In Sevier County, band begins in 5th grade. All students are eligible to try out for band. Band meets everyday, during school. We have 2 concerts a year. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.

5th grade band students can choose from the following as beginners: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone and Percussion. After 5th grade, they can choose from other instruments such as the saxophone, French horn, baritone, or tuba!

I recommend for students to rent an instrument first. Sometimes, a students' first choice does not always work for them. If you rent, we can switch it out pretty easily! Rush's Music and Lunsford's Music (both in Knoxville) are the two music stores that service our school. See Mrs. Terry for rental forms for both of these in or to check prices.

We use a method book that is specialized for each instrument. We use "Essential Elements." The books range in cost from $11-$13. This is a one time cost and can be purchased from the same store you rent from.

You are more than welcome to purchase an instrument or borrow from friends or family members. I would suggest to take it to one of these music stores and have it serviced before they begin to play on it. An instrument that does not work properly can hold a student back. If you are going to purchase an instrument, please make sure that it is a reputable brand name! 

6th grade band! You made it through the hardest year of your musical career!! Now, let's make some music!

As 6th graders you will have more opportunities than 5th grade does. Some of those include:

• trying out for honor bands (optional)
• more performance opportunities
• going to Middle School Band Day
• Let's have an awesome year!!

THE GOOD STUFF

Now, for some of the common brand names in band instruments that I look for and feel good about selling: Armstrong, Artley, Bach, Benge, Blessing, Conn, King, Holton, LeBlanc, Omega, Soloist, Vito, Selmer, Yamaha, Besson, Emerson, Getzen, Gemeinhardt, and Bundy (manufactured prior to 1998). There are sure to be some more that I’ve missed, but these are usually safe choices. A good quality instrument does come with a higher price tag, but can last a lifetime.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

When shopping on the Internet and eBay, we find that over 90% of the instruments for sale are low quality, without a known brand name, and a horrible choice. Even brand name instruments are somewhat risky if you aren’t experienced at knowing what to look for. Do not buy any without a return policy.

For starters, always avoid instruments that do not list a brand name (I have a list of some of the more dependable name brands at the end of this article). Also, beware of all of the instruments that come in a variety of colors. I haven’t yet seen one that I didn’t want to flatten. Some of these folks making the bad instruments actually do put names on them. For legal reasons, I can’t list names or countries of origin to avoid. However, I can say that “Made in USA” is nearly always a safe bet, and among my personal favorites!

Other enticing titles to avoid are: “Band Certified” “Educator Approved” “80% Off” “90% Off” “Professional Silver Trumpet” (but no recognizable brand listed) “Concert Quality” “Bankruptcy Sale” “New 2006 model” “College Pro”

If a band instrument claiming to be new has a buy-it-now price of $79.95…... I don’t need to say more!

For more information about band, please contact:

Sarah Davis

• sarahdavis@sevier.org