Meet the Instruments

Flute

The flute has a light, clear sound and is one of the highest instruments in the band. Flute players make their sound by blowing air across an opening and use their fingers to press keys that change the notes. Flutes often play melodies, but they can also add colour and sparkle to the whole band. 

Clarinet

The clarinet has a warm, flexible sound that can range from rich and low to bright and high. Sound is made by blowing across a single reed attached to the mouthpiece. Clarinets play many different roles in the band, including melodies, harmonies, and supporting parts. 

Alto Saxophone

The alto saxophone has a strong, expressive sound that can be smooth, bright, or powerful. Like the clarinet, it uses a single reed to create its sound. Saxophones often move between melody and harmony parts and bring a distinctive sound to the band. 

Trumpet

The trumpet has a bright, clear sound that can easily be heard across the band. Players create sound by buzzing their lips into the mouthpiece and use three valves to help produce different notes. Trumpets often play exciting melodies, fanfares, and strong rhythmic parts. 

Trombone

The trombone has a rich, powerful sound and is the only instrument in our beginning band that uses a slide instead of valves or keys to change notes. Players buzz their lips into the mouthpiece and move the slide to different positions. Trombones add depth to the band and can play everything from bold melodies to warm supporting parts. 

Baritone/Euphonium

The baritone or euphonium has a warm, full sound that sits between the higher brass instruments and the lowest sounds in the band. Players buzz their lips into a mouthpiece and use valves to change notes, much like a trumpet. It can play beautiful melodies as well as important bass and harmony parts. 

Percussion

Percussion players help drive the rhythm and energy of the band. They may play instruments such as snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, and other unpitched percussion instruments. Percussionists need a strong sense of steady beat, careful listening skills, and the ability to move between different instruments and musical parts. 

Mallet Percussion

Mallet percussion instruments, such as bells and xylophone, are played by striking tuned bars with mallets. Unlike most percussion instruments, they play specific pitches and can perform melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic parts. Mallet percussionists read notes on the staff just like other instrumentalists while also developing the coordination needed to play with mallets.