Woodwind Instruments

There are 5 woodwind instruments in band: Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, and Flute. Please read each instrument below (and click on the video link) to learn more about them.

Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and Flute are NOT provided by KMS but they are available to rent/purchase from local music stores. Please see our list of approved instruments. Clarinet and saxophone students will also need to regularly purchase new reeds throughout the year.
KMS provides Oboe and Bassoon instruments 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 reeds.

Clarinet

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE CLARINET.

The CLARINET uses a "single reed", mouthpiece, and ligature to produce the sound. Willingness to purchase or rent a director recommended clarinet is a MUST! 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 by selecting an instrument from our approved list.

Physical Characteristics: One necessity of clarinet tone production is the ability to make the chin flat. Braces are okay, but if a student has an extremely uneven bottom row of teeth, the mouthpiece will be hard to place in the proper position for tone production.

Other Considerations: Instruction in clarinet can be meticulous. Students who are able to focus and perform a detailed series of instructions could do well on clarinet. Students who have difficulty following detailed instructions should not consider clarinet. The clarinet is NOT a school issued instrument but is available to rent/purchase from local music stores. Clarinet players are also responsible for maintaining a working stock of 4 quality reeds at a time. A box of 10 reeds costs around $25.00 and can last (with proper care) up to 3 months. Clarinet students will have the opportunity after their first year of instruction to audition for Bass or Contra-Alto Clarinet (based on their proven musical and behavioral abilities while in the clarinet class).

Alto Saxophone

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE SAXOPHONE.

The ALTO SAXOPHONE gives the impression of being both a brass AND a woodwind instrument, however it is indeed a woodwind. The alto saxophone uses a single reed like the clarinet. It is a very popular instrument, like flute, and only a few students will be selected to play it.

*IMPORTANT* Students interested in playing saxophone will be asked to tryout on another instrument of their choice as space in this class is very limited.

Physical Characteristics: Since the balance of the saxophone is maintained by the use of a neck strap, it is extremely important that students be able to sit up completely straight when asked to do so.

Other Characteristics: The alto saxophone is NOT a school issued instrument but is available to rent/purchase from local music stores. Please see our list of approved instruments. Saxophone players are responsible for maintaining a working stock of 4 quality reeds at all times. A box of 10 reeds costs around $27.00 and can last (with proper care) up to 3 months. Alto saxophone students will have the opportunity after their first year of instruction to audition for Tenor or Baritone Saxophone (based on their proven musical and behavioral abilities while in the alto saxophone class).

Oboe & Bassoon

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE OBOE.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE BASSOON.

The OBOE and BASSOON are members of the woodwind family that play on a "double reed". Because of their unique method of tone production, membership in these classes are VERY limited. Students who respond well to challenges and are highly motivated would do well on these instruments.

Physical Characteristics: Large hand spans and finger dexterity are ideal for these instruments. Fine facial motor skills are also required.

Other Considerations: Students with double-jointed fingers will not be selected for oboe or bassoon as this can cause lack of agility in the fingers. Oboe and Bassoon are the only KMS provided woodwind instruments. They are rented at a cost of $50 for the entire school year. Double reed players are responsible for maintaining a working stock of 3 quality reeds at all times. Each reed costs around $25.00 and can last (with proper care) about 1 month. Double reed players will learn a secondary instrument when participating at the high school level for marching band.

Flute

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE FLUTE.

The FLUTE is the smallest of the beginner instruments. It is a very popular selection each year, but only a small portion of those wishing to play flute will be selected.

Physical Characteristics: Flute players should have a slight "frown" to the upper lip with NO teardrop shape in the middle. Flute tones are produced by being able to focus an extremely small airstream to an exact location on the tone hole. The teardrop shaped lip will make it difficult to direct the air precisely. Flute players should also have agile fingers for moving this multi-keyed instrument through fast musical passages. Students with extreme overbites (receded jaw) should avoid choosing flute as it makes it difficult to produce quality sounds.

Other Characteristics: Students with double-jointed fingers should be careful selecting flute as this can cause lack of agility in the fingers.

Return to Beginner Band Page

Go to Brass & Percussion