they were athletic. It carries so many health and social related benefits. If they were and they had a desire to go pro, I would support them just the same. They ended up being bookworms with beautiful and curious minds dreaming of academic achievements (well, one of them). Here comes a question for you.

What fill you with so much hate to wake up on a Sunday morning and call a family “wannabes” in any way? What hurts so badly in your life? If you have an 11 year old dreaming to play in NFL do you call them a wannabe? Or do you reserve your judgment for the parents of kids dreaming of solving the most difficult scientific questions? TJ has its issues, but has many positive unique opportunities.

I don’t know whether we will apply or not, but will most definitely do it if DS continues to express that desire.

I am clueless when it comes to MS and HS, and have a child with strong interest in science. Yes, I think it would be nice for him to attend TJ. But, more than anything, I would like to learn what we need to know as not to hurt him going forward. We made some uneducated choices early on in ES and it had a negative impact overall. Trying to avoid the same mistake of not asking other parents who have more experience.

That’s the whole purpose of my post. I hope your day improves and you stop posting nasty comments.

Now to respond to your real question. If I could go back in time and tell myself anything about FCPS it would be that there are a LOT of schools that have a critical mass of bright kids that creates a good peer effect if your kid is smart. I would tell myself to focus less on splitting hairs on the school pyramid.

FCPS is a bit equity focused in that they will expend a lot of resources for the bottom end of the curve but it's really up to the family to nurture kids that are at the top end of the curve. So if your kid is bright, be prepared to supplement and enrich their education.

OP here. Thank you for the post. Yes, we supplement and this is one of the things I was unaware of in the early ES. Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are also NOT preoccupied with TJ, but will fully support DS if he decides to apply.

We are not worried about the school pyramid either. Both the one we are in and the one we might move to are good. The main difference is that the new one would probably be close to the IB HS.

But, going back to specials. I appreciate the information shared here. It helped us better understand the process and our choices. Thank you.

Awww. Did your baby pick violin and now can’t stand out?

Ok, I have to admit your post is both petty and funny. But, no, that was not the issue.

~ OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only concern is language if you’re in an IB pyramid, as that requires 5 years.

Otherwise, let him explore and try out whatever he wants! Electives should be enjoyable, not a means to an end.

He does not need to do band or theater or art in middle school to participate in high school. Middle school is truly exploration.

If there is any interest in TJ don't pick Spanish.

OP here. Yes, DS is interested in TJ. But we are being realistic that might not happen. Why is Spanish not a good choice for TJ?

Of course. Why else would OP be asking about HS credits and talking about her kid being in geometry in 7th. lol. This is a TJ wannabe family.

OP here. This is AAP forum with many kids taking Algebra 1 and thriving this school year. And they will go on to take Geometry in the 7th. This is a new normal for those who are thriving in the pilot rolled out by FCPS this school year.

I also know many sixth graders who are very smart and ambitious and many who think it would be amazing to take courses and study at TJ and go to prestigious universities. There is nothing wrong with that ambition. To each his own.

I have a child who would consider himself lucky to get to TJ and one that doesn’t care. Both children are more than fine and I will try my best to help both. Personally, I know next to nothing after ES and would appreciate any advice. For those with younger children, without hesitation, I share every bit of knowledge I gained along the way. I understand that not everyone is happy or willing to share what they know, and that’s ok too.

But, I’ll bite and take on your insult because it is tiring to see so many honest posts derailed with people who are either jealous or lack understanding that not all children are the same. My children are non athletic. I wish they were athletic. It carries so many health and social related benefits. If they were and they had a desire to go pro, I would support them just the same. They ended up being bookworms with beautiful and curious minds dreaming of academic achievements (well, one of them). Here comes a question for you.

What fill you with so much hate to wake up on a Sunday morning and call a family “wannabes” in any way? What hurts so badly in your life? If you have an 11 year old dreaming to play in NFL do you call them a wannabe? Or do you reserve your judgment for the parents of kids dreaming of solving the most difficult scientific questions? TJ has its issues, but has many positive unique opportunities.

I don’t know whether we will apply or not, but will most definitely do it if DS continues to express that desire.

I am clueless when it comes to MS and HS, and have a child with strong interest in science. Yes, I think it would be nice for him to attend TJ. But, more than anything, I would like to learn what we need to know as not to hurt him going forward. We made some uneducated choices early on in ES and it had a negative impact overall. Trying to avoid the same mistake of not asking other parents who have more experience.

That’s the whole purpose of my post. I hope your day improves and you stop posting nasty comments.

Lemme know how it's going in a few years with Calculus in 10th grade..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are in this stage - I am genuinely curious about the instrument choice in ES. DC picked violin in 4th, but is looking to switch to band next year. Can you please share your learnings/perspective? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only concern is language if you’re in an IB pyramid, as that requires 5 years.

Otherwise, let him explore and try out whatever he wants! Electives should be enjoyable, not a means to an end.

He does not need to do band or theater or art in middle school to participate in high school. Middle school is truly exploration.

If there is any interest in TJ don't pick Spanish.

OP here. Yes, DS is interested in TJ. But we are being realistic that might not happen. Why is Spanish not a good choice for TJ?

Of course. Why else would OP be asking about HS credits and talking about her kid being in geometry in 7th. lol. This is a TJ wannabe family.

OP here. This is AAP forum with many kids taking Algebra 1 and thriving this school year. And they will go on to take Geometry in the 7th. This is a new normal for those who are thriving in the pilot rolled out by FCPS this school year.

I also know many sixth graders who are very smart and ambitious and many who think it would be amazing to take courses and study at TJ and go to prestigious universities. There is nothing wrong with that ambition. To each his own.

I have a child who would consider himself lucky to get to TJ and one that doesn’t care. Both children are more than fine and I will try my best to help both. Personally, I know next to nothing after ES and would appreciate any advice. For those with younger children, without hesitation, I share every bit of knowledge I gained along the way. I understand that not everyone is happy or willing to share what they know, and that’s ok too.

But, I’ll bite and take on your insult because it is tiring to see so many honest posts derailed with people who are either jealous or lack understanding that not all children are the same. My children are non athletic. I wish they were athletic. It carries so many health and social related benefits. If they were and they had a desire to go pro, I would support them just the same. They ended up being bookworms with beautiful and curious minds dreaming of academic achievements (well, one of them). Here comes a question for you.

What fill you with so much hate to wake up on a Sunday morning and call a family “wannabes” in any way? What hurts so badly in your life? If you have an 11 year old dreaming to play in NFL do you call them a wannabe? Or do you reserve your judgment for the parents of kids dreaming of solving the most difficult scientific questions? TJ has its issues, but has many positive unique opportunities.

I don’t know whether we will apply or not, but will most definitely do it if DS continues to express that desire.

I am clueless when it comes to MS and HS, and have a child with strong interest in science. Yes, I think it would be nice for him to attend TJ. But, more than anything, I would like to learn what we need to know as not to hurt him going forward. We made some uneducated choices early on in ES and it had a negative impact overall. Trying to avoid the same mistake of not asking other parents who have more experience.

That’s the whole purpose of my post. I hope your day improves and you stop posting nasty comments.

Now to respond to your real question. If I could go back in time and tell myself anything about FCPS it would be that there are a LOT of schools that have a critical mass of bright kids that creates a good peer effect if your kid is smart. I would tell myself to focus less on splitting hairs on the school pyramid.

FCPS is a bit equity focused in that they will expend a lot of resources for the bottom end of the curve but it's really up to the family to nurture kids that are at the top end of the curve. So if your kid is bright, be prepared to supplement and enrich their education.

OP here. Thank you for the post. Yes, we supplement and this is one of the things I was unaware of in the early ES. Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are also NOT preoccupied with TJ, but will fully support DS if he decides to apply.

We are not worried about the school pyramid either. Both the one we are in and the one we might move to are good. The main difference is that the new one would probably be close to the IB HS.

But, going back to specials. I appreciate the information shared here. It helped us better understand the process and our choices. Thank you.

Awww. Did your baby pick violin and now can’t stand out?

Ok, I have to admit your post is both petty and funny. But, no, that was not the issue.

~ OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are in this stage - I am genuinely curious about the instrument choice in ES. DC picked violin in 4th, but is looking to switch to band next year. Can you please share your learnings/perspective? Thanks!

OP here. There were a couple of issues that I did not understand when my DS was in the fourth grade. Keep in mind that my experience might be school specific, so it is probably best to ask around and see whether the same applies to your school.

The first issue is that by the sixth grade, students start being separated into groups. I don’t know the exact logic, but it seems to be something along the lines of the years of experience and skill. Maybe something like: novice, played before but behind the expectations, intermediate, and advanced. Now, if your child just likes trying new instruments each year, you might think that’s ok, but by the sixth grade you might end up assigned to a group that does not have much interest in music at all. This is not the best experience for a musically inclined child eager to try a new instrument.

Second, at least at our school, those instrument groups track into every single one of the specials. So, the art / PE / language group is going to depend on the group where your child ends up being due to their instrument choices in the fourth and fifth grade. Your child can all of sudden be separated from all of their friends in every single specials class. No one talks about this when they tell you it doesn’t matter whether you choose strings or band or if you keep changing the instrument every year.

The bottom line is that no matter what your choice of the instrument is, playing reasonably well and having the sufficient number of years of previous practice by sixth grade matters.

If I knew what I know now, I would have had DS try different instruments outside of the school and then stick with the one that seems most fun and the best fit for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are in this stage - I am genuinely curious about the instrument choice in ES. DC picked violin in 4th, but is looking to switch to band next year. Can you please share your learnings/perspective? Thanks!

OP here. There were a couple of issues that I did not understand when my DS was in the fourth grade. Keep in mind that my experience might be school specific, so it is probably best to ask around and see whether the same applies to your school.

The first issue is that by the sixth grade, students start being separated into groups. I don’t know the exact logic, but it seems to be something along the lines of the years of experience and skill. Maybe something like: novice, played before but behind the expectations, intermediate, and advanced. Now, if your child just likes trying new instruments each year, you might think that’s ok, but by the sixth grade you might end up assigned to a group that does not have much interest in music at all. This is not the best experience for a musically inclined child eager to try a new instrument.

Second, at least at our school, those instrument groups track into every single one of the specials. So, the art / PE / language group is going to depend on the group where your child ends up being due to their instrument choices in the fourth and fifth grade. Your child can all of sudden be separated from all of their friends in every single specials class. No one talks about this when they tell you it doesn’t matter whether you choose strings or band or if you keep changing the instrument every year.

The bottom line is that no matter what your choice of the instrument is, playing reasonably well and having the sufficient number of years of previous practice by sixth grade matters.

If I knew what I know now, I would have had DS try different instruments outside of the school and then stick with the one that seems most fun and the best fit for him.

I agree with this at our school as well. My son was annoyed that he was not with his friends in specials because no one else did strings the 2nd year in 5th grade, they moved to band or nothing. But he would have chosen to stay with that instrument anyway.

[Anonymous]

I have no clue about how schools run music in ES. DS played the Bass so I doubt that there were groups that were separated out since he was the only one in his grade. He had a choice in 5th grade to join the band or continue with strings, he chose strings and was happy with that. I am sure that choice impacted his other specials because they had to be orchestra together.

But it is ES/MS music. If you are not taking private lessons then expecting a ton from school music programs is a bit crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Instrument choice was another very frustrating experience. Other than “they should have fun”, no one explained the consequences of certain choices early on. Is it the end of the world, absolutely not. But, I’ve heard enough of “everybody knows that and you should have done things differently”. Choices for MS do affect HS, so I would like to repeat the same mistake again.

We are in this stage - I am genuinely curious about the instrument choice in ES. DC picked violin in 4th, but is looking to switch to band next year. Can you please share your learnings/perspective? Thanks!

OP here. There were a couple of issues that I did not understand when my DS was in the fourth grade. Keep in mind that my experience might be school specific, so it is probably best to ask around and see whether the same applies to your school.

The first issue is that by the sixth grade, students start being separated into groups. I don’t know the exact logic, but it seems to be something along the lines of the years of experience and skill. Maybe something like: novice, played before but behind the expectations, intermediate, and advanced. Now, if your child just likes trying new instruments each year, you might think that’s ok, but by the sixth grade you might end up assigned to a group that does not have much interest in music at all. This is not the best experience for a musically inclined child eager to try a new instrument.

Second, at least at our school, those instrument groups track into every single one of the specials. So, the art / PE / language group is going to depend on the group where your child ends up being due to their instrument choices in the fourth and fifth grade. Your child can all of sudden be separated from all of their friends in every single specials class. No one talks about this when they tell you it doesn’t matter whether you choose strings or band or if you keep changing the instrument every year.

The bottom line is that no matter what your choice of the instrument is, playing reasonably well and having the sufficient number of years of previous practice by sixth grade matters.

If I knew what I know now, I would have had DS try different instruments outside of the school and then stick with the one that seems most fun and the best fit for him.

Thank you so much for this detailed response! I had no idea about the groups, but that kind of makes sense. DC is not with any of their friends already even if some of their friends are doing the same instrument. DC wants to move to band next year and we hope they have some of their friends there. Thanks a bunch!