Elementary Band
Redmond District Elementary Band Program
Why Band?
Well, our Lake Washington School District students are very fortunate to have choices of band, orchestra and choir. There is NO wrong choice! Band does have a wider variety of instrument choices, particularly as students advance to middle and high school. Band students on certain instruments can also branch out to jazz band in middle and high school. And of course, at high school the band plays a big part in keeping the crowd engaged at football games, too.
Band is a community. When you play in the band, you get to know kids from other schools who will also be with you at middle and high school. You will also get to know kids in other grade levels as you continue in band.
What instruments are available in the Elementary Band program?
Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, and Percussion (*)
If you are a second year band student, you could opt to switch to Alto or Tenor saxophone. There are LIMITED spots for saxophones so you do need to discuss with and get permission from the band teaching team.
(*) Percussion: there are also limited spots for percussion players. We strongly recommend that you have piano experience. Band percussion does not involve playing on a set, and we spend a lot of time working on pitched percussion (bells) instruments before we introduce snare and bass drums.
How do I choose an instrument?
We have some videos posted here: https://sway.office.com/pIagF8D1cygNOWGd?ref=Link
You may already have an instrument in mind because a family member or friend plays that instrument. That’s a great way to choose, as well.
Do I need to buy an instrument?
No. In fact, we encourage you to rent. Preferably from a local music store so that you have support when your instrument needs repair. (Yes, it happens.) Also, this gives you access to a good student-level instrument without a large investment.
DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT FROM AMAZON! There is a saying: “You get what you pay for.” You will NOT get a good starter instrument. Please resist the temptation. Often these instruments are not repairable.
Reed players: do NOT purchase reeds from Amazon unless they are a name brand such as Rico, Legere, Mitchell Lurie, Vandoren, D’Addario. Please purchase from a reputable music store (Harmony Music, Metropolitan Music, Music & Arts, Kennelly Keys).
How do I sign up?
Go to this link: https://www.lwsd.org/programs/elementary-band-and-orchestra and scroll down to the “Registration” link which takes you to the form to be filled out and submitted.
Band Information Night: Tuesday, September 24th, 6:30pm at Redmond Elementary Gym. This for Parents and Students and we will have some local music stores there so you can make arrangements to rent an instrument, purchase your portable music stand and band book.