Registration Band Info
This website is for all parents and students coming to Leslie Thomas and those especially interested in band. If you are on the fence, and unsure if you want to join band, browse through the information and see what you think! Once students have their instruments at home, please do not open them until the first class! There are specific ways the instruments must be open.
Extra Curricular Ensembles at LT !Jazz Band – learn to play with a group of musicians, we play up-beat and slow jazz music, with lots of chances to do solos! Guitar Club – Are you a guitar fan? Guitar club is a great place to come and jam. Rock Band – drums, piano, bass, and guitar… time to rock!
Instrument Choices:
Students will have the following instruments to choose from for grade 6 band:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone (grade 7 & 8 only – must play clarinet first in grade 6)
- French Horn (grade 7 & 8 only – must play trumpet first in grade 6)
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Euphonium/baritone (Tuba is optional in grade 8)
- Percussion (Must have piano background / be able to read notes)
To go directly to Renting Instrument info:
FLUTE
The only instrument you don’t blow directly into – blow across
Plays melody lines or trills + countermelodies
If you turn into the hulk when you get frustrated, this may not be the instrument for you (it can be the most challenging instrument to play)
CLARINET
Can play low to super high
Versatile – play the melody, harmony, countermelody, or super fun trills
Tiny fingers? This may not be the instrument for you
ALTO SAXOPHONE
3 sizes, played the same, but have different ranges
Alto – smallest, highest of the 3
Tenor – larger, lower
Baritone – biggest, lowest
FRENCH HORN
Responsible for sweeping lines in movie scores!
Versatile – can play in both brass + woodwind ensembles
A musical ear will be an asset for the French horn and a background in piano.
French Horn can be the most challenging brass instrument to play
TRUMPET
Often plays the melody
Love triumphant sounds? Love being loud? Trumpet could be for you!
Must be determined
Prepare to become even more confident if practiced regularly!
TROMBONE
Quite powerful, so must be played responsibly
No fingerings; uses slide positions
Reads bass clef notes!
Short arms? This may not be the instrument for you!
EUPHONIUM
Smaller, compact tuba
Versatile – gets to play warm countermelodies, help with bass line, or play the “pa” of “oom-pa-pa”
Reads bass clef notes!
PERCUSSION
Students will play keyboard percussion (xylophone, bells) for the first few months
Must be an organized person because you will end up playing the most instruments
Because percussion is such a popular choice, percussion students will only be chosen if you have a piano background.
Depending on how many students are in band, only 5-10 students will play percussion.
Ensembles!
Exploring music through instrument family ensembles—like woodwind, percussion, and brass groups—gives students a focused and rewarding experience. In a woodwind ensemble, players develop tone control, breath support, and blend as they navigate intricate harmonies. A percussion ensemble sharpens rhythm, coordination, and listening skills, offering students a chance to experiment with a wide variety of instruments and textures. Meanwhile, a brass ensemble builds strength, endurance, and precision, encouraging bold sound and teamwork. Each ensemble allows musicians to deepen their understanding of their instrument family while strengthening their confidence, collaboration, and musical independence.
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Brass Ensemble!
Think you need instruments to make music? You are wrong! Take a look at the following video of Acadia University Percussion students making music out of chairs and sticks!
Renting The Instrument
After I have informed you of your students instrument, you can rent the instrument! Take a look at the following information for renting your instrument:
Renting Options:
Long & McQuade offers a wonderful rental program and a rent to buy program. Take a look at the following links to see their information:
If, for financial reasons, renting an instrument from the music store is not an option, the All-city music program has a collection of instruments that are available to rent for minimal cost, or free. If this is the option for you and your family, please let me know, and I will take care of getting the instrument!
I am aware that many stores like Walmart are now offering band instruments. I strongly encourage you to AVOID these instruments. They are often made with parts that cannot be repaired and they break easily. This can be very frustrating for our young musicians.I am also aware that there is an abundance of second hand instruments out there. Often these instruments are in very good condition, but sometimes they are not. If you choose to purchase a second hand instrument, please have it checked over before you purchase it.