Sixth Grade Band and Orchestra

Welcome! We are proud of our band and orchestra programs in Oakwood and we would love for your child to be part of its excellent tradition. We believe students are most successful when their parents take a genuine interest in their school activities, so we appreciate all of your support and encouragement at home.

All sixth grade students have the opportunity to begin studying a woodwind, brass or string instrument. The choices for sixth grade are: flute, violin, trumpet, viola, clarinet, alto saxophone, cello, trombone, upright bass and percussion.

The elementary instrumental schedule consists of three rehearsals per week during the lunch recess period. (Harman Orchestra will meet Fridays before school in lieu of the lunch recess period). In addition to rehearsals, students will participate in several performances throughout the year. Also, to be successful at their instrument, students and families should plan on implementing daily practice time at home.

Band and orchestra is intended to be a year-long commitment and students should plan on being in band/orchestra for the entire year. This is a class you sign up for, similar to an elective in Junior High.

We understand parents and students may have additional questions. If so, please feel free to contact any member of the instrumental music staff.

Band Instruments

As with most products, there are a large variety of musical instrument models and brands available to the consumer. The Oakwood Music Department is not in the business of selling or promoting specific musical instruments or music companies. However, it is in everyone’s best interest parents purchase or rent a quality instrument from a reputable vendor.

Below is a list of instrument brands and models we recommend for beginning band students. Although we recommend any of these instruments, this is by no means a complete list of acceptable brands and models. If you have a question about a specific model or brand of instrument, please feel free to contact a member of the music department prior to purchasing the instrument. Remember, when buying a used instrument, it should be checked out by a qualified instrument repair technician.

Recommended Band Brand and Models

Recommended Band Brand and Models (please stay away from off-brand instruments)
Flute: Yamaha YFL 200AD, Jupiter 700A, DiZhao 222
Clarinet: Yamaha 200AD Note: We recommend using a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece for all clarinets. Please buy three Vandoren # 2 ½ reeds and three Vandoren #3 reeds. Hodge Silk Clarinet Cleaning Swab
Trumpet: Yamaha YAS 200AD Note: We recommend Bach 3C Mouthpiece and Blue Juice valve oil
Trombone: YSL 200AD, Bach 301, King 606, Jupiter 432 Note: We recommend Bach 6 ½ AL Mouthpiece and Yamaha Slide Lubricant (purple bottle)
Alto Sax: Yamaha YAS 200AD or Selmer AS400 Note: We recommend Selmer C* (C Star) mouthpiece and three Vandoren # 2 ½ reeds and three Vandoren #3 reeds. Hodge Silk Alto Sax Cleaning Swab

Wind Instruments

Hauer Music - (800) 544-2837; Local Rent or Buy
McCutcheon’s Music - (937) 435-2900 Local Rent or Buy
Music & Arts musicarts.com

String Instruments

Unlike band instruments, there are not specific brands of string instruments that are recommended for beginners. Instead, it is important the instrument is set up well (good bridge, strings, bow, etc.) and is easily playable. By renting from a reputable store, they will ensure the instrument is in good shape to play.

If you choose to purchase an instrument, please do not buy a cheap instrument online. Although it might be cheaper at the beginning, it will not last long and there will be many issues that will involve more money later. Also, they usually have a poor sound quality. If you are thinking about buying a new or used instrument, please contact Ms. Bonifield prior to purchasing to make sure the instrument you are buying will work well for your child.

Please note: Renting a string instrument is very popular with families because the string instrument can be exchanged directly through the rental program when your child grows and needs a larger instrument.

String Instruments

Baroque Violin Shop - (513) 541-2000 - Rent or Buy
McCutcheon’s Music- (937) 435-2900 Rent or Buy

Frequently Asked Questions

When does band/orchestra meet?

What if my child wants to play other instruments, like bassoon or tuba?

The 9 choices for 6th grade year are violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion. In Junior High, some band students will have the option to switch to other band instruments like tuba, euphonium, french horn, saxophone, oboe, bass clarinet, etc.. If your child is currently taking (or has the intent to begin this summer) private lessons on a different instrument, please talk to one of the music staff members to discuss your child’s options for 6th grade.

What books does my child need? How do they get them?

Where are good places to find a quality instrument to rent or buy?

We recommend that you buy an instrument from a reputable store such as ones listed below. Please be cautious about buying an instrument online, or from a big box retail store. The quality of these varies greatly and our experience has shown that students are most successful long-term with a quality instrument that is in perfect playing condition. For band, please stick to the well known brands and models.

Hauer Music (937) 222-2815 or (800) 544-2837
Baroque Violin Shop (513) 541-2000
McCutcheon’s Music (937) 435-2900
Woodwind Brasswind - wwbw.com
Shar Music

Can you buy a used instrument?

For band: Refer to the list above. Look for quality brand names such as Yamaha, Bach, Selmer, King, and Conn. All used instruments should be checked out by a licensed instrument repair technician (such as Hauer Music) Most of the time, a few repairs will be needed to bring it up to playing condition. A quality used instrument, that has been looked at by a technician, can be a great and affordable choice for some families.

For Orchestra: Used instruments can be purchased from one of the recommended music stores.

What if I can’t afford an instrument?

What other costs are involved?

How much practice time is recommended for 6th grade students?

When are the concerts?

What does my child wear to the concerts?

Can my child be in band/orchestra and still play sports in high school?

Are there any after school commitments involved?

How do I sign up?

Private Lessons

While private lessons are by no means required, it is a great way for students to improve at their instrument. We strongly encourage all students to consider taking private lessons at some point in their musical experience at Oakwood. If students take private lessons from the beginning, they will have the potential to excel at their instrument at a much faster pace. Additionally, students can avoid developing bad habits that are harder to fix later on. Contact Ms. Bonifield, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Forney for private lesson information.

photo of students playing band instruments

Adam Uhlenhake, Band Director
Julia Bonifield, Orchestra Director
Josh Johnson , Smith Music
Scott Forney, Harman Music