BEGINNING BAND AND ORCHESTRA

Colorado Music Institute provides music education for students of all ages and experience levels on nearly every instrument. Students will learn how to play their instruments, read music, understand music theory, and perform in concerts. This class will focus on having fun and building confidence while students learn their new instruments! Students who start learning an instrument in 4th and 5th grade can be placed in advanced ensembles when they get to middle school!

Band will be held Mondays at 2:45pm Classes are 60 minutes. Please note the later start date for students who participated last year.

Orchestra will be held Wednesdays at 1:45pm. Classes are 60 minutes.

Students are encouraged to participate in both fall and spring semesters. If you need scholarship assistance, please call the Institute at 303-347-9447. This class is geared towards beginners with less than one year of experience and as a continuation for students who participated last year. Students will need an instrument and all necessary supplies.

*Please note for band, there are two separate start dates. Students who participated last semester are encouraged to start mid-October to allow new students time to get established with their new instruments.*

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT INSTRUMENTS CAN I LEARN?

Students can select from a wide range of instruments for their first year of instrumental music. Band includes woodwind and brass instruments, while orchestra includes string instruments. Available woodwinds are flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone. Available brass instruments are trumpet, trombone, and euphonium. Orchestral string instruments are violin, viola, and cello.

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HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE MY INSTRUMENT?
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The most important thing to consider is if you like the instrument you’re going to play! Do you like the sound of it? Do you want to play an instrument that uses your air or a bow? Are you more interested in high or low sounds? If you want to try something out before committing to an instrument, one of our teachers or staff at Colorado Music Institute can help you choose!

WILL WE PERFORM IN CONCERTS?
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Band and orchestra students will have one performance at the end of each semester. These performances will showcase what students have learned in their classes and give them valuable performing experience! For the winter semester, the performance will be on the last class of December.

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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PRACTICE?
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For beginning students, 10-15 minutes a day 3-5 times per week is a great place to start! Practicing a little bit every day is better than practicing two hours in one day. It takes time to learn a new skill, and every time you practice you can get a little better!

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED?

Both classes will require the Essential Elements Book 1 for your specific instrument.

Flute: Cleaning rod (usually comes with your flute) and cloth

Clarinet: Strength 2.0 reeds, cork grease, and a cleaning swab

Alto Saxophone: Strength 2.0 reeds, a neckstrap (usually provided with instrument), and a cleaning swab

Trumpet: Valve oil and a cleaning cloth

Trombone: Slide oil and a cleaning cloth

Euphonium: Valve oil and a cleaning cloth

Violin/Viola/Cello: Rosin, shoulder rest, and soft cleaning cloth

Metronomes, turners, and folding music stands are all recommended for home practice but are not required for band and orchestra classes.

Colorado Music Institute is a proud member and ambassador of the South Metro Denver Chamber!

Call or text us at (303) 347-9447 if you have any questions!