5th Grade Band Info
The bands at Anthony Wayne have a long tradition of helping students learn about music in a fun and interactive environment. This page is designed to share some basic info about band and the instruments that you can choose to start playing in 5th grade.
5th Grade Band is a class at Fallen Timbers Middle School that meets during the students' "Flex-Time." Students who play in band don't miss any new instruction from their "regular" classwork.
Students who join band will learn new skills, make new friends, and begin a lifelong journey of EXPERIENCING music first hand.
5th Grade Band Parent Meeting: Wednesday, September 20th at 6:30pm in the Fallen Timbers Cafeteria
Why Join Band?
Learn About the Different Band Instruments
FAQs about 5th grade band at Fallen Timbers Middle School
Signing up for Band
Here is the timeline for the start of 5th grade band this year:
Week of August 21st: Presentation to 5th graders about band during school
Week of September 4th, and September 11th: Instrument Fittings at school during Flex-Time
September 20th at 6:30pm: After school parent meeting about joining band and obtaining an instrument.
September 26th: Please have students registered for band by this date.
Oct 4th: First band meeting with instruments for Woodwinds
Oct. 5th: First band meeting with instruments fro Brass and Percussion
How do I officially “SIGN-UP” for 5th grade band?
Finding an instrument or materials for band
How do I obtain a NEW instrument?
Most of our 5th grade band students obtain an instrument from Rettig Music through their rent-to-own program. There are other music stores in the area and online that sell instruments, but only certain brands of instruments are recommended…
Flutes: Gemeinhardt , Pearl, Yamaha; Clarinet: Selmer, LeBlanc, Vito, Yamaha; Saxophone: Selmer, Yamaha; Trumpets and Trombones: Bach, King, Yamaha, Eastman; Baritones: Jupiter, Yamaha, Eastman; Percussion: Pearl, Ludwig.
Parents should be especially careful when buying an instrument on-line. There are many brands of LOW QUALITY instruments that are sold cheaply and WILL BREAK during normal use. Cheap instruments are usually not able to be repaired and may result in a total loss. Please don’t assume that a “Five-Star” rating online means that the instrument will hold up to daily use over the course of several years. Check with Mr. Ladd, (aladd@anthonywayneschools.org) if you are thinking about buying an instrument that is NOT one of the brands listed above.
In addition, instruments have their own unique needs…
Flute: Swab and Cleaning Rod
Clarinet/Sax:
Reeds (at least 2 new reeds, strength 2 or 2.5)
Swab
Trumpet/Trombone/Baritone: Slide or Valve Oil, Tuning Slide Cream
Percussion: (THIS IS NEW FOR 2023 - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
Percussion students will need to purchase and bring the following items to class:
A pair of snare drum sticks: Vic Firth SD1 General
A pair of bell/xylophone mallets: Innovative Percussion F12
A stick bag: Protec Heavy Ready stick bag
Note: these items are available as a set from Rettig Music
Percussionists will use school owned instruments during the school day and only need to bring their stick bag, sticks, music book, and 3-ring binder with them.
Percussionists will need to have a set of bells (small metal xylophone) to keep at home and use for practice. You can use a school owned bell set for the year ($40 maintenance fee for the year) or you may rent/buy your own.
The school does have bell sets that percussion students can take home and use for practicing. A one time, $40 instrument fee will be collected for those students who choose to use a school owned bell set at home.
How band at school will work