Brass & Percussion Instruments
There are 5 brass instruments in band: Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba. Please read each instrument below (and click on the video link) to learn more about them.
Trumpet
CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE TRUMPET.
The TRUMPET is the smallest member of the brass family. The sound on trumpet is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece. Students who are selected to play trumpet should NOT play cornet unless physical characteristics require it.
Physical Characteristics: While braces are somewhat troublesome to a trumpet player, it is not impossible to make good sounds. A slight overbite is okay, but an underbite can severely hinder progress on trumpet. Trumpet players come in all shapes and sizes.
Other Considerations: Trumpet parts usually have the melody (recognizable) part; therefore students who are selected for trumpet should exhibit a confident demeanor and demonstrate a high level of self-motivation. The trumpet is NOT a school issued instrument but is available to rent/purchase from local music stores. Please see our list of approved instruments.
Horn
CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE HORN.
The sound of the HORN is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece similar to a trumpet. Students with good musical ears should consider horn.
Physical Characteristics: A slight overbite is okay, but an underbite can severely hinder progress on horn. Because the bell of the horn rests on the knee of the player while playing, it is imperative that a student's upper torso be long enough to accommodate the size of the horn to make good sounds and that players demonstrate sitting straight up when asked to do so. The horn's valves are manipulated with the LEFT hand.
Other Considerations: Because of the difficult nature of the horn notes (mentioned above); students should exhibit GREAT ability to match sung or played pitches by humming or singing. This is a good instrument choice for students who have participated in piano lessons or choir groups. Students with a history of academic or behavioral problems will NOT be selected for horn. KMS provides horns for students with a cost of $50 rental for an entire school year. This fee covers general maintenance and yearly upkeep, and will be collected at the beginning of the school year. Students will have to purchase their own mouthpiece.
Trombone
CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE TROMBONE.
Like the horn, TROMBONE players should have good musical ears. The trombone is played like the other brass instruments (buzzing into a cup-shaped mouthpiece), but uses a 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 EXACT proper slide position.
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 slightly fuller lips than average.
Other Characteristics: The trombone is NOT a school issued instrument but is available to rent/purchase from local music stores. Please see our list of approved instruments.
Euphonium
CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE EUPHONIUM.
The EUPHONIUM (you-PHONE-knee-yum) is sometimes known as the baritone horn. It is a member of the brass family and looks like a small version of the tuba. Its sound is similar to that of a trombone, but it uses valves (like a trumpet) instead of a slide (like trombone).
Physical Characteristics: Euphonium players should have moderately full lips, but not TOO full. A slight overbite is okay, but an underbite would hinder a good sound. The euphonium requires a medium-sized hand span to reach the valves and students should have above average lung capacity.
Other Considerations: Students with an above average amount of orthodontia (braces) will find the mouthpiece of the euphonium a bit more comfortable than trumpet or horn. KMS provides euphoniums for students at a cost of $50 rental for an entire school year. This fee covers general maintenance and yearly upkeep, and will be collected at the beginning of the school year. Students will have to purchase their own mouthpiece.
Tuba
CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE TUBA.
The TUBA is the largest instrument in the band and one of the most important! The tubas we use for beginners are 3/4 size and easy to handle. In fact, some tuba players may begin on euphonium and move to tuba in December (if physically needed) to the 3/4 tuba. If you are "all about that bass" then this is the instrument for you!
Physical Characteristics: Tuba players need to have full lips and a large lung capacity. While the size of the student doesn't matter TOO much, a long torso (upper body) helps a student reach the mouthpiece of the tuba while resting the bottom of the tuba on the edge of their chair or across their thighs.
Other Characteristics: The tuba provides the musical foundation for the band and requires players that are self-motivated over-achievers. Students with a history of academic or behavioral trouble will not be considered for tuba. KMS provides tubas for students at a cost of $50 rental for an entire school year. This fee covers general maintenance and yearly upkeep, and will be collected at the beginning of the school year. Students will have to purchase their own mouthpiece.
Percussion
CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF PERCUSSION.
Just because you are always tapping on things does not mean you are a natural percussionist! In fact, the PERCUSSION section is the most select, hand-picked section of the band. Only students with the highest grades, lowest discipline problems, and extremely high motor skills will be considered for percussion.
*IMPORTANT* Students interested in playing percussion will try out other instruments as a second choice as space is very limited in this class.
Physical Characteristics: Students should be able to demonstrate a great deal of coordination and fine motor skills. An innate sense of beat and tempo are required to be selected for this instrument.
Other Considerations: The study of percussion includes snare drum, bass drum, toms, timpani, bells, triangle, tambourine, maracas, and claves, among many other instruments. Beginning percussionists need to rent/purchase a percussion kit. The kit includes mallet set, snare practice pad, and sticks. Please see our list of approved instruments.