Every 5th Grader has the opportunity to join the Band or Orchestra in 6th grade!

Why Instrumental Music? 

How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain 

Every Columbia Public Schools 5th grader has the opportunity to enroll in Band or Orchestra for 6th grade. During middle school, scholars enrolled in band or orchestra meet daily to practice their instrument skills and prepare for performances. 

Students begin their instrument studies by selecting from a limited set of instruments.

Not sure what instrument to choose? 

• Consider the instruments you saw demonstrated during the Extravaganza. What instrument sounded and looked the most interesting to you? 
• Think about future instrument possibilities. We don't start all the instruments in the 6th-grade band and orchestra. Look at the chart below and consider what you might like to learn in the future.

Once you've made your decision, CLICK the enrollment form link and sign up! Deadline is March 13, 2024

Enrollment Form | Enrollment Night Guide

*If acquiring an instrument presents a financial hardship, we can work with you to obtain what you need. Reach out to your future middle school instructor for help or questions. 

Additional information and more questions answered. If it's not here, we can get you an answer.

• If you are interested in playing percussion, we ask that you give us a little more information by either providing the demonstrator code from enrollment night, or if you were unable to attend, follow the instruction in the enrollment form to upload a video. 
  
  
• While every band needs percussion, not every member of the band can play percussion. This additional information helps us find the best fit!​
  
  
• Maybe you are still unsure. Linked on this page are demo videos from the amazing Minnesota Orchestra. All beginning instruments are featured.
  
  
• Need to talk with someone - Contact information for each school's band and orchestra teachers is listed.
  
  
• You will receive an email and official letter from the CPS Fine Arts Department during the first two weeks of March confirming your enrollment and the instrument you will begin studying fall of 2024!
  
  

Click the Enrollment Form link and sign up! Deadline is March 13, 2024

Enrollment Form | Enrollment Night Guide

Gentry Middle School

Band: Amber Blumberg -  ablumberg@cpsk12.org 

Orchestra: Briana Frieda - bfrieda@cpsk12.org  

Jefferson Middle School

Band: Jaime Canepa - kcanepa@cpsk12.org 

Orchestra: Sophia Moore - somoore@cpsk12.org 

John Warner Middle School

Band: Josh Myers - jomyers@cpsk12.org 

Orchestra: Alison Lankheit - alankheit@cpsk12.org 

Lange Middle School

Band: Aaron Robertson - arobertson@cpsk12.org 

Orchestra: Bill Strozier - wstrozier@cpsk12.org 

Oakland Middle School

Band: Chris Farris - cfarris@cpsk12.org 

Orchestra: Kate Farris - kafarris@cpsk12.org 

Smithton Middle School

Band: Brooksie Collins - bcollins@cpsk12.org 

Orchestra: Liz Sheets - esheets@cpsk12.org 

West Middle School

Band: Julie Swope - juswope@cpsk12.org 

Orchestra:Evan Wilde - ewilde@cpsk12.org

Violin Demo Video: https://youtu.be/gMDwsZIw3I8 

Viola Demo Video: https://youtu.be/3qahIUO2g2A 

Cello Demo Video: https://youtu.be/1KNktHCIqNs 

Bass Demo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzaGcvluSdc

Snare Demo Video: https://youtu.be/f47IejbWj3g

Xylophone Demo Video: https://youtu.be/06KJiJUUxl4 

Trumpet Demo Video: https://youtu.be/FtpMRm_j6KM 

Trombone Demo Video: https://youtu.be/m6HgVhRCX04 

Clarinet Demo Video: https://youtu.be/3dzYpDATaqo 

Flute Demo Video: https://youtu.be/XlTzSymTpT4