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.

GOOGLE FORM - SIGN-UP FOR 5th GRADE BAND (Please Complete by Sept. 27th)

***5TH GRADE BAND INFORMATIONAL PARENT MEETING**

Key Take-Aways from Parent Meeting (Google Doc)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST, 7PM FALLEN TIMBERS CAFETERIA

THIS MEETING WILL ALSO BE LIVE STREAMED AND RECORDED FOR PARENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON!

Why Join Band?

Learn About the Different Band Instruments

For more info visit Be Part of the Band (external)

FAQs about 5th grade band at Fallen Timbers Middle School

Signing up for Band

When does band start?

Here is the timeline for the start of 5th grade band this year:

  • Week of Sept. 6th: Presentations to 5th graders about band during school

  • Week of Sept. 21st: Parent meeting at Fallen Timbers (will also be live streamed and recorded)

  • Weeks of Sept. 20th and 27th: Time for students and parents to acquire an instrument

  • Week of Oct 4th: First band meetings at school and start of rehearsals with instruments.

How do I officially “SIGN-UP” for 5th grade band?

Once all of the presentations about band during the school day are complete, Mr. Ladd will activate the Google Form Sign Up sheet that parents/guardians will need to complete at home. This form will serve as the official “Sign-Up” for band and is when students will officially select which instrument they are going to play.

Can I try the instruments before I sign-up?

This year, in order to maintain social distancing requirements, we will NOT be scheduling “instrument fittings/try-outs”. Students can learn about each instrument by visiting the links above and by watching the presentation about 5th grade band at school. Students and families are encouraged to research the instruments carefully before making a final selection.

If a family has special concerns or needs extra guidance from one of the band directors when choosing an instrument, you can email Mr. Ladd at ALadd@anthonywayneschools.org. You can also call Rettig Music (419-867-3888) to set up a time to visit their store and see each instrument in person.



If I sign up for 5th grade band now, am I committing to playing for the full year?
5th grade band is a year-long activity and it takes an entire year for students to get the full experience of playing an instrument in band. The vast majority of students will play all the way through 5th grade and beyond. However, in some special circumstances, after discussion between parents, director, and the FT principal students have withdrawn mid-year.
Can I change instruments mid-year if I change my mind about what I want to play?
Instrument changes must be approved by the director ahead of time and the student will be expected to work independently outside of class to get caught up on the new instrument.

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.

My family already owns an instrument, can I use a pre-owned instrument?
Yes. The band directors or Rettig Music can inspect a pre-owned instrument to make sure that it will work well for a new 5th grade student. Repairs may be recommended and should be completed before the lessons start up during the school day.
If I order an instrument now, when will I receive it and start to play?
Instruments that are ordered through Rettig music will be delivered to Fallen Timbers in the days before our first lesson at school. Students will receive their instrument and book at the first practice during school. Students will be allowed to take their instrument home after their first lesson at school.
What materials do I need in order to participate in band?
All students will need an instrument and a “Traditions of Excellence” method book. In addition, instruments have their own unique needs…
Flute: Swab, Cleaning Rod
Clarinet/Sax: Reeds and Swab
Trumpet/Trombone/Euphonium: Slide or Valve Oil, Tuning Slide Cream
Bells/Percussion: Bell Mallets to start. Snare drum sticks will be needed later in the year.
Does the school have instruments that students can rent?
The school has a very limited number of LARGE instruments (trombones, euphoniums, and tubas) that are reserved for those students who are unable to transport their instrument back and forth to school on the bus. The school does not rent out Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, or Trumpets.

How band at school will work

What precautions are being taken with regard to COVID-19 when playing at school?

Students will be split into small groups for the lessons at school so that GREATER THAN 3-feet of distance can be maintained between students at all times. While playing instruments, bell-covers will be put over the bell of the instruments to help collect air particles while allowing sound to pass through.

What are the time commitments for 5th grade band?
5th Grade band takes place almost entirely during the school day. At the beginning of the year students will have band once each week during their “Flex-Time". Once we get a bit further into the year, students will have band twice each week during flex.
Will the 5th Grade Band perform at concerts?
Yes! The 5th grade band will perform at least 2 concerts after school throughout the year. These concerts are a fun way for the students to showcase what they have learned in band. The specific dates and times for the concerts will be shared with students once rehearsals begin at school.
How much will I need to practice outside of class?
The amount of practice that each student needs will vary. Each student is unique and will learn at a different pace. The recommended practice time is 1/2 hour, 3 times per week. This time can be spent practicing songs from the method book, learning scales / fundamentals, working on sheet music from band class, or playing other music that the student finds interesting. Practice time is not recorded or graded in 5th grade band at AW, but the most successful students will have a structured practice time that parents will help reinforce.
Can I be in band if I play a sport?
YES! Band rehearsals take place during the school day and do not conflict with after school activities.