We get many inquiries about which classes students can take. This page gives you a breakdown by age of what classes are available for each age group.
Classes available for Elementary age students
Age 4-7 (Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade) – any of the following classes
Elementary Music Class *
Young Strings
*Elementary Music Class is split by age with 4 & 5 year olds in EMC 1, and 6 – 7 year olds in EMC 2.
When you register, just choose EMC and we will assign them to the appropriate group.
Age 8-10 (3rd Grade-5th Grade) – any of the following classes
3rd grade (7-8) – Elementary Chorus, Young Strings
4th grade ( 8-9) – Elementary Chorus, Young Strings
5th grade (9 – 10) – Elementary Chorus, Guitar 1, Beginning Band, Beginning Orchestra
Classes available for Middle School and High School age students
Ages 11-18 (6th Grade – 12th Grade) – any of the following classes**
6th grade (10 – 11) MS Chorus, Guitar 1, Intermediate Band, Intermediate Orchestra
7th grade (11 – 12) MS Chorus, Guitar 2, Concert Band, Philharmonic Orchestra
8th Grade (12 – 13) MS Chorus, Guitar 2, Concert Band, Philharmonic Orchestra
9th Grade (14-15) Concert Choir, Guitar 2, Concert Band, Philharmonic Orchestra
10th Grade (15-16) Concert Choir, Wind Symphony/Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra
11th Grade (16 – 17) Concert Choir (Advanced Choir by audition), Wind Symphony/Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra
12th Grade (17 – 18) Concert Choir (Advanced Choir by audition), Wind Symphony/Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra
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**Beginning an Instrument?
If your student is learning a new instrument (regardless of age or grade), they will start in Guitar 1, Beginning Band, Beginning Orchestra even if they are beyond Elementary age. Students typically spend two years in the beginning classes. Of course, if students are taking private lessons and progressing quickly, they may move up only after one year at the beginning level. Movement to the next level is based on the assessment of the instructor and/or director.
The Progression of Learning an Instrument at OHMI
Below is our expected “progression,”although it totally depends on the student’s progress whether they advance or not. Instrumental groups are ability based, not age based.
Once your student completed a Beginning instrument class and reached proficiency, they will move up to Intermediate Level Classes – Intermediate Guitar, Intermediate Band and Intermediate Orchestra. Often students will remain at the intermediate level for two years.
The next step is Concert Band, Philharmonic for strings and Guitar 2.
Once students achieve educational and performance goals, they will move up to Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra and Guitar 3 as our top level classes.
Again advancing to the next level is based on ABILITY, not based on age.
If your student joins OHMI with previous playing experience, they will audition for placement and go from there.