The Parent’s Guide to Band & Orchestra: Everything You Need to Know

Band and orchestra (B&O) programs offer a myriad of benefits, from fostering a love of music to nurturing essential life skills like teamwork, self-discipline and time management—all while providing a ton of fun.

As a parent, B&O programs offer you a unique chance to connect with your child in a whole new way. By sharing in their musical journey, you’ll foster a deeper bond and create lasting memories. And that’s just scratching the surface. There’s so much more in store!

Of course, like any meaningful endeavor, being part of band and orchestra involves effort. There may be challenges along the way, especially if you’re new to the experience. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate the journey with ease.

This guide will provide an overview of everything you need to know about being a successful band and orchestra parent, including:

• Understanding Band and Orchestra Programs
• How to Set Your Child Up for Success
• Continuing to Thrive in Band and Orchestra

We encourage you to return to this guide as needed for tips and advice for navigating the music program throughout the year. Simply click on a section above to navigate quickly through the article.

Let’s get started!

Understanding Band and Orchestra Programs

OK, first things first—what’s the difference between band and orchestra? The two programs differ primarily in the instruments used, the type of music that’s played and the performance settings.

The Instruments

Band instruments are generally grouped into three main categories: brass, woodwind and percussion. Brass instruments include popular choices like trumpet, trombone and tuba, and are known for their bold (and loud!) sound. Woodwind instruments include flutes, saxophones and clarinets, each bringing a unique voice to the ensemble. Percussion instruments add rhythm and energy, with drums, cymbals and mallet instruments being among the most common.

Orchestra utilizes string instruments like violin, viola, cello and string bass, often in addition to the band instruments mentioned above. A full orchestra blends instruments from all categories, creating a rich and diverse sound.

The Music

Part of the fun of band is how wide the musical repertoire can be. It’s common in band to perform everything from marches and movie scores to show tunes and even interpretations of modern pop and rock music. It’s important to note that under the umbrella of “band” are ensembles including the concert band, which performs in more formal settings; pep band and marching band, which perform at football games and pep rallies; jazz band; and more.

Orchestra usually keeps things more traditional, performing classical pieces from composers like Beethoven, Bach and Vivaldi and maintaining the school’s theater or auditorium as the primary concert space. Some programs will branch out into renowned operatic pieces like Bizet’s Carmen, contemporary classical music or film music, but that largely depends on the orchestra director.

How Band and Orchestra Programs are Structured

Now that you’re familiar with what band and orchestra programs are, let’s talk briefly about how they’re structured.

Many music programs, especially those at the elementary- and middle-school levels, use a “pull-out” arrangement in which your child is excused from a different class each week to make time for band or orchestra. This structure enables them to participate in band without missing the same class repeatedly. If your child becomes involved in a program with this schedule, make sure they take their instrument to school on the day when it’s needed and are generally prepared.

The biggest difference you’ll find in some middle-school programs and most high-school programs is that the classes are electives—not a pull-out arrangement. With a dedicated class period each day, students have more time to hone their skills, perform as an ensemble and build lasting relationships with their bandmates and director. Beyond regular class time, students will likely need to attend additional practices before or after school to further develop their abilities.

All this will lead to music becoming an important part of your family’s life and routine. Here are a few things you can expect as the band program begins and progresses throughout the year.

What to Expect in Band and Orchestra

The very first day of band is instrumental (pun intended) to your child’s musical future. At the elementary level, they’ll likely be introduced to different instruments, select one if they haven’t already, and become acquainted with how to hold it and make their first sounds. They’ll also learn the layout of the band room, storage areas and practice spaces. With any luck, the band room will be a welcoming space from day one.

As the first weeks of band progress, your child will get more familiar with their instrument. Depending on which instrument they chose, they’ll learn things like proper embouchure for brass and woodwinds, bowing techniques for strings and how to care for their instrument before and after practicing. During this time your child should begin to develop a good practice routine at home so they can bring their best to the classroom each day.

When it comes to practicing, you as the parent play a vital role. Let’s be honest—it might take a little while for your child to start sounding great. Be patient! It’ll all pay off in the end, and for the time being, noise-cancelling headphones can be a huge help.

The first few months into band, your child will gain proficiency on their instrument. They’ll learn more about reading music, including note names, rhythms, time signatures and how all of that relates to playing accurately. Around this time, students will start playing together as an ensemble. This is a milestone for your child. They’ll learn to follow a conductor, listen to their fellow musicians and blend their sound within a group.

As the first year progresses, the band will prepare for a series of performances. Everything your child has practiced will need to be ready for prime time! Some milestones to look forward to are holiday concerts and, later in your child’s journey, the start of football season and spring competition season.

Throughout your family’s band and orchestra experience, remember that B&O is just like anything else—you and your child will get out of it what you put into it.

Let’s take a look at some ways you can set your child up for success in band and orchestra.

How to Set Your Child Up for Success

Choose the Right Instrument

Renting vs. Buying Instruments

Once your child has found their dream instrument, the next step is to take one home. For that, there are two options—buying or renting.

Renting is the way to go if your child is new to band and isn’t quite sure if it’s their thing yet. Or maybe they love band but they’re having trouble finding which instrument is right for them. With a low monthly rate and an affordable maintenance-and-repair plan, your child can get started on their musical journey and retain the option of returning or exchanging their instrument for free. (If they choose another instrument in a different category, the rental rate may change.) What’s more, rental payments count toward an instrument purchase.

Buying is a great option if your child is committed to their chosen instrument. The higher upfront cost will be worth it since they’ll get years, perhaps even a lifetime, of use out of the instrument. Of course, an instrument you own has resale value, which can help if your child wants to upgrade to a better model. Another perk of buying is that your child will forge a deeper connection with their specific instrument over the years, which can lead to better performances.

Read more about renting and buying through Music & Arts in our comprehensive guide.

Essential Music Supplies

In addition to their instrument, your child will need some supplies to help them get the most out of their band and orchestra program. The must-haves include a tuner, a metronome, any sheet music or method books your child will need and a sturdy music stand. Thin, foldable stands are fine when you need a portable option, but for home use choose a stand with a wider, heavier, more stable base. When shopping for a high-quality music stand, look for terms like “conductor,” “symphony” or “orchestral” in the product name.

Other supplies will vary depending on the instrument your child plays. For example, string players will require rosin for their bow; most woodwind players will need cork grease; and brass players should have valve or slide oil at the ready.

For a complete list of essential supplies and accessories, visit musicarts.com. Under “Shop,” select your child’s instrument category and click on “Accessories.”

Summer Preparation

We get it, summers are sacred and we certainly don’t think they should be spent entirely on school prep. However, if your child is eager to get a jump on learning their instrument, the summer offers valuable time to get ahead of the curve. Here are some ways you can make the most of the summer.

For starters, reach out to the band director and see if sheet music has been selected for the upcoming school year. If so, your child can begin practicing the literature and start honing their chops.

Band camp (and other summer music programs) can help your child maintain their proficiency and learn new techniques, get comfortable playing in an ensemble and get a head start on next year’s curriculum. Plus, they’re great for building friendships and providing leadership opportunities—an overall win.

Set a Practice Schedule

Helping your child establish a regular practice schedule is one of the most important things you can do to support them. Here are some ideas to keep things consistent, fun and effective:

Set a realistic practice time that works for you and your child. Band or orchestra probably isn’t the only thing on your plate. Why not sit down and map out a weekly schedule that’s realistic and doesn’t interfere with other school and family activities?

Keep practice sessions manageable and consistent. During the summer, your child may have more time to practice. But once school starts, there will be more demands on their time from things like homework, test prep and other extracurriculars. Strive to keep your child on a daily practice schedule, even if it’s only 20 minutes.

It’s also important to do things that will keep practice fun. For example, arrange times where your child can practice with a friend so they can motivate each other and share tips and techniques. Attend live performances that feature your child’s instrument. Watching skilled musicians can remind your child of what’s possible and rekindle their enthusiasm for practicing.

Make sure the environment is conducive to practicing. If your child will be practicing at home, try and keep the space free of distractions. Even the most focused students can be lured in by devices, video games or TV. If circumstances prevent your child from practicing effectively at home, talk with the band director about options at school. They can usually provide a place for students to practice before, during or after classes.

Find a Music Teacher

Continuing to Thrive in Band and Orchestra

As you already know, music is one of the most worthwhile endeavors your child can pursue. But there will be challenges—especially as your child progresses to more advanced programs. Our goal is to make you aware of these challenges so you can meet them head on.

Time

Parents are often surprised by the time commitment required for B&O programs—especially as their child progresses from middle school to high school. From early morning and after-school rehearsals to at-home practice sessions and performances at sporting events, pep rallies, assemblies and competitions, the schedule can be intense.

It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at times. Remember, the band director is there to support you. They’re more than willing to address any concerns about time management and offer strategies to help balance commitments. If conflicts arise, such as overlapping extracurriculars or an especially heavy academic workload, be sure to discuss them with the band director as early as possible.

Affordability

Participating in band and orchestra typically costs money. However, additional cost isn’t something unique to B&O and it certainly shouldn’t hold your child back from following their passion.

Think of it this way. If your child was into baseball instead of band, they would need quality gear. And you wouldn’t expect them to use the same bat and glove from tee ball to varsity baseball. Similarly, as your child progresses to more advanced and competitive programs, they’ll likely need a higher-quality instrument, accessories and money for uniforms and travel expenses.

Remember that playing an instrument is an investment that provides a lifetime of benefits. And not everything needs to be a high upfront cost. Music & Arts has an industry-leading selection of educator-approved instruments you can rent to keep costs manageable.

Required Travel

Advanced band programs, especially those at the high-school level, are heavily involved with competitions, football games and other events, all of which can require taking overnight trips to attend. Parents and students often look forward to these events with great anticipation, since they represent the culmination of months of hard work. When it comes time for an event, the band director will take the lead in scheduling meetings and other communication to prepare.

Parental Involvement

If you’re new to band and orchestra and are interested in ways to get involved, we recommend asking your child’s band director how you can help. This kind of open communication can only strengthen the music program, and a dedicated parent who takes the initiative is always a welcome part of band and orchestra.

Fundraising

A key way parents can get involved is with fundraising. This is where collaborating with the band director really comes into play. The band director will have a clear idea of how much money is needed for certain initiatives like ordering new uniforms, applying to competitions and travel expenses. Then, you can work together to reach those fundraising goals through community involvement and sponsorships, concessions and sales, car washes, you name it. There’s no shortage of ways to raise funds, so get creative and find what works for your community.

You’ve Got This!

We know you’re eager to support your child throughout their journey in band and orchestra. Watching your child find a sense of place and purpose through music and develop lasting friendships is priceless. So stay excited, stay driven and we’ll see you at the performances!

Let Music & Arts help throughout your band and orchestra journey! Check out our industry-leading rentals, lessons and repairs programs!