The flute is an essential part of the band. It usually plays the main melody and often has the more complicated parts in the band. Usually the MS Band has somewhere between 8-15 Flutes in one band. Students who previously have studied violin, or want to play the main melody, often move to flute easily as they read similar music.

The oboe is a technically and physically demanding instrument that plays a very important role in the band. Usually tasked with tuning the entire band, the oboe has a very clear and high tone and is played by the buzzing of two reeds put together. The MS Band usually has only 1 or 2 oboes per ensemble. Students who are focused, academically minded, and independent usually fit with the demanding nature of the oboe.

The clarinet is the swiss army knife of the band. They will play the main melody, act as a supporting role, and play counter-melodies in a single piece. The clarinet has a warm tone in the lower register and a bright tone in the upper register and is played by a single reed buzzing against the mouthpiece. Students who have a background in violin, viola, and piano usually fit well with the clarinet.

The Bassoon is a difficult and demanding instrument but has arguably the most distinct and unique sound. The bassoon is usually a bass instrument, having a very warm woody sound, but can also play higher notes that often get confused with a saxophone. Played by the buzzing of two larger reeds, the basson often has solo parts but usually is playing a supporting role in the band. Like the oboe; students who are focused, academically minded, and independent usually fit with the demanding nature of the bassoon.

The saxophone is a very versatile and unique instrument in the band. The saxophone actually has 4 main members of its family that range from playing the higher parts all the way to the lower parts. Soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and baritone saxophone are all options to play in the band but primarily we have alto saxophones. Usually known for its role in jazz, the saxophone has an equally important role in the band often having important solos and supporting roles in the band. Students who are interested in jazz and have a strong sense of rhythm usually fit well with the saxophone.

The trumpet is a regal instrument that often is in charge of playing higher, cutting melodies that play over the rest of the band. Its played by buzzing your lips into the mouthpiece and pressing buttons to change pitches. Trumpet plays more complicated rhythms and usually has important solos. Students who enjoy brass sounds but like the higher notes usually fit well with the trumpet.

The french horn is the most demanding of the brass instrument as the notes are very close together in its register. Having both a smooth and warm tone as well as a biting and bright tone, the french horn is played by buzzing the lips into a mouth piece. The french horn will often have extremely important solo lines that cut through the ensemble. Like the oboe and bassoon; students who are focused, academically minded, and independent usually fit with the demanding nature of the french horn.

Trombone is the start of an instrument family known as the low brass family. Usually playing a supporting role, the trombone has a warm low tone. At times the trombone and other low brass will have solo lines that overtake the band with their powerful sound. The trombone is played by buzzing the lips into the mouthpiece and uses a slide to change the notes. Students who like louder and powerful music and don't mind playing a support role will often fit well with the trombone.

The euphonium is another low brass instrument that looks like a mini-tuba. Having a mellow low sound, it tends to play a supporting role in the band. The euphonium tends to have more melodic and lyrical solos and at times will support the trombones with powerful louder sections. The euphonium is played by buzzing the lips into the mouthpiece and pressing the three buttons on the instruments to change the notes. Students who like a mellow sound but still enjoy powerful louder music may fit well with this instrument.

The tuba is the largest brass instrument and usually it strikes fear into the hearts of parents due to its size and sound. Students who play tuba will be able to keep one at home and play one at school in order to compensate for its size.The tuba plays the most important role of supporting the entire ensemble as it is key in making the band play in tune and keeping a strong rhythm. One could easily compare it to a bass player in a rock band and often is alone in the ensemble. It is played by buzzing the lips into a rather large mouthpiece and pressing the buttons to change the notes. Students who like bass sounds and are very independent tend to fit well with the tuba.

Percussionist, not drummers, are some of most important players in the band. Usually in the back of the ensemble, the percussionist are in charge of adding color to the music and making sure the ensemble is all playing together correctly. Percussionist will play various instruments from mallets ,like the marimba, to snare drum and timpani. Percussionist need to be highly creative, independent, and the ability to problem solve in a team. Percussionist, more than any other instrument, are like a family and must work together to be successful. Students who are interested in playing percussion at Saint Maur must have at least one year of piano lessons in order to be eligible to play.