So far there are some instruments available for middle school band students. Providing a complete sound range with four or five variations, these instruments are the building blocks of a band.
In most cases, middle school band instruments are used in expanding the sound and look of the ensemble to a convectional band concert. Middle schoolers may have three or more instruments during the school year.
There are various types of middle school band instruments that can be played, these range from elementary school instruments to others like tubas, oboes, euphoniums, piccolos, and other saxophones apart from alto or tenor. Bassoons are also available to play.
This will depend on the student’s grade and the school they are going to.
This article is about the most common musical instruments that are used in a middle school band dividing them between 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade band instruments.
Playing an instrument is a hobby that’s a popular one that can be really rewarding when you’ve devoted enough time to it. If you’re interested in this, it’s best for you to take your pick and figure out which one’s right for you.
Instruments for Middle School Band
The intermediate level is the first stepping stone in a public school instrumental music program. These students are progressing a little faster in school and they’re in their 3rd year at the middle school band. They may be scheduled for 5 days a week.
The band director can continue to teach the basic techniques of the instruments and introduce literature appropriate for this age group.
Some students at this level may choose to go with a school-owned instrument. This is encouraged since every student has access to one of these instruments, even if they don’t want to use it as their only option when practicing music.
Students at this middle school have an amazing opportunity to explore instruments that add a classic, band-like sound and aesthetic. A wide selection of larger school-owned instruments is available for students to take up during their time here, with faculty keeping track so they can match each student with the perfect fit in the future!
6th, 7th, and 8th graders can enjoy playing the musical instruments of the orchestra in school – from small violins to larger tubas. Depending on its size, each high school has an inventory that is tailored for its students!
6th-grade Band Instruments
This 6th-grade band is full of music lovers ready to make some noise! These novices will soon be rocking out on their instruments with a few months’ practice.
Music is an excellent way to express your commitment, focus, and passion for life. Take this opportunity to uncover a newfound talent or hobby – pursue it today!
During the course of this project, you will have to play any instrument of your choice for very long periods of time. Choosing which one is important so that you’re not stuck with a task that you can’t face or aren’t familiar with. Talk to your instructor if it’s unclear what instruments are available at school.
The sixth-grade band usually performs two concerts per year.
Instruments in this band include:
- Trombones
- Tuba
- Euphoniums
- Percussion instruments
- Flutes
- Oboe
- Clarinets
- French horn
- Trumpets
7th-grade Band Instruments
The 7th-grade band is basically the 6th-grade band with times more people.
The band students in 7th grade are taught more details about using the instruments they carry.
Such band students can also participate with some easy marching band instruments, and by becoming banner carriers and honor guide members.
The students of this talented orchestra also perform two concerts per year and just like the 6th-grade band, they are training to be great.
7th-grade band instruments can include:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Oboe
- Bass clarinet
- Bassoon
- Alto Sax, Bari Sax, Tenor Sax
- Trumpet
- Baritone
- Tuba
- Trombone
- French horn
- Percussion instruments.
8th-grade Band Instruments
The 8th-grade band is pushing the boundaries of traditional music education! Students are honing their creative and responsive skills, mastering fundamentals with greater artistry than ever before. With newfound flexibility, these talented young musicians show us what it means to bring passion, discipline, and innovation together in song.
Some high schools are providing aspiring musicians with the opportunity to develop their musical skills to a higher degree. These grade-level bands offer students an avenue for mastering more complex pieces and playing multiple instruments or doubling on another instrument while teaching themselves new material. This is giving serious music enthusiasts of all ages a chance to reach peak performance by graduation time!
The instruments in this grade include:
- Violin
- Tuba
- Flute
- Euphonium
- Trombone
- Clarinet
- Single French horn and double French horn
- Bassoon
- The different saxophones
- The different types of trumpets
Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument
We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument, and there are a lot of them. That’s why more and more instruments are being taught across schools in the US. The following is an excerpt from that article you can also find on SmithsonianMag.
- Increases memory capabilities
- Improves coordination
- Improves analytic skills
- Participation in a physical activity
- Improves reading mastery through understanding
- Creates responsibility
- Explores culture and history
- Fosters self-expression
- Improves listening skills
- Recreational fun
- Belonging to a performance group with others
Conclusion
A lot of students find it hard to learn the concept of playing their instruments when they are in middle school. Even though developing these skills takes time, you’ll be able to play them faster and more effectively once you’ve got a good grasp on the overall concept and how principles work.
And most importantly, you’ll be developing important skills like music theory, performance & practice strategies and so much more.
You might want to consider taking up a musical activity after high school or at a post-secondary level. Such commitment can serve as a great base for your activity once you’ve graduated from university.
FAQ
What is the most widely used band instrument?
The Most Popular Band Instruments for students to play are:
- The Drums
- The Saxophone
- The Trumpet
- The Clarinet
- The Flute
Which Band Instruments are the easiest to play?
The alto sax, flute, clarinet, trombone, trumpet, and almost all percussion instruments are the easiest to learn among the most famous band instruments.
How much does it cost to rent or buy an instrument for a middle school band?
Music can be a costly endeavor for middle schoolers, but increasingly more schools are realizing its worth and investing in instruments as part of their budget. By doing so, they’re allowing young musicians to truly express themselves without the burden of hefty rental fees or personal purchases.
The cost of renting or buying an instrument for a middle school band depends on the size of the band and the type of instrument that is being rented or bought.