Be Part Of The Band! - Discovering Nashville's Options for Young Musicians

Are you a parent looking to expand your child’s musical horizons? If so, getting your middle or high school student involved in a local band, choir, or other musical ensemble can be an incredible way for them to develop their talents, build community, and have fun. The Nashville area offers so many fantastic options, from school-based ensembles to community groups, that can provide a valuable hands-on performance experience.

From concert bands and jazz ensembles at the middle and high school level, to church worship teams and groups at local music teaching studios, there are endless opportunities for your teen to get plugged into the vibrant local music scene. Not only will this allow them to continue honing their musical skills, but it also connects them to a supportive community of fellow student musicians.

In this post, we'll explore the different types of ensembles available, outline “best practices” for getting your teen involved, and provide helpful tips to ensure they make the most of this enriching experience.

School-Based Music Groups in Nashville

Middle School Band, Orchestra, Choir Programs

Middle school is a great time to check out your student's school music ensembles. Whether your child is interested in joining the band, orchestra, or choir, the process is usually fairly simple since these music programs typically don't involve an audition process.

To sign your student up, we recommend finding out who the music teacher is at their school and contacting them for more information. Sometimes, these groups are considered an afterschool extracurricular activity, and in this case, you would need to find out when registration opens up throughout the year. In other cases, you can actually sign up for a music-related ensemble as if it were a class like any other. In these instances, your kiddo would typically go to music class between their other classes, and it would count as an "art" related credit or something similar.

One of the nice things about joining an ensemble at this level is often you don't even need to know what you want to play; you can just show up, and the teacher will help you pick something out. I vividly remember my first music class in middle school. I showed up and there were just instruments in different sections ready to be explored. I almost ended up playing the saxophone but finally decided on the trombone. Honestly, I don't really remember why I picked that now, but I do remember feeling like whichever one I picked, what mattered most was playing together with everyone.

At the middle school level, the time commitment for these music groups is relatively manageable, typically requiring about 4-6 hours per week, including rehearsals and the occasional school performance or competition. You can take private lessons for your instrument of choice at home, and often the teachers greatly appreciate it, but it's usually not necessary at this stage.

High School Band, Orchestra, Choir Programs

As your student progresses to high school, the music ensembles often become more advanced and specialized. Many high schools require students to audition in order to join the band, orchestra, or choir. The audition process evaluates their technical skills, musicality, and overall fit for the ensemble, and sometimes schools will have different levels to audition for. These are often labeled as simple as Jazz 1 or Jazz 2, where the most advanced group has the lowest number associated with it. Additionally, sometimes levels are labeled with different names, and you just learn which one is for everyone and which one is for advanced students. For instance, in my high school growing up, “the marching band” and “concert band” were for everyone, and the “orchestra” required students to audition. Additionally, most high schools consider these groups to be a class that counts for credit.

Once accepted into a high school music group, students can expect a more rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule. Ensembles may meet daily or every other day for 1-2 hour rehearsals, in addition to preparing for concerts, competitions, and other events. The overall time commitment can range from 6-10 hours per week, depending on the ensemble and the student's level of involvement.

High school music programs also often offer specialized groups like jazz bands, marching bands, show choirs, and sometimes even small groups and bands that are considered “clubs.”

School-sponsored Ensembles and Bands

Finally, for those students who are already involved in their school music groups but looking for even more opportunities to perform and play with other musicians, there are often school-adjacent ensembles that your kiddo can sign up or audition for. In Tennessee, for example, auditioning for a “mid-state” or “all-state” Jazz Ensemble or Orchestra can offer amazing opportunities to play with the best of the best!

Community-Based Music Groups in Nashville

Church Worship Bands/Choirs

If you happen to be a churchgoer, seeing if your kiddo would be interested in getting involved in a worship band or choir is another great way to perform in a group setting. Depending on your religion or denomination, these opportunities may vary, but if your church happens to have a youth worship band, that is a great option for playing simple songs in a fairly low-stakes environment. Also, since these are typically volunteer-based opportunities, you don’t have to pay a registration fee that other community-based groups might require. Both Jes and I had great experiences being involved in these types of groups growing up, and doing so gave us playing opportunities that we wouldn’t have had otherwise, which, in turn, boosted our confidence!

A great way to get started is to reach out directly to the music director or youth pastor at your church. They'll be able to provide information on audition requirements (if any) and rehearsal schedules. Some churches may have auditions to ensure the right fit, while others are more open to anyone who wants to lend their musical talents.

Typically, church music groups rehearse 1-2 times per week, which can be more manageable than other groups. This makes it a great option for students balancing other activities.

Community Concert Bands, Orchestras, Choirs

Beyond school and church ensembles, the Nashville area is also home to a variety of community-based musical groups that welcome student musicians. Some examples include:

The audition process for these community groups can vary - some may have more formal auditions to assess your skill level, while others may be open to all interested participants. Either way, the music directors will work with you to ensure you're placed in the right section and prepared for rehearsals and performances.

Rehearsal schedules for community ensembles can typically vary between 1 to 4 times per week, with concerts and shows happening several times throughout the year. This allows students to get valuable performance experience while still balancing other commitments. The locations of these rehearsals and performances can span across the Nashville metro area, so be prepared for a potential commute.

Other Local Ensembles and Bands

In addition to the more traditional school, church, and community musical groups, the Nashville area also has a vibrant scene of other local ensembles that students can explore. This could include rock bands, folk groups, jazz combos, and more specialized genres. We even have a rock band camp this summer (shameless plug)!

To find and connect with these types of local groups, your best bet is to reach out to local music stores and music teaching studios, check out groups on Facebook, or even ask your fellow musician friends if they want to start a band or group! Often, creating your own band and booking shows can be a great way to play music that you and your peers love! Both Jes and I have been in our own rock bands that we formed and performed with while we were in high school, and we wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world!

Tips for Getting Involved

Alright, so you're excited about the prospect of joining a local band, choir, or other musical ensemble in Nashville - that's awesome! Before you go rushing into anything, though, there are a few important things to consider to make sure you find the right fit.

First and foremost, take a good look at your current skill level and think about your musical goals. Are you a total beginner who's just starting to learn an instrument? Or are you a seasoned musician looking to take your talents to the next level? Being honest with yourself about your abilities will help you identify ensembles that are the best match.

Maybe you've always wanted to learn the drums, but have zero experience. In that case, auditioning for the top-tier high school Jazz band might be a bit too advanced to start. Instead, you could try joining the marching band or concert band, where you could begin on bass drum or simple percussion. On the other hand, if you've been playing the trumpet since 4th grade, you might be ready to audition for the youth symphony at your school or in your community!

Once you've got a handle on your skills and aspirations, it's time to start reaching out. Don't be shy - music teachers and ensemble directors are there to help students get involved! Give them a call or shoot them an email introducing yourself and expressing your kiddo’s interest. They'll be able to provide all the details you need about joining, from audition requirements to rehearsal schedules.

Now, if an audition is required, don't panic! This is simply the ensemble's way of ensuring you'll be a great fit. They want to see that you have the technical abilities and musicality to contribute positively to the group. Spend some time practicing your audition pieces, getting feedback from your private instructor (if you have one), and generally putting your best foot forward. Importantly, if you don’t make an audition, don’t be discouraged! Often, there is another opportunity that might be a better fit just around the corner.

Finally, as you start participating in your chosen musical group, be mindful of managing your time wisely. Juggling school, homework, extracurriculars, a social life, and now band/choir rehearsals can be a lot. Make a schedule, communicate with your teachers and parents, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With a little organization, you'll be able to make the most of this incredible musical opportunity.

So there you have it - a few key tips to help you find and thrive in a local ensemble for your talents and interests. The Nashville music scene is waiting, so what are you waiting for? Go make some music!

Interested in private lessons for your kiddo or joining our summer camp? We have a crew of amazing instructors who would love to help! Contact us or sign up here:

Cameron Cleland