I can't see what the point of making all the kids join the band is anyway... if they said everyone had to do *something* arty (eg. join the band, do extra art, sing in a choir, make movies) that would make a bit more sense but that just sounds like a sure way to put kids off music. Especially if they can't choose what instrument they play!

Another avenue worth exploring is other families with older children - at my house we have a trumpet, a trombone, a guitar and various other noise making devices sitting around doing nothing. No clarinets though, we're more of a brass family!