Learn about the Instruments!

After reviewing the information below,

be sure to SIGN UP for the test drive to complete your selection!!

FYI: look for "student success tips!"

These are typically recommended for student sound production,

but not necessarily required for student success.

These tips have been included just so that you as a family have more information towards selecting an instrument! Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the suggested "tips."

The Woodwind Family:

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, and Bassoon!

Clarinet Demonstration Video.mp4

Clarinet

student success tip: students with an underbite may need extra help producing sounds on the clarinet

Bassoon Demonstration Video.mp4

Bassoon

student success tip: requires a lot of practice outside school time and private lessons are very highly recommended; longer fingers are helpful for reaching all of the keys!

If Bassoon is selected as a first choice, then we will ask students/parents to meet (google meet) with the band directors to talk about specifics regarding the Bassoon

Oboe Demonstration Video.mp4

Oboe

student success tip: requires a lot of practice outside school time and private lessons are very highly recommended

If oboe is selected as a first choice, then we will ask students/parents to meet (google meet) with the band directors to talk about specifics regarding the oboe!

Saxophone Demonstration Video.mp4

Alto Saxophone

Warning: this instrument is heavy, LOUD, and one of the more expensive instruments to rent

student success tip: students with an underbite may need extra help with producing sounds on the saxophone

If the weight, expensive, and volume of the instrument is a concern, then clarinet is also a great choice!

Flute Demonstration Video.mp4

Flute

student success tip: students with a large "teardrop" found in the middle of the top lip (a pronounced dip in the shape of the top lip) may need extra patience in developing a sound on the instrument

The Brass Family:

Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba

Euphonium Demonstration Video.mp4

Baritone

rented from Mercer ($100 for the entire year)!
student success tip: most beginners get a great sound right away with the baritone!

Tuba Demonstration Video.mp4

Tuba

rented from Mercer ($100 for the entire year for two instruments: one at home and one in school)!
student success tip: don't be intimidated by the size of the tuba: tuba players ONLY carry the small metal mouthpiece to and from school!

Trumpet Demonstration Video.mp4

Trumpet

student success tip: students with thinner lips might find more success with the trumpet (but not always - come try it to find out if it's a good fit!).

Trombone Demonstration Video.mp4

Trombone

student success tip: we need a lot of trombones in the band, and most beginners can make a great sound with it right away!

French Horn Demonstration Video.mp4

French Horn

rented from Mercer ($100 for the entire year)!
student success tip: students who can sing or match notes with their voice typically do well with horn!
fun fact: Mrs. Friend's main instrument is the French Horn!

Percussion

BOTH drum pad AND bell set/xylophone

NOT DRUM SET

Percussion: Drum Pad and Bells/Xylophone

Information about percussion

Student Success tip: REQUIRES student patience and detail-oriented focus for student success!

students will learn snare drum techniques on drum pad (very quiet sounds!) and mallet technique on bells sets/xylophone
private lessons with a professional percussionists are HIGHLY recommended!
students who select percussion as a first choice may be asked to meet with the band directors (google meet) to make sure that this is a good fit for the student (to help ensure student success!!)
special note: percussion class is NOT drum set lessons--Drum set is offered outside of the LCPS band curriculum in a private lessons setting--students may audition for jazz band on drum set (after school club)

Percussion Demonstration Video.mp4

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