Yes they roughly correspond to grade/experience. Many Whitman band students take private lessons. Is your kid willing to practice? What do you mean by competitive, are you worried they won't get into the class? I don't think students are ever turned away.

How competitive is high school band? Specifically we are zoned for Whitman and I understand there are multiple levels. Do these roughly correspond to grade level/years of experience or are the auditions similar to competitive sports and not everyone gets a spot? Any positive experiences for a kid who likes playing an instrument but is not musically gifted?