The French horn is a brass instrument and requires 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 the horn are able to match pitch (singing, buzzing on the mouthpiece, and playing).

Many French horn players do not actually start band on French horn. The nature of playing notes on the horn makes it more difficult than other brass instruments for beginners to learn on. It can be easier and more effective for students to get a couple years of experience on trumpet and later move to horn.

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.

French horn students in 7th grade and up will play on a mellophone, the marching band version of a French horn, for football and basketball games (pep band and marching band performances). They will need to purchase a lyre and flip folder that look similar to the picture above. There are mellophone flip folders that clip to the bell, but I do not recommend them. The links below are for Amazon, but you can find these lyres and flip folders at any music store.

upgraded supplies

Mouthpieces - Usually, students who play French horn are using an instrument and mouthpiece provided by the school. If students are thinking about playing in college, it is a good idea to buy their own mouthpiece to have and get accustomed to. Exploring mouthpiece options can also give students a better idea of what type of mouthpiece they actually like playing on rather than just what they are given at school. When players find a mouthpiece that feels good and suits them well, tone quality and clarity can improve greatly.

Both Holton Farkas and Schilke mouthpieces are high quality and have many options, all of which are described if you follow the links below. In general, a medium to medium large cup and bore are a good starting point for students. Medium or medium deep cup depth is good for concert band tone; the shallower the cup the brighter the tone usually. Rim contour will determine comfort (the flatter the more comfortable on braces).

French horn stand - French horns are awkward to hold in any position besides playing position, so it's nice to have a stand that can hold it for you when you need your hands to be free, or when you need to set it down safely.

Mellophone stand - Mellophones can often stand upright on their wide bells, but that puts a lot of wear and tear on them. A trumpet stand is a safer alternative for setting the mellophone down to free up your hands.