Instrument Fittings
During the South Open House
Tuesday, August 18th
5:30 – 7:00pm | South Media Center
Demonstration Concert
Tuesday, December 8th, 2026
6:30pm
High School Centerstage
Spring Band Concert
Tuesday, May 11, 2027
6:30pm
High School Centerstage
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much time outside of the school day does band take?
Very little. We encourage students to practice 3x a week for 15 minutes. We only have 2 evening concerts. Practicing is the students homework, they will have very minimal if any other assignments to complete for band class outside of the school day.
What about athletics and band?
We strongly believe students should NEVER have to choose between athletics/choir/drama/clubs and band. Students can and are encouraged to do it all! Athletics, academics, and band all complement each other. This is part of the CAPS philosophy district wide. In fact, we have high school band members on the varsity football team, cheer team and in marching band.
What if we can’t afford an instrument?
We will never turn a student away due to their financial circumstances. We will work with each family to allow their student to play a high quality instrument and be a member of the band.
How does band work at South?
All 5th graders have enrichments at the same time.
Based on instrument selection, Students are placed in either brass or woodwind class. Brass consists of the trumpet and trombone. Woodwinds consist of the flute, clarinet and alto saxophone.
We then break into smaller groups for more individualized instruction.
The class is team taught by both band directors!
Is band a full year enrichment?
In addition to band, students choose an additional 2 electives.
(Example – Physical Education 1st semester and Art 2nd semester)
What are the instrument options for beginning band in 5th grade?
Students can choose between the primary 5 wind instruments – flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet and trombone.
Are there a limited amount of spots on the 5 wind instruments?
Nope! We encourage students to choose the instrument they are most interested in.
What about percussion?
Percussion is the loudest, most exposed instrument in the band. A struggling percussionist can negatively impact the entire band due to the nature of the instrument. Playing a percussion instrument is similar to always being the soloist.
It is because of this that we wait until the end of 5th grade to introduce the percussion instruments and hold auditions.
What will be taught in band?
Students will learn the basics of reading music as well as the fundamentals of playing their instrument. They will also learn how to play in an ensemble setting. Throughout their time in band students will learn to express themselves through music as well as develop leadership characteristics and valuable life skills that will transfer to every part of their life.
Do you need any prior music experience?
No previous experience is required!
Can a student join band in the 6th grade if they did not participate in 5th grade?
We HIGHLY encourage students to try out band now – even if they aren’t sure they are planning to continue. Every year, the level gradually increases and it becomes much harder for a beginning to keep up with the pace of the class.
Begin band a year late can be accomplished with instruction from a private tutor and a great deal of determination on the student’s part (and money for lessons on your part). If your child wants to learn an instrument, however, NOW is the time to do it!
This might be the only time in a student’s life where they can receive free instrumental musical instruction as part of the school’s curriculum.
Band Director Instrument Brand Recommendations
“Nothing discourages a child from playing music more quickly than an instrument that doesn’t perform well – and a bad instrument is a very bad reason for any child to lose interest in music.”
Flute
Yamaha, Trevor James, Armstrong, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Powell, Emerson, Pearl
Clarinet
Buffet, Yamaha, Buckon, Selmer, Jupiter, Vito
Alto Saxophone – Must have a neck strap!
Yamaha, Cannonball, Jupiter, Selmer, Conn (Conn – Selmer), Buescher
Trumpet (or Cornet) – Must have working 3rd valve slide with ring
Bach, Yamaha, King, Getzen, Conn (Conn-Selmer)
Trombone
Yamaha, Bach, Jupiter, King, Getzen, Conn, Selmer
QUALITY MATTERS
Quality when choosing an instrument does not mean it has to be expensive or brand new. Quality refers to the following criteria:
- PLAYABILITY: Your child needs an instrument that plays as easily as possible – and plays in tune. Every instrument is difficult to play the first time, however, a quality instrument helps the student play well. Sadly, there are MANY instruments on the market today that are so poorly designed and constructed that they hinder progress.
- DURABILITY: Students will be traveling with their instrument to and from school and their instruments need to be built well enough to last throughout the years.
- REPAIRABILITY: All instruments need repair at one point or another. What makes for a happy musical experience is an instrument that can be repaired locally using commonly available repair techniques and replacement parts. Unfortunately, many stores are selling instruments that once broken cannot be repaired because they are made of poor quality parts
- WARRANTY-ABILITY: Whenever possible, consider only brands that offer a warranty. Factory warranties vary in duration; get all the details before you buy especially if you buy from an online source!
Be cautious when purchasing instruments online. If purchasing an instrument online make sure it is a quality brand, in excellent playing condition and will allow returns/exchanges.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of the band directors! directors@coopersvillebands.org
“Nothing discourages a child from playing music more quickly than an instrument that doesn’t perform well – and a bad instrument is a very bad reason for any child to lose interest in music.”