Band "How to" videos

Picking an instrument can be difficult because they're all so fun to play. New band students should consider the following:

1. What kind of music do I want to like or do you want to play? You'll find lots of music for saxophones in jazz and modern music but it's hard to find European Classical music with saxophone parts because it wasn't invented until 1846!

2. Can I make a good sound on the instrument? Many times students will gravitate towards a specific instrument but struggle to play it. It's important to balance the challenge with frustration. Chronic frustration can cycle into quitting. Sometimes a student struggling on one instrument will find that another instrument will "just make sense".

3. Do I like the sound of the instrument? You're going to be hearing the sound a lot so make sure you like the sound!

4. Instrument size: If the instrument is too big or requires bigger fingers you can opt to start on another instrument and change later or just stick it out until you grow into it. 

5. Family or friends: Students often pick an instrument because someone they admire plays it. They figure if a family member is good at it then they will be too. It's important to remember that we're all different and it's important to listen to our "gut". Sometimes it feels like the right instrument chooses you. 😊

Please check out these videos for help with choosing an instrument.

• Introduction to Beginning Band Instruments 

• Example instrument fitting  

• US Army Band instrument demonstration