4th + 5th Grade Band Information

Greetings from the Band Office!

If you found this page, you are probably considering joining our elementary band program. Elementary Band students receive one lesson per week, free of charge. The lessons are on a rotating basis so your child does not miss the same class each week.

Below you will find more information to help you decide which instrument is right for you. You will also find answers to commonly asked questions.

Rocky Hill Beginner Instrument Selection Guide

(A PDF of the following information can be printed at the bottom of this page)

All 4th / 5th grade students entering band will begin by selecting one of the instruments listed below.  At the end of the first year of beginning band, students will be given the opportunity to audition for the additional instruments listed on the 5th Grade Band Site.

Flute

The flute is the smallest of the beginner instruments and the highest in pitch.  It is a very popular choice each year.  Flute players typically play melody lines in band music. 

Physical Characteristics:  Flute tones are produced by being able to focus a very small airstream to an exact location on the tone hole.  A student who has a tear drop shaped lip or an extreme overbite (receded jaw), may have more difficulty directing the air precisely.  Flute players should have agile fingers and possess high fine motor skills.  Students with double-jointed fingers could struggle with the agility required to play the instrument. 

Other Considerations:  The only supplies a flute player will need for beginning band are the instrument, a cleaning rod (this should come with the instrument), and a silk cleaning swab.  

Clarinet

The clarinet is a popular single reed instrument that is very important to the band and even the orchestra.  The clarinet produces a mellow tone and has a wide range from the lower register notes to the highest notes.  It is also a good starting instrument for those thinking they may be interested in switching to Oboe or Bassoon.  Unfortunately, there are some clarinets on the market whose poor design and craftsmanship will make it next to impossible for your student to succeed. We can help you avoid that pitfall.

Physical Characteristics:  It is important that you can keep your chin flat and your corners firm (like drinking a milkshake through a straw).   Braces are not a problem for most clarinetists.  Clarinet players should possess great finger dexterity. Students with double-jointed fingers and very small hands should avoid the clarinet.

Other Considerations:  Students are responsible for keeping up with their own reeds.  A box of ten reeds costs approximately $25 and should last up to four months when they are taken care of in a reed guard.

Alto Saxophone

The alto saxophone gives the impression of being both a brass AND woodwind instrument, however it is officially considered a woodwind instrument.  The alto saxophone is a very popular instrument; however, its bright projecting tone quality often limits the number of saxes in each ensemble.

Physical Characteristics: Othodontia is usually not a problem for students playing the saxophone.  Students should have good finger dexterity.  The weight of the instrument necessitates using a neck-strap.

Other Considerations: Saxophone players are responsible for maintaining a working stock of 4-6 quality reeds. A box of 10 reeds costs around $23.00 and can last (with proper care) up to 4 months.  Students in fifth grade band will have the opportunity to switch to the  Tenor  Sax.

Trumpet

Trumpet – 

The trumpet is the smallest member of the brass family.  The sound on the trumpet is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece.  The cornet typically plays the melody and is one of the larger sections in the band. 

Physical Characteristics:  While braces can be somewhat troublesome for students, it is not impossible to produce good sounds with braces.  A slight overbite is okay, but and under bite can severely hinder progress on cornet.  Lip shape is also a consideration for selection of this instrument. Students with extremely full or narrow lips should see the band director before renting.  Students showing an ability to produce a high frequency focuses buzz will be considered more strongly over students that do not.  

French Horn

The French Horn is a member of the brass family.  The characteristic sound of a French Horn is commonly described as dark and mellow and is occasionally featured as a solo instrument.  Its sound is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece similar to a trumpet.

Physical Characteristics: While orthodontia is somewhat troublesome to a French Horn player, it is not impossible to make good sounds with braces. The student's top lip should be medium to thin and cover the top teeth.  The bottom lip should not be overly full. A slight overbite is okay, but an underbite can severely hinder progress.  The student should be able to flatten their chin with minimal instruction. 

Other Considerations: A natural sense of pitch and musicality is a must. The student considering French Horn should exhibit an ability to match sung or played pitches by humming or singing.  Students wishing to play French Horn should possess a great work ethic. Most successful French Horn players study with a private instructor in addition to the classroom instruction.

Trombone

The trombone is a member of the brass family.  The characteristic sound is dark and powerful and it has a wide range.  It is played like the other brass instruments (buzzing into a cup-shaped mouthpiece), but uses a hand slide instead of valves. The slide is not marked or notched and players rely on their muscle memory and listening skills to tell if they are in the proper location.

Physical Characteristics: While some might think that trombone players must have long arms, the truth is there are numerous accommodations that make it possible for students of all shapes and sizes to play. A slight overbite is acceptable, while an extreme underbite would hinder success. Trombone players should have average to full shaped lips.

Percussion

Being in the percussion section provides the opportunity to play and perform on many different kinds of drums, keyboards, and small accessory instruments.  The first couple of years for a percussionist involves the mastery of the snare drum (practice pad) and the keyboard (bells).  The number of percussionists in an ensemble is typically limited.

Physical Characteristics: Students should exhibit a great deal of coordination in gross and fine motor skills. 

Other Considerations: The study of percussion includes bells, triangle, tambourine, maracas, claves, among many other instruments.  Since 50% or more of practice time is playing keyboards any prior piano experience (lessons) provides young percussion players with a good foundation to build their mallet skills.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can we use any instrument we want?

It is very important that students be willing to purchase or rent a director-recommended instrument. 

Where can I rent an instrument?

You can rent an instrument at any music store that you feel comfortable with. We currently have a relationship with Music and Arts. They make weekly trips to the school to drop off orders, and pick up instruments for repairs. Most families rent from Music and Arts, and appreciate the convenience of renting with them.

How much does it cost to rent an instrument?

The approximate cost of rentals can range anywhere from $25.00 (Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion kit), to more costly instruments such as the saxophone (approx. 45), and French Horn (approx.85), per month depending on the type of instrument, the brand and its overall condition.  When purchasing a used instrument be cautious of “bargain-basement deals”.  Unfortunately, there are some instruments on the market whose poor design and craftsmanship will make it difficult to maintain and difficult for your student to succeed.  We are always available to help in the selection of your instrument, particularly those that are used.

I am not sure I can afford to rent an instrument, is there anything in place to help?

Yes! The school has a collection of instruments that are available to families in financial need based on free and reduced lunch program enrollment. We do charge a $30 fee so the instruments can be repaired and cleaned. While we will do our best to accommodate your specific instrument choice, we are limited to the instruments in our inventory. Checks should be made out to "RHPS Band SAF".

When can I switch to a different instrument?

Students will be able to try out for a switch-over instrument in fifth grade.  Academic success and behavior are considered for switch-overs.  Performance in class, note reading skills and an audition on the instrument will also be part of the consideration.  Many of these instruments are school-owned instruments and private lessons are strongly recommended.

What Method Book do I need?

            We use Accent on Achievement Book 1. Make sure you are purchasing the correct book for your instrument. Percussionists           

            need the "Combined Percussion" book.