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The smallest instrument in the band, the flute is the only instrument played horizontally.
♫ Cleaning Rod (usually supplied with the case)
♫ Soft Cloth
♫ Essential Elements Book 1 for Flute
The clarinet uses a small piece of wood called a reed to create sound. The clarinet has open holes instead of keys. Squidward from Spongebob plays the clarinet.
♫ Clarinet Reeds Size 2.0 (minimum of 3 reeds) or 1 Legere plastic reed for Bb Clarinet size 2.0
♫ Cork Grease
♫ Cleaning Swab
♫ Essential Elements Book 1 for Bb Clarinet
The alto saxophone is the loudest and heaviest instrument in the band. Students who play the alto saxophone use a neck strap which places the weight of the instrument around their neck instead of on their hands.
♫ Alto Saxophone Reeds Size 2.0 (minimum of 3 reeds) or 1 Legere plastic reed for Alto Sax size 2.0
♫ Cork Grease
♫ Cleaning Swab
♫ Essential Elements Book 1 for Eb Alto Sax
The trumpet is a brass instrument with three valves. To make a sound, students put their lips together similar to saying the letter "m" and then push air through to make their lips "buzz" together.
♫ Valve Oil
♫ Slide Grease
♫ Mouthpiece Brush
♫ Essential Elements Book 1 for Bb Trumpet
The trombone is the biggest instrument in the band, but not the heaviest. It is the only instrument without keys and uses a slide to change notes.
♫ Slide Oil or Slide Grease
♫ Mouthpiece Brush
♫ Essential Elements Book 1 for Trombone
Students who choose to play percussion will learn both the bell kit (pictured top right) and the snare drum. The bell kit is similar to a small xylophone and students use mallets to play. The bell kit should come with a bell kit stand.
The snare drum is a the most common drum and has a set of metal wires called snares across the bottom. These snares give it the distinct sound. Most bell kits come with a practice pad that students use at home for snare drum assignments. There will be a snare drum at school available for student use.
♫ Practice Pad (should come with bell kit)
♫ Snare Drum Sticks
♫ Essential Elements Book 1 for Percussion (Method book contains songs for both bells and snare drum.)
This is used daily for instruction and home practice and can be purchased at any music store or online.
There are many brands of instruments available for rent or purchase, however, in our experience, certain brands have a history of working better for elementary students than others. Please contact your student's band teacher for more information about specific brands or consult the band handbook.
We do have some instruments available at each school site for students to borrow for the school year if they would like to participate in band but can't afford it. If you would like to apply to be considered for one of these instruments, please click here for the loan application.