5th Grade Band

Welcome! This is where it all begins! Incoming 5th grade students embark on a three-week rotation at the start of each school year exploring band, orchestra, and choir. Beginning band students have the choice to begin on flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone.

Instrument Fitting/Rental Process

During the first three weeks of school, the band directors give every 5th grade student the opportunity to try flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. After students have gone through the entire rotation visiting band, orchestra, and choir, a personalized email will be sent to families with information about each program. Information about which instrument(s) your child was the most successful on will also be included. Additionally, rental information for obtaining an instrument and necessary materials (book, cleaning kit, wire stand, etc.) will also be included.

Wind or Percussion?

For any band to sound great, just like any team to work well, there must be a balance of all the sounds/positions that make up the band/team. For the upcoming school year, we will be beginning

Not everyone can play the same instrument as our band would not sound nearly as good as it needs to be. For the upcoming school year, we will be accepting approximately 15 percussionists in the 5th grade band in the second semester. ALL students will begin on flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone. Please discuss the very important nature of instrumental balance with your child. Choices expand in sixth grade to include oboe, bass clarinet, saxophone, French horn, baritone, and tuba.

Instrument Delivery

Instruments ordered by parents from Marshall Music will (in most cases) be delivered to White Pines Intermediate school weekly. 

Instrument Supplier/Partner

Grand Haven Bands' primary supplier is Marshall Music Co. of Lansing. Marshall Music Co. coordinates and fulfills the majority of new student instrument rentals. The company comes with over 75 years of experience and caters specifically to our program. If you wish to learn more about them, see the Marshall Music website.

What if we already own an instrument?

For anyone to be successful at anything, they need to have well-made, functioning equipment. Band is no different. If you have an old trumpet or clarinet from an uncle lying in an attic, it is best to bring it in during instrument fittings and allow one of the directors to examine the instrument. Chances are, it will need a little TLC before it is ready to play. Repaddings of woodwinds are typical and cleanings for brass are always recommended. It is a small bill to pay for years of enjoyment.

Can't I just go buy a new instrument online?

Yes, you can buy a new instrument online. The problem is, in many cases, you have no idea how it plays, if the manufacturer is reputable, or whether your student will like the feel of it. As a guideline, if the instrument you are pursuing does not include one of the brands listed here, then you should contact one of the directors to discuss your findings. In most cases, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. You do not want your child to be limited by their equipment.

What if I am experiencing financial hardship?

Grand Haven is absolutely blessed to have Walk the Beat. It is an outstanding local organization that helps to bring music to scores of students every year through their Repeat the Beat program. Please contact a band director for any help you may need in completing a request form or additional financial questions that you may have.

Private Lessons

The foundation to every successful music program rests with the amount of students studying beyond the music classroom. If you would like your child to participate in private lessons, the directors know many outstanding people in the area available for lessons. As an added bonus, the Grand Haven Band Boosters Association offers a "Private Lesson Rebate Program" that you can benefit from. Learn more about the rebate program.