Choosing an Instrument

The Bond Between Student and Instrument

(according to Mrs. Edmondson)

Music is something that a person has from birth to old age, beginning with your very own built-in instrument - your Voice!

Vocalizing is fun, free, and enhances creative expression. Another avenue to channel music pleasure is to play an instrument.

Many physical and environmental factors enter into choosing an instrument. Some of these factors are:

- embouchure (size and shape of mouth and lips)

- small motor skills and finger dexterity

- size of arm or lung capacity

- transportation to and from school

- instrument preference of peers

- availability of Aunt Martha's attic saxophone

- personality (why do quiet students choose the loud instruments?)

- the sound

Hearing your child sing at home will give you a good sense of whether he/she matches pitch, has a good sense of rhythm, or keeps a steady beat. In other words, what is your child's musical strong point? Taking this into consideration will help your child choose the instrument that he/she will enjoy. On a selfish note, there are cycles to instruemtn popularity os if your child is confident and is a leader, allow me to choose an instrument for him/her that is needed in the band.

If your child matches pitch well and is an individualist, then the following instruments are recommended:

- Oboe

- French Horn

- Trombone

- Violin

- Viola

- Cello

If your child has a good sense of rhythm and is socially oriented, then the following instruments are recommended:

- Flute

- Clarinet

- Saxophone

- Trumpet

- Percussion (beginning with snare drum)

- Piano (not taught in school but there are opportunities to play in school.)

If your child can keep a steady beat and home-practice will not be discouraged, then the following instrument family is recommended:

- Percussion (begining with snare drum)

For further assistance in choosing an instrument, please contact Mrs. Edmondson: 288-3631, ext. 230 orredmondson@u98.k12.me.us ;