Can my child switch instruments after theyve started band?
Generally, once students are placed on an instrument, we prefer that they not switch because 1) we need to keep a good instrumentation for the band, and 2) they will have lost all the work they did to learn their current instrument. However, some woodwind players are eligible to learn how to play double reed instruments (oboe, bassoon) after their 6th grade year if they have demonstrated exceptional ability and dedication, and some clarinet and saxophone players may switch to bass clarinet or tenor/bari sax starting in 8th grade.
