Instrument Fitting
The Instrument Fitting is a time for your child to see and play all the different wind and string instruments of the band and orchestra under the direction of trained personnel. By working with your student at the Instrument Fitting, we are better able to determine what instrument your child would enjoy playing based on their aptitudes, abilities, and desire.
Students must be 9 years old by September 1 to start a beginning band or orchestra class with WMHFA. We are not able to make exceptions to this because:
Students must be 9 years old by September 1 to start a beginning band or orchestra class with WMHFA. We are not able to make exceptions to this because:
- all other schools start at age 10 or 11, so we are already starting earlier than usual.
- our classes are 90 minutes long and younger students have difficulty maintaining focus.
- our beginning classes keep a steady pace, and students typically progress quickly.
- smaller fingers sometimes have difficulty with fingerings.
- we want your child to have the greatest chance of success!
2025 Instrument Fitting Dates
|
Grand Rapids
Corinth Reformed Church 129 100th St SE Byron Center, MI |
Kalamazoo
Community Presbyterian Church 811 Gorham Lane Kalamazoo, MI, 49006 |
Ready to Register? Watch these videos first!
Before you register, if you think you want to play a BAND instrument please watch this video introducing the standard woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCTeSjpDsIs
AND/OR if you want to play a STRING instrument, watch the Beginner Orchestra Instruments video to learn about the string instruments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azwRCDORHWA
AND/OR if you want to play a STRING instrument, watch the Beginner Orchestra Instruments video to learn about the string instruments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azwRCDORHWA
Once you have a good idea which 3 instruments you are most interested in, register for the location and date that works best for you (you will not be limited to these at the fitting.)
Students interested in Beginning Band percussion (drums):
· No previous percussion (drum) lessons are required
· Students must have at least 2 years experience on piano/keyboard/mallet percussion within the past 3 years. A keyboard/mallet audition is required. Students need to be at level 2 or above (reading music, playing eighth notes.)
Prepare a piece of your choice. Bring your music and current book to the audition.
· Auditions are by appointment only.
· All students must pass a rhythm evaluation with the beginning band instructor
· All students must take a rhythm aptitude test at https://forms.gle/zfKsnmi7WtU5hxwEA
· The instructor will select a maximum of 7 students for the percussion section of the Beginning Band after the last Instrument Fitting. Students will be chosen based on the individual cumulative scores of the evaluations listed above. Priority will be given to students who are committed to joining drumline and marching band.
· No previous percussion (drum) lessons are required
· Students must have at least 2 years experience on piano/keyboard/mallet percussion within the past 3 years. A keyboard/mallet audition is required. Students need to be at level 2 or above (reading music, playing eighth notes.)
Prepare a piece of your choice. Bring your music and current book to the audition.
· Auditions are by appointment only.
· All students must pass a rhythm evaluation with the beginning band instructor
· All students must take a rhythm aptitude test at https://forms.gle/zfKsnmi7WtU5hxwEA
· The instructor will select a maximum of 7 students for the percussion section of the Beginning Band after the last Instrument Fitting. Students will be chosen based on the individual cumulative scores of the evaluations listed above. Priority will be given to students who are committed to joining drumline and marching band.
Students interested in Beginning Band Percussion (drums): click on the button below to schedule an audition. Be sure to register for both the instrument fitting and the percussion audition.
**If no appointment dates are available or if you cannot make the available times, please email [email protected] and we will set one up for you!