Instruments
Which Instrument Should I Choose?
Meet the Flute
The flute is the highest member of the band’s woodwind family. The flute can be a little tricky to start since it is the only instrument held out to the side; however, with a little persistence, the flute can produce a beautiful, warm sound.
Meet the Alto Sax
There are a lot of instruments in the saxophone family. All beginners start on the alto sax. The fingerings are very similar to recorder in the beginning of the year. The sax is one of our louder instruments, so a sax student should be confident and comfortable with music literacy.
Meet the Clarinet
The clarinet is a woodwind and produces a rich, dark sound. The fingering system is relatively simple and similar to recorder. Although sometimes beginner clarinets are known for squeaks, these usually go away after a few weeks of practice!
Meet the Trumpet
The trumpet is the leader of the brass family. It has three valves that change the pitch. Trumpet students aren’t afraid of playing loudly and with confidence!
Meet the Trombone
The trombone is the most unique member of the brass family. It is the only instrument without any buttons or valves at all! Instead, a trombone student learns seven “positions” or locations for the slide. The trombone produces a low, rich sound.
Meet the Baritone (Euphonium)
Sometimes called the “mini-tuba” or euphonium, the baritone is very similar to the trombone in sound. The baritone has three valves, and also produces a low, rich sound. Although large, the baritone is a beautiful instrument and a very important member of the low brass section.
Meet the Tuba
The tuba is the largest and lowest member of the band family. Due to its size, students will receive one instrument to keep at home and another to play at school. The tuba takes a lot of air, so it requires a student with plenty of lungs :)
Meet the Percussion Section
Percussion refers to anything that is “struck” or hit in the band. This can range from bells, xylophone, marimba, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, tambourines, cowbells, maracas, and many more! As a beginner, students focus mostly on xylophone and snare drum. Percussion students should already be able to fluently read treble clef and have a strong musical or piano background.
Commonly Asked Questions…
Which instruments read treble clef?
Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, percussion
Which instruments read bass clef?
Trombone, baritone, tuba
These instruments might be ideal for students that play cello or bass in orchestra
Which instruments read alto clef?
None! The viola (orchestra) is the only instrument that routinely reads this clef.
Which instrument is the best?!
All of the instruments are equally fun, challenging, and exciting to play. Certain students may have more success when trying some instruments over others. This is often because of the shape of the mouth/lips or size of your hands.
Can I do band and orchestra and choir?
YES! Many students choose to do all three activities. Your teachers constantly communicate so that lessons, rehearsals and concerts don’t overlap.