I'll just add on to what we were discussing earlier. Once control of tone, blend & balance, rhythm, and dynamics are (reasonably) achieved, intonation is a matter of adjustment. Singing really helps as well (kids hate it). Some of it is also the "buy-in" by the students as well. They won't be (reasonably) in tune unless they WANT to be in tune.

Out of tune =

In tune =

Grossly out of tune =

There has to be a proactive approach to middle school band tuning. That means teaching the correct mindset and attitude, and always playing the right way (as discussed earlier). The young musicians need to be encouraged to taking chances in pitch adjustment while playing. That means it will probably get worse before it ever gets better. I would prefer students taking chances rather than taking a passive approach.

Duh,

Having great instrumentation ie: Tubas, Trombones, Bass Clarinet, Bari Sax etc. contributes greatly to good pitch. Often times especially in Middle School, bands can be too top heavy or too loaded with a particular instrument (alto sax). Those instruments that are overbalanced, (ones that are higher in pitch) can have an undue negative influence on pitch.

Advice: work on switching overbalanced instruments to some of the "color" instruments like oboe, bassoon, euphonium, tuba etc. You'll be happy you did, students get the excitement of playing on a unique instrument and your HS feeder will adore you.

Steve Hendee