Although some children learn an instrument prior to entering middle school (or junior high), students in music education programs within the United States and Canada generally start daily band classes in the 6th or 7th Grade. The students usually make up a band based on their grades, which may then be broken up into sectionals to provide better instrument-specific instruction. It is sometimes required for beginner students to play a recorder for a year before learning another instrument, so that basics, such as scales, embouchure, etc. can be taught easily. A "beginning" band, consisting of the youngest students in the school, usually gives two or three concerts a year, and may participate in a local/state contest. These bands are given easy music to learn, often with many duplicate parts and simple rhythms. Students sometimes may be required to memorize the 12 major scales. Some schools require students to audition and be placed in a band according to their ability on their instrument. Others will assign students based on their performance as seen in class.

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High school bands typically challenge students musically more than those in middle school. Music is much more difficult with more complex passages, intricate rhythms and more involved phrasing. Selections also vary in style. A well-rounded band is expected to be able to play a wide variety of music, ranging from serious 'program music' to lighter 'pop-style' music. For many high school students, school bands are the main form of music education available to them in school.

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Instruments typically in bands:

• Woodwind:

  • Flutes,

  • Clarinets,

  • Alto, Tenor, and Baritone saxophones,

  • Oboes (rare),

Other ones like Piccolos and Bass Clarinets

• Brass:

  • Tubas,

  • Trombones,

  • Trumpets,

  • French horns,

  • Baritones, or Euphoniums

• Percussion:

  • Drums, including Bass, Snare, and Timpani

  • Glockenspiel and/or Xylophone [often glockenspiel]

  • Cymbals

  • Tambourine

  • Slide Whistle

  • Tubular Bells