Instruments of the band

There are many instruments to learn in band. Scroll down to learn more about each instrument!

Flute

The flute is a woodwind instrument that plays higher in the music note ranges. Even though the modern flute is made of metal, it is still a woodwind instrument! In 8th grade or high school, some flute players get the opportunity to play piccolo or even other special flutes.

Here is Sir James Gallway playing flute.

Oboe

The oboe is a woodwind instrument that is played by blowing air into an opening between two reeds. This makes it a 'double reed' instrument. Oboe plays mostly middle and higher notes. Students that play oboe are expected to take private lessons.

Check out this oboe trio!

Bassoon

The bassoon is a woodwind instrument, also called a double reed. It has a very wide range and can play middle and low range notes. Students that play bassoon are expected to take private lessons.

Listen to The Sorcerer's Apprentice here!

Clarinet

The clarinet is another woodwind instrument and it plays both low and high range notes. The clarinet has one of the widest ranges of notes of all band instruments. Students may have the opportunity to play bass clarinet in 7th/8th grade, too!

Check out these Air Force clarinetists playing a quintet !

Saxophone

The alto saxophone is a woodwind instrument, despite being made of brass! It uses reeds and a mouthpiece similar to the clarinet. The saxophone plays middle range notes. Students may have the opportunity to play a tenor or baritone saxophone when they are in 7th and 8th grade bands.

Listen to the Flight of the Bumble Bee!

French Horn

The French Horn is a brass instrument that has the widest range of all of the instruments! It can play somewhat high all the way to very low notes. Horn players are expected to take private lessons.

Check out these great horn solos from some great movies!

Trumpet

The trumpet is a brass instrument that plays middle to higher notes. Trumpet parts in band are usually melody parts- great for a hard working student that likes to shine!

Check out Pershing's Own playing Bugler's Holiday!

Trombone

The trombone is a brass instrument that plays in a low range. Instead of having valves or keys, it has a slide that students use to play their notes.

Listen to this trombone section play Tocata in D minor.

Euphonium & Tuba

The Euphonium (or Baritone) and the Tuba are similar in shape but the Euphonium plays a little bit higher than the Tuba. Both are low brass instruments and play in the lower range of the band.

Here is a fun piece on Euphonium!

Have a listen to this awesome tuba player in the US Army Band.

Percussion

Percussion includes all instruments like snare drum, bass drum, mallet keyboards, triangle, slapstick and so many more instruments. Students that play percussion learn to play ALL of the percussion instruments!

Check out this cool percussion ensemble!

Page updated

Report abuse