Choosing an Instrument

We are so glad you want to join band! There's a lot to think about in your choice of instrument, so hopefully the links below will help you along the way.

Once you have made your choice, have your parents/guardians fill out the Specials Selection form in PowerSchool. If you do not have access to the form, please contact the AMS office.

If you or your parents have any questions, please send me a message: kswift@sau39.org

Follow the links below to learn more about each instrument and have fun exploring!

Flute

The Flute is a woodwind instrument that creates sound by blowing across the lip plate.

In high school, you might want to learn the Piccolo (smaller, higher sounding version of the Flute).

Check out these videos to learn more about the Flute!

Celebrity Flute Players
Lizzo (singer/performer)
Terry Crews (NFL, actor)
Alanis Morrisette (singer)
Halle Berry (actress)
Knute Rockne (Legendary Notre Dame Football Coach)
Oscar Robertson (NBA)
Noah Webster (Webster's Dictionary)

Clarinet

The Clarinet is a woodwind instrument that creates sound by blowing air between a reed and mouthpiece.

There are many different types/sizes of Clarinet, but we start all Clarinet beginners on the B-Flat Clarinet. As you advance, you can switch to a Bass Clarinet if desired. The skills you learn on the B-Flat Clarinet will be the same.

Check out these videos to learn more about the Clarinet!

Celebrity Clarinet Players
Mr. Ballard (AMS Chorus Teacher)
Rainn Wilson (actor, The Office)
Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives")
Jimmy Kimmel (comedian/talk show host)
Steven Spielberg (movie director)
Julia Roberts (actress)
Squidward

Alto Saxophone

The Saxophone is another woodwind instrument that creates sound by blowing air between a reed and mouthpiece.

The Saxophone Family has a number of members, but we start all Saxophone beginners on Alto Saxophone. As you advance, you can switch to a Tenor or Baritone Saxophone if desired.

Check out these videos to learn more about the Saxophone!

Celebrity Saxophone Players
Jennifer Garner (actress, "Alias")
Bill Clinton (former U.S. President)
Roy Williams (NFL)
Vince Carter (NBA)
Bill Clinton (Former U.S. President)
Tom Selleck (actor)
Tyler Wright (NHL)
Michael Jordan (NBA)
Teddy Bruschi (NFL)

Trumpet

The Trumpet is a brass instrument that creates sound by buzzing your lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece.

Check out these videos to learn more about the Trumpet!

Celebrity Trumpet Players
Ke$ha (musician)
Samuel L. Jackson (actor)
Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Eric Lindros (Dallas Stars Forward)
Richard Gere (actor)
Drew Carey (comedian/Host of Price is Right)
Richard Gere (actor)

Trombone

The Trombone is another brass instrument that creates sound by buzzing your lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece.

Check out these videos to learn more about the Trombone!

Celebrity Trombone Players
Nelly Furtado (singer)
Tony Stewart (NASCAR Driver)
Danny Elfman (composer, "Simpsons", etc)
Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek)

Percussion

The Percussion section has many members. Often people think of it a "playing drums" but there is so much more. Percussion students at AMS will learn xylophone, marimba and bells in addition to snare drum, bass drum and many more.

Because of the number of instruments to learn, this can be a challenge but it is worth it!

Check out these videos for more info on the Percussion section.

Celebrity Percussionists
Dr. Bethany Bernasconi (yup, our Principal!)
Walter Payton (NFL Hall of Fame running back)
Dana Carvey (actor/comedian)
Rosie O’Donnel (comedian/TV host)
Mike Piazza (former MLB catcher)
Emeril Lagasse (TV Chef)
Lil' Wayne (rapper)

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