Click to watch the video, "Join the Band!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-gWCMj3iOM
Put quite simply, students are going to be more willing to practice, and therefore, more successful, when playing an instrument of their choosing. They should select something they like the sound of, since they'll be listening to it quite a bit! Listen to these demonstrations to see what seems like fun, then read more information about physical characteristics below.
Most students can be taught to play well on any instrument. However, there are certain physical characteristics that make playing certain instruments more challenging for some students. Here are some descriptions:
A small hole (aperture) is needed in the lips. Students who have a teardrop shaped upper lip that prevents their aperture from being in the center, or who create a hole that is spread wide across the mouth sometimes have trouble obtaining a quality flute sound.
All wind and brass players need to sustain the air/breath to play notes correctly
The clarinet or saxophone will be put inside the mouth with the bottom lip cushioning it and the top teeth holding firmly onto it. If a student has severely crooked upper teeth, they may find forming the correct embouchure to be challenging.
All wind and brass players need to sustain the air/breath to play notes correctly
Trumpet and trombone use a "buzz" that the player makes with the lips: think high, tight "raspberry". Generally, students who get lower sounding/looser feeling buzzes have a better response on trombone or baritone, while those with higher sounding/tighter feeling buzzes have a better response on the trumpet or french horn. All brass students need to be able to sustain the lip vibration.
All wind and brass players need to sustain the air/breath to play notes correctly