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Welcome to Instrumental Music


Orchestra Introduction Video

Get a short introduction to what playing in orchestra is like before checking out the individual instruments below!

Band Introduction Video

Get a short introduction to what playing in the band is like before checking out the individual instruments below!

Orchestra Instruments

The instruments below are the instruments you can sign up for this year!

Violin

Highest string instrument, reads treble clef, often plays melody

Cello

Larger than violin or viola, reads bass clef, plays low notes and bass lines

Viola

Slightly larger than violin, reads alto clef, plays inner harmonic lines

Bass

Largest instrument in the orchestra, reads bass clef, plays low notes and bass lines

Band Instruments

The instruments below are the instruments you can sign up for this year! If you're a 5th grader and you already play a different instrument - don't worry, you'll be able to continue that instrument.

Flute

Highest woodwind instrument, made of metal, makes sound by blowing across a tone hole

Clarinet

Woodwind instrument, made of wood or plastic, makes sound with a single wooden reed, often plays melody

Alto Saxophone

Woodwind instrument, made of metal, makes sound with a single wooden reed

Trumpet

Highest brass instrument, makes sound by buzzing lips, 3 valves, reads treble clef

Trombone

Low brass instrument, makes sound with buzzing lips, only instrument with a slide, reads bass clef

Baritone & Tuba

Low brass instruments, makes sound with buzzing lips, 3 valves, reads bass clef

Percussion (drum AND mallets)

Makes sound by striking with sticks/mallets, learn two instruments: snare drum and mallet percussion

Please note: all students in percussion will learn to play both drums AND mallets.

Interested? Visit the "Enrollment Information" page to find out more about enrollment information.

Enrollment for the 2022-23 School Year is Closed.

This site will provide you with information about the instrumental music program in the Howard County Public Schools System. Please use the navigation toolbar on the left to find more specific information.

Any questions should be directed to Ms. Karissa Strawley at

Karissa_Bryant@hcpss.org