Below are the instruments you can choose from. We start with 5 basic instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. Later, after some practice, students can switch to other instruments like saxophones, oboe, or tuba. One thing that is important to know - there is no such thing as a "girl's instrument" or "boy's instrument." Students of either gender can play any instrument.
The flute is a woodwind instrument (even though it is made of metal). Flutes and clarinets meet in the same class, called "Woodwinds." Flute players should have a slight “frown” to the upper lip with NO tear drop 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 tear-drop-shaped lip will make it difficult to direct the air so precisely. Students with extreme overbites (receded jaw) should avoid choosing flute as this makes it difficult to produce quality sounds.
The clarinet players meet at the same time with flute players in Woodwind class. Some clarinet players will eventually switch to oboe or saxophone. Students with a slight overbite can be very successful on the clarinet.
The trumpet is a high brass instrument. Students with thinner lips generally do well with trumpet. Some trumpet players will later switch to French Horn or baritone or tuba. Trumpets are also popular in the jazz band. Students with an overbite or very full lips may have some difficulty on trumpet.
Trombone is the only instrument that uses a slide to change pitches. It uses a large mouthpiece so students with fuller lips do well on trombone. Also, since there are no buttons or keys to push, students who sing well and have a good sense of pitch excel on the trombone.
In percussion class, students learn to play snare drum and keyboard instruments (e.g., bells) as well as timpani (kettle drums) and all the accessory instruments, like tambourine, cymbals, woodblocks, and claves. Students who have had piano lessons do well in percussion class.
