When about do they...

chermo · Post by **chermo** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:27 pm

start playing the piccolo in school band, my daughter is in 5th grade right now so her 1st year in band but she wants to try the piccolo I never rent instruments so I would rather just go buy one but I don't want to do that until I know when she will be able to actually use it in the band. I am actually looking for a new yamaha flute for her. Right now she has a very old yamaha from like the 1980's and if she sticks with band next year I want to get her a brand new one then go for a piccolo when she can use one in the band.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:57 pm

Piccolo isn't usually used in band until high school. Most students don't start playing piccolo in band until their junior or senior year of high school. However, there are exceptions to that rule on occasion.

kmshesko · Post by **kmshesko** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 3:06 pm

My school I was allowed to play piccolo in 9th grade, but that was because there weren't any who were older. I've never heard of a band before 8th grade having a piccolo. I feel that in order to play piccolo, you need to have a good foundation on flute.

Also, knowing middle school-ers, she may want to change instruments by the time she reaches high school. Several of my friends started on one instrument and then changed to another in high school. I would say wait a couple of years before you buy an instrument until she knows that's what she wants to play for sure.

atoriphile · Post by **atoriphile** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 4:15 pm

When I was growing up many years ago, we started marching band in 7th grade, and that's when I started playing piccolo. I also played piccolo in my junior high concert band in 8th grade.

I think it varies based on the school and the band director.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:13 pm

I played piccolo in middle school. every school is different. I also teach some middle school players on piccolo. Sometimes, maturity and experience are needed before making that jump. Other times, it is pretty natural. I would wait at least two years before trying it.

Arianna · Post by **Arianna** » Sun Feb 21, 2010 7:42 pm

I started in 8th grade on piccolo. Most schools around me (Georgia) start in middle school. I do agree that a good foundation of flute is best.