Which instrument should I choose?
Pupils are strongly encouraged to take up one of these woodwind, brass or bowed string instruments, allowing them to join an orchestra or band:
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon,
French Horn, Trumpet, Cornet, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba,
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Learning to play the piano, guitar and drum kit can also be worthwhile, but you will miss the opportunity to join the range of orchestras and bands available to woodwind, brass and bowed string players: music for orchestra/wind band/swing bands requires, at most, one piano, guitar or drum kit player, making opportunities for players of these instruments far fewer.
Listen to these pupils perform and describe their experiences before you take up an orchestral instrument of your own.
Oscar introduces the flute
Kiran introduces the oboe
Joe introduces the clarinet
Eyoel introduces the bassoon
Duncan introduces the alto saxophone
The Cannonball Band introduce the tenor saxophone
Adam introduces the trumpet
The Utah Symphony Orchestra introduce the french horn
The New York Staff Band introduce the baritone / euphonium
The Minnesota Orchestra introduce the trombone
Jim introduces the violin
Antonio introduces the double bass
The Orquesta de Camara introduce the viola
Humphrey introduces the cello
All pupils are encouraged to take up an orchestral or 'band' instrument: an instrument which will give them the opportunity to join one or more of the many ensembles at Tiffin, at university, and beyond. Like a team sport, belonging to a musical group can offer the most satisfying and motivating musical and social experiences. Taking up one of these instruments will offer a pupil the opportunity to join an ensemble such as a: Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Swing Band, Wind Band, Brass Band, String Quartet, Wind Quintet, Jazz Band, Concert Band and more. Many of these groups rehearse at Tiffin each week. Some can be joined after only a few weeks' playing experience.