*Woodwind Choices*

Flute

The flute is the smallest of the beginner instruments and the highest in pitch. It is a very popular choice each year. Flute players typically play melody lines in band music.

Physical Characteristics: Flute tones are produced by being able to focus a very small airstream to an exact location on the tone hole. A student who has a tear drop shaped lip or an extreme overbite (receded jaw), may have more difficulty directing the air precisely. Flute players should have agile fingers and possess high fine motor skills. Students with double-jointed fingers could struggle with the agility required to play the instrument.

Other Considerations: The only supplies a flute player will need for beginning band are the instrument, a cleaning rod (this should come with the instrument), and a silk cleaning swab.

Clarinet

The clarinet is a popular single reed instrument that is very important to the band and even the orchestra. The clarinet produces a mellow tone and has a wide range from the lower register notes to the highest notes. Unfortunately, there are some clarinets on the market whose poor design and craftsmanship will make it next to impossible for your child to succeed. We can help you avoid that pitfall.

Physical Characteristics: It is important that you can keep your chin flat and your corners firm (like drinking a milkshake through a straw). Braces are not a problem for most clarinetists. Clarinet players should possess great finger dexterity. Students with double-jointed fingers and very small hands should avoid the clarinet.

Other Considerations: Students are responsible for keeping up with their own reeds. A box of ten reeds costs approximately $25 and should last up to four months when they are taken care of in a reed guard.

Alto Saxophone

The alto saxophone gives the impression of being both a brass AND woodwind instrument, however it is officially considered a woodwind instrument. The alto saxophone is a very popular instrument; however, its bright projecting tone quality often limits the number of saxes in each ensemble.

Physical Characteristics: Orthodontia is usually not a problem for students playing the saxophone. Students should have good finger dexterity. The weight of the instrument necessitates using a neck-strap.

Other Considerations: Saxophone players are responsible for maintaining a working stock of 4-6 quality reeds. A box of 10 reeds costs around $23.00 and can last (with proper care) up to 4 months. Students in fifth grade band will have the opportunity to switch to the Tenor Sax.

*Brass Choices*

Trumpet

Trumpet – The trumpet is the smallest member of the brass family. The sound on the trumpet is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece. The cornet typically plays the melody and is one of the larger sections in the band.

Physical Characteristics: While braces can be somewhat troublesome for students, it is not impossible to produce good sounds with braces. A slight overbite is okay, but and under bite can severely hinder progress on cornet. Lip shape is also a consideration for selection of this instrument. Students with extremely full or narrow lips should see the band director before renting. Students showing an ability to produce a high frequency focused buzz will be considered more strongly over students that do not.

French Horn

The French Horn is a member of the brass family. The characteristic sound of a French Horn is commonly described as dark and mellow and is occasionally featured as a solo instrument. Its sound is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece similar to a trumpet.

Physical Characteristics: While orthodontia is somewhat troublesome to a French Horn player, it is not impossible to make good sounds with braces. The student's top lip should be medium to thin and cover the top teeth. The bottom lip should not be overly full. A slight overbite is okay, but an underbite can severely hinder progress. The student should be able to flatten their chin with minimal instruction.

Other Considerations: A natural sense of pitch and musicality is a must. The student considering French Horn should exhibit an ability to match sung or played pitches by humming or singing. Students wishing to play French Horn should possess a great work ethic. Most successful French Horn players study with a private instructor in addition to the classroom instruction.

Trombone

The trombone is a member of the brass family. The characteristic sound is dark and powerful and it has a wide range. It is played like the other brass instruments (buzzing into a cup-shaped mouthpiece), but uses a hand slide instead of valves. The slide is not marked or notched and players rely on their muscle memory and listening skills to tell if they are in the proper location.

Physical Characteristics: While some might think that trombone players must have long arms, the truth is there are numerous accommodations that make it possible for students of all shapes and sizes to play. A slight overbite is acceptable, while an extreme underbite would hinder success. Trombone players should have average to full shaped lips.

Percussion (FULL)

Snare | Keyboard (Marimba)

Being in the percussion section provides the opportunity to play and perform on many different kinds of drums, keyboards, and small accessory instruments. The first couple of years for a percussionist involves the mastery of the snare drum (practice pad) and the keyboard (bells). The number of percussionists in an ensemble is typically limited.

Physical Characteristics: Students should exhibit a great deal of coordination in gross and fine motor skills.

Other Considerations: The study of percussion includes bells, triangle, tambourine, maracas, claves, among many other instruments.