I guess I thought orchestra and band were the same as far as renting the instruments.In Orchestra you rent your instrument from one of 2 companies. Â Prices vary from $25 to 50. Â And this depends on if you want a basic model or a more deluxe one. Â They come with cases.You don't try out, you sign up and they will teach you all you need to know. Â Having said that, as you go up to the next year etc, they do place you in first chair, etc. Â And you need to practice do make these positions. Â The school will have a list of private instructors, if you feel you need this. Â And once the kids get to 7th grade and can try out for Regional they usually do need some private instruction. Â My son joined Orchestra in 6th grade. Â He had no musical ability beforehand. Â He was taught to read music. Â He started private lessons toward the end of the 6th grade, and made Regional in 7th, 8th, and this year in 9th. Â We are very lucky to have such great programs at all of our middle schools in Kingwood. Â The teachers are amazing.
@Fallon:
In band everyone wants to either play sax or drums. So in order to even things out the directors hold tryouts to see who'd be better suited for what. They look at lips, over bites, and who knows what else. Then they go from there.
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