“Band is more than ‘just another class we take.’ It becomes a part of us. We find a new home to express and challenge ourselves. We become a part of something bigger,” said Juan Hernandez, one of the school’s band directors. All incoming sixth-grade students (current fifth-grade students) are invited to instrument testing on Thursday, April 11th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the Coggin Elementary School cafeteria. It is a come-and-go event. Students will try out the various instruments being assigned for the upcoming year; these instruments include the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. “Instrument testing is a moment where a director can meet with each student in hopes of matching them with the instrument they would find success with,” Hernandez said. The event allows students and their parents to meet the band directors and successfully begin their band experience.

After being matched with an instrument, 2024-2025 sixth-grade band students will begin the process of acquiring that instrument. “We do have a select set of instruments that are provided by the school (baritone and tuba),” Hernandez said. “These two are only required to purchase a mouthpiece. Each student will purchase or rent their own instrument and/or part of their instrument.” The band directors will provide purchasing and renting information once the instrument testing has been completed. “Being cautious of what instrument they purchase is an important factor,” Hernandez said. “A good quality instrument is highly recommended for the success of the student. Having a poor-quality instrument is the equivalent of having a sixth-grade student trying to learn how to shoot three-pointers on a Little Tikes basketball hoop!”

Instrument Testing provides students a first step of confidence to learn this valuable new skill. Students begin with the basic eight instruments, but the opportunity to expand the instrument options will be provided as early as seventh grade. “Given the nature of some of the more intensive instruments, there are a select few that we don’t start until seventh grade or after a year of band education,” Hernandez said. “French horn, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, and bass clarinet are a few of those. We do testing for these as well with the permission of the student’s parents.” The band directors work with students throughout sixth grade to teach them practical knowledge of their instrument as well as musical knowledge so that when they enter middle school, they are prepared to advance their musical abilities and performance opportunities, such as pep rallies, UIL events, All-Region, and concerts.

“Being enrolled in a fine arts class is so beneficial to our students,” Hernandez said. “There are many studies that show those with a band background tend to have higher test scores and brain development due to parts of the brain being trained. Planning, foresight, and coordination are larger for musicians.” Fifth-grade students begin choosing their electives for the upcoming school year and choose from choir, band, computer information, and art. “Band not only has the student learn how to play a musical instrument, but many other attributes are obtained as well,” Hernandez said. “Leadership skills, organization, work ethic, commitment, communication skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, determination, and teamwork. Seeing that in our students is what we aim for.”

Learn more about the Brownwood ISD Beginner Band, play an instrument-matching game, or contact the directors at https://www.brownwoodisd.org/bwdbeginnerband.