Euphonium & Baritone

The euphonium (you-PHONE-ee-UM) and baritone are slightly different versions of each other. The euphonium's bell points up; this instrument is considered the "concert" (indoor) version. The baritone has a bell that bends and points more forward; this instrument is considered the marching/pep (outdoor) version. Both instruments play the same part in music, use the same type of mouthpieces, sound like and have the same range as trombones, and look like mini-tubas. They are basically the same instrument.

Baritones and euphoniums are brass instruments and require blowing/buzzing through a mouthpiece to produce sound. Multiple pitches can be produced with one finger combination, so it is important that students wanting to play these instruments are able to match pitch (singing, buzzing on the mouthpiece, and playing).

At Sabetha, we don't usually start students on baritone or euphonium because our supply is limited (these are school-owned instruments). Euphonium/baritone players are sometimes asked to play these instruments to fill the need for low voices in the band later on in middle or high school. Sometimes these instruments are given to beginners who are dead set on playing trombone but are physically much too small to play trombone. Occasionally a student will choose trumpet, buy the instrument and supplies, play it in class for a few months, then realize that there is no way they can play any medium or high range notes; in this situation, if the teacher and student are certain trumpet isn't going to work out, the student may be switched to baritone/euphonium.

A person's success on an instrument is largely influenced by the effort and time that is dedicated to learning and practicing the instrument. However, there are some physical characteristics that can make playing the flute easier. Click on the link below to read more.

Baritone and euphonium students in 7th grade and up will need to purchase a lyre and flip folder that look similar to the picture above. Please ask the teacher what kind of lyre you need before you get one (there are many kinds, but only a certain type will work for your instrument). The flip folder will work for all instruments. The links below are for Amazon, but you can find these lyres and flip folders at any music store.