Anonymous wrote:Is it true in all middle schools that in order to take an instrument elective in 6th grade, the student needs a full year of prior instruction? We’re kind of bummed because my son’s 5th grade teacher told us that we could hold off and take the instrument in middle school so my child wouldn’t have to be pulled out from class and have to make up work. Wondering if this requirement is across the board in all schools? Thanks!

MS music teachers are not going to pay individual attention at the level of - for kids who have never played an instrument - how to hold the instrument, etc. i.e. the most basic stuff the kids learn in the first few weeks (or months?) when they start learning any instrument. So, the kids do need some exposure even for the beginner band/orchestra. This is why the MCPS ES music program is so useful.

ES music instruction in fifth grade would have been about 17-18 hours of instruction in a group setting (half hour pull out during the school year starting about third week of September). If you could get your son private instruction, he should be more than ready by August to take beginner band or orchestra in sixth grade.

+1 Yes, "beginner band" in 6th means 1-2 years prior experience in our school.

It's beginner band in 6th grade. If the band teacher wants kids to come in with 1 or 2 years in elementary school of band once a week....that's really nothing and I'd elevate the issue if the band teacher refuses to be reasonable. The school cannot deny your child the opportunity to play an instrument in 6th grade because he didn't play it in 5th; we are talking about middle school beginning band, not Juilliard here.

I have three kids, two different MCPS middle schools. #1 had had three years of his instrument in ES and still had to start over in beginning band. #2 moved from clarinet to oboe from ES to MS. #3 moved from viola to French horn from ES to MS. All have done just fine. The beginners catch up quickly. Heck, at #1's HS, which has an excellent instrumental music program, I know students who switched instruments between 9th and 10th grade (and from string to wind, so besides reading music, no cross-over).

Anonymous wrote:Op here. I should have mentioned that the current 5th grade teacher said it was a new change for the upcoming year. However, we’re most likely relocating to another area and we’d be zoned for another school in MCPS. I guess I’ll just have to call the school to confirm. Thanks!

Do private lessons starting now.

Name the school and we can be more help. TPMS has beginner band and Band 1 for kids coming in with experience.

Our school's 6th Grade band definitely had a couple beginners. But that was like 2/60 kids.

They mentioned that at our registration night (Sligo) but said if your kid hasn't played an instrument before and wants to to please call the school.

Op here. I should have mentioned that the current 5th grade teacher said it was a new change for the upcoming year. However, we’re most likely relocating to another area and we’d be zoned for another school in MCPS. I guess I’ll just have to call the school to confirm. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:I’m not sure what it is like in other middle schools, by DC’s band teacher is hardcore and I would never recommend it for a beginner. Can you share what school?

That’s funny because ours is super laid back! DD loves Beginning Orchestra because it’s almost like some down time during the school day.

I’m not sure what it is like in other middle schools, by DC’s band teacher is hardcore and I would never recommend it for a beginner. Can you share what school?

Has your kid taken piano? I didn’t start band until eighth grade because I wanted to be with my friends and the band instructor was cool with it because I already knew how to read music from years of piano lessons. And because I picked up the oboe which nobody else played.

Or just take private instruction this year and try again for band or orchestra next year. Nothing replaces individual private instruction.

Our MS has beginner band/orchestra. There are definitely kids who are beginners. Call the MS and ask about it. Or email the music teacher?

Probably depends on the school but most should have beginner classes.

Is it true in all middle schools that in order to take an instrument elective in 6th grade, the student needs a full year of prior instruction? We’re kind of bummed because my son’s 5th grade teacher told us that we could hold off and take the instrument in middle school so my child wouldn’t have to be pulled out from class and have to make up work. Wondering if this requirement is across the board in all schools? Thanks!