This year could be the last that fifth-graders have the opportunity to pick up a violin or clarinet.

Instrumental teachers were told before the first day of school that the band and orchestra programs would start at the sixth-grade level beginning next year. Moving the starting point dedicates more time to music instruction and aligns with the district's goal for middle schools to house all sixth-grade classes, according to Mark Mathern, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. The general music program would not be affected by any change.

The idea came from a committee of more than 30 teachers, administrators and district employees that discussed the future of music in Natrona County schools from fall 2007 to March 2008. The committee looked at six or seven scenarios but could not escape schedule problems at the elementary level, according to Kim Skatula, elementary music coordinator and music future search committee member.

The committee recommended a plan that took students out of regular classes for 90 minutes each week. School principals did not agree, and the plan was scrapped.

With only six instrumental teachers to travel between schools, music classes have to be scheduled first, before the district-wide focus subjects of reading and math. Fifth- and sixth-grade students in elementary schools have music class for 30 minutes twice a week, and have the option of taking either band or orchestra during those times. Sixth-grade students in middle schools get 45 minutes of instrumental music, five times a week. With two-thirds of sixth-graders in middle schools, that leaves small numbers for teachers at the elementary level, said Vicki Foster, director of teaching and learning.

"There may be only three students in band at one school, but we still have to schedule two teachers," Foster said.

Band and orchestra teachers travel in pairs between schools, but have to take 30 minutes' travel time every time they change location.

"We have very talented music teachers spending time behind the wheel instead of in front of kids," said instrumental teacher Scott Reinsbach.

Reinsbach and vocal teacher Paul Searcey of Frontier Middle School were asked to lead the implementation of the change. They spend an hour every day on the project - calling schools around the state, talking with elementary instrumental music teachers and researching what's been done outside of Wyoming. They will work with an advisory committee comprising school representatives, music teachers and at least one parent. Reinsbach and Searcey will present suggestions to the curriculum and instruction subcommittee Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. The board of trustees will discuss the final plan at its meeting on Dec. 14.

When Mathern informed the board of the plan, several trustees requested at least one alternate plan that keeps instrumental music in elementary schools.

"If you have children and they have any music ability, you should start them as soon as you can," said trustee Rita Walsh.

Reinsbach and Searcey said they don't know how many options they'll be able to look at in such a short period of time.

"There are pros and cons," Searcey said. "What we're looking for is what works for our system and what is going to get us the most bang for our buck."

The state certifies music teachers for kindergarten through 12th grade. Mathern said the fifth-grade teacher positions would go where the music goes. But even if the music program moves, students still have the choice to attend sixth grade at an elementary school. If the new CY Middle School opens next fall as expected, more sixth-graders would have the opportunity to move up.

"The slow movement of sixth grade to the middle level has been a difficulty," Skatula said. "It makes it hard for this program to run efficiently, and if we can find a different way to do it, fabulous. I'm all for it."

Reach education reporter Jackie Borchardt at (307) 266-0593 or at jackie.borchardt@trib.com. Read her education blog at tribtown.trib.com/reportcard