Band & Orchestra

Band students can choose the flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, or percussion.

Check out this video for a quick overview of all the band instruments:

Watch the first video for each instrument below and listen to the sound each instrument makes. Which sound do you like the best? Do you prefer higher sounds or lower sounds? Which instrument's sound makes you feel excited about learning music?

Music stores may be able to let you try an instrument once you have narrowed your choices.

• Flute
• Oboe - challenge instrument, lessons recommended
• Clarinet
• Alto Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Horn - challenge instrument, lessons recommended
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Mallets and Snare

Percussionists learn both mallets and snare together. Please be aware that euphoniums and percussion kits cannot be transported on school buses.

Most families rent an instrument from a local music store. It is highly recommended for beginners to rent an instrument rather than purchase one. If you decide to purchase one, ensure you are buying a well-made instrument. Bargain-priced instruments are often made of cheap materials and cannot be repaired when they fall to pieces in the first few months.

The district owns a few instruments for families with financial needs or instruments like euphoniums, which are terrific instruments but expensive to rent from a store. You can indicate your interest in a school-owned instrument when you complete the online registration for band.

Some stores are now selling “beginner packs” which include all of the needed cleaning supplies and a music stand for $25-30. Having a music stand at home is not required, but is highly recommended.

• Flute - tuning rod, swab or cloth
• Oboe - swab, cork grease, at least two reeds (medium-soft to start)
• Clarinet - cleaning swab, cork grease, three to five #2 or #2½ reeds
• Alto Sax - cleaning swabs (one for mouthpiece, one for body), cork grease, three to five #2½ reeds
• Trumpet - slide grease, valve oil, mouthpiece brush, valve brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Horn - slide grease, valve oil, mouthpiece brush, valve brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Trombone - tuning slide grease, playing slide oil or cream, mouthpiece brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Euphonium - slide grease, valve oil, mouthpiece brush, valve brush, snake, small cloth/pad to catch moisture
• Percussion - full kit that includes bells, mallets, snare drum, sticks, and stands

Students

• Bring your instrument and music to school every day.
• Clean your instrument every time you play it.
• Place a pencil in your instrument case and have it with you every day in class.
• Find a quiet place at home where you can practice each day.
• Practice music that is challenging.
• Clap and count the music.
• Finger the notes on your instrument and say the note names out loud.
• Play the music slowly, making sure you are playing it correctly.
• End each practice session by playing something for fun.
• Get together with friends to practice outside of school.
• Bring a note from home if your instrument is being repaired.

Parents

• Check to make sure that your student is taking their instrument to school and bringing it home.
• Provide a quiet place for your student to practice.
• Provide a folding stand for them to use at home.
• Encourage your students.
• Firmly insist that they practice even when they don’t feel like it.
• Set up a regular practice time. 15–20 minutes each day is enough time to guarantee success.
• Familiarize yourself with basic music notation, so you can help your students at home.
• Have your student make flashcards with notes on the staff on one side, and the names of the notes on the other side. Use the last page of the class music book to help.  This often makes the difference between students who struggle and those who flourish.
• Consider private lessons. This gives advanced students the challenge they need and gives weaker students the one-on-one attention they require to be successful.
• Send a note to the school if your student’s instrument is in the repair shop. Ask the store for a loaner while it is being fixed.

The South Bay 5th Grade Band will have three performances during the school year. 

All performances will be at the Koval Center for the Performing Arts (4155 6th Ave NE — on the North Thurston High School campus).

Students should arrive no later than 6:30 for a 7:00 performance.

2025-26 Concert dates

• Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Thursday, February 26, 2026
• Friday, June 5, 2026

After reading the information in the Band FAQ and watching the videos, you can sign up for 5th grade band by following the link below and completing the Google form.

5th Grade Band Sign-Up Form