Frequently asked questions

Which instruments are allowed in band?

Band instruments for SCMS typically include: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet or Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Percussion.

Is it possible to play the guitar or piano in band?

Generally, the answer is no. These instruments are not typical band or orchestra instruments. There isn’t anything wrong with choosing to play a guitar or piano. They can be extremely rewarding. They just don’t fit into band class.

Which instrument should I choose?

This is perhaps the biggest question of all. You will hear three types of answers this question. First, some teachers will emphasize physical characteristics of the student. They will match an instrument to students according to lip shape, mouth shape, hand size and overall physique. Second, others will attempt to convince students to choose less popular instruments in order to end up with a balanced band or orchestra. Both of these methods have merit but the third and best method is to simply encourage students to choose according to the sound of the instrument.

Each instrument has a unique sound. Each student will tend to be attracted to some sounds more than others. Some desire the low sounds of a trombone or a tuba. Others will naturally lean towards the higher pitches of a flute while others will appreciate the beauty of the French Horn. The best method is to hear the instruments live by competent performers. Listening to recordings is also helpful.

Students who end up with an instrument that they don’t care for, are less motivated to practice and are less likely to succeed.

We will spend the first week or so in class trying different instruments so each child will pick the instrument which is the best fit.

Should we buy a new or used instrument?

Many used instruments can be extremely reliable and usable for musicians of any level. Generally, brass and percussion instruments are more durable than woodwinds. Woodwind instruments use fragile pads to cover holes on the instrument. These pads can rip, mildew, swell or deteriorate due to age. If you know a musician who can check out a used instrument for you, it can be an excellent way to go.

It can also be a good idea for a beginning student to rent an instrument, especially if they don't know yet whether they will stick with it. Visit Music & Arts for more information on rentals.

The saxophone is too big or too expensive. Is there an alternative to a saxophone for beginners?

Yes. The clarinet is very similar to a saxophone. Both use a single reed and the fingerings are very similar. Since many students simply do not have large enough hands to play the saxophone, the clarinet is a good choice for beginners. It’s not difficult to switch to the saxophone later.

Should we start with the Alto or Tenor Saxophone?

Alto. The tenor saxophone is quite large and difficult to handle for elementary age students. Even the alto saxophone is too large for many students.

Is it possible to play the oboe or the bassoon as a beginner?

Yes. Many students can successfully start on these double reed instruments. If they are allowed in a beginning band, there are two factors to be aware of. The cost of these instruments, especially the bassoon is very high. They also require expensive reeds that will need to be replaced on a regular basis. These instruments can also be more difficult for a beginner than most of the other instruments. It’s a good idea to take private lessons to play oboe or bassoon.

What’s the difference between a trumpet and a cornet?

For the beginner, there isn’t a noticeable difference. The trumpet is a bit longer and slightly brighter sounding than a cornet. Either instrument is suitable for beginners.

Which percussion instrument should we start with?

A percussion player will eventually play everything in the percussion section. This includes the snare drum, bass drum, bells, triangles, cymbals and many others. Students tend to have more success if they start on the bells and later move to the non-pitched instruments like the snare and bass drum. The drum set is rarely used in school bands.

Which instrument is the easiest to learn?

This depends on the student. Each instrument has unique difficulties. The French Horn is particularly difficult because so many notes can be played with each valve combination. Students who have some previous music experience with piano or elsewhere tend to be more successful with the French Horn.

Do girls or boys do better on certain instruments?

No. It’s true that more girls may play the flute and more boys play the tuba but gender doesn’t correlate with success on any instrument. Thousands of musicians have proven boys or girls can succeed on any instrument.

How often should a beginner practice?

Generally, the more a student practices, the better they will sound on their instrument. This is especially true if they are working with a tutor or teacher. Otherwise bad habits may develop by unguided practice.

A typical practice schedule for a successful student is about 30 minutes, five days per week. Even 5 to 10 minutes of practice each night can be effective. Spreading out practice time is important. Two hours of practice in one evening is not nearly as beneficial as four evenings of 30 minutes.

Who is qualified to teach private lessons to a beginner?

There is an assumption that anyone with music experience can teach others up to their level. It’s easy to find private teachers who may say they will take beginners only. This may be due to a legitimate preference or it may be because the teacher only has an intermediate education on the instrument. Just as we wouldn’t consider hiring a person with a ninth grade reading ability to teach eighth grade readers we shouldn’t hire music teachers who lack a substantial background in music. The best teachers tend to be college graduates with music degrees. There are exceptions, but less qualified teachers sometimes don’t have an understanding of the finer points of a young musician’s development.