About the Instruments

Learning to play a band instrument consists of these main components:

1.  The ability to properly make and control the musical sound, known as tone.

2.  The ability to learn to read and interpret the written language of music, including note names, rhythms, and numerous symbols and terms.

3.  The willingness to practice consistently.  The students who are responsible to complete a reasonable amount of regular practice make the most progress the fastest.  Doing their 'band homework' is as essential as in all academic disciplines.  I recommend an average of 3-5 days per week with an average of 20 minutes per practice session.

4.  Parent encouragement and communication!  Encouraging your student to practice consistently and communicating any concerns or achievements with his/her teacher will greatly benefit learning the instrument.

It is essential that each student be matched with the best instrument for him or her in order to maximize the potential for success.  Each instrument requires a different set of aptitudes and physical skills.  Almost 10% of beginning students switch instruments during their second year of band to achieve a better match than initially determined. This is done after extensive assessment and communication with the student and parents.

You will note that all instruments present varying types of challenges AT FIRST.  Some instruments are easier than others, but different for each student. Once the initial challenges are met, learning progresses rapidly for all students.  That initial length of time is what really varies with each instrument and each student.  A quality start is crucial with intense monitoring and teacher/parent support during any initial frustrations.  The goal is to make music by playing recognizable songs as quickly as possible - one of the true enjoyments of playing an instrument at any level. Each student at Forest Hills deserves this opportunity.

As always, contact Mr. Kearney with any questions at any time now or during future years of study!

Additional information about the six instruments allows for further enhancement of the tryout and instrument selection process:

FLUTE - Challenging to produce a sound at first.  Once control of the sound is achieved, learning progresses rapidly.  Fingering coordination difficult at first, but gradually progresses at a more and more rapid pace.  Awkward to hold at first.  Students often purchase and learn to play piccolo in middle or high school.  Can learn to also play oboe, saxophone, or bassoon.

CLARINET - Able to produce a quality sound once control of the mouth formation is achieved.  Finger coordination difficult at first due to the challenge of covering the holes with fourth grade fingers.  Soon able to control sound and fingers as well as take care of the fragile reeds and learning progresses rapidly.  Can learn to play bass clarinet and other members in the clarinet family.  Can also learn to play saxophone later due to common fingerings.  Can also learn to play oboe or bassoon. 

TRUMPET - Able to produce a quality sound quickly once control of the 'buzz' and air speed is obtained.  These allow the making and control of the first six different notes.  Developing the musical 'ear' to control high and low sounds is essential along with the coordination of the valve combinations.  Learning can progress quickly once these basics as well as tonguing are achieved.  Can switch to French horn, baritone, or tuba.

TROMBONE - Able to produce a quality sound quickly once control of the 'buzz' and air speed is obtained.  These allow the making and control of the first six different notes.  Developing the musical 'ear' to control high and low sounds is essential along with the coordination of the slide positions.  Learning can progress quickly once these basics as well as tonguing are achieved.  Awkward to hold at first but becomes easier with familiarity.  Remember that the student grows quickly while the trombone stays the same size!  Students can switch to baritone or tuba.

PERCUSSION - Easiest to produce a sound at first - just hit it!  However, students must meet the challenge of holding the sticks properly, accomplishing the proper technique, and developing coordination in keeping the beat and overall rhythm.  Once a foundation is established, students progress rapidly.  The Combo Percussion Kit comes with a drum pad and a student bell set (pictured below).

Students are required to begin the study of mallet instruments, ALONG WITH snare drum.  Students will learn to play other mallet instruments, timpani, and auxiliary percussion instruments.  At Forest Hills, our goal is develop a well-rounded percussionist - a musician capable of playing music rather than just beating a drum!