Choosing An Instrument

Learning to play an instrument is one of the coolest things you'll ever do. Whether you're just starting out, played in a band, or have decided to learn to play music now that the kids have grown, it's a fun and rewarding thing to do. Don't know what you want to play, you're in great shape that means everything is a possibility! Look into your possibilities. Clarinets, Flutes, Saxophones, Tubas, Baritones, Trombones, Trumpets, and Percussion as starter instruments, and let you advance to other instruments like Oboe, Bassoon, and Horn later on. Here are some tips -- guidelines for you, to help you along the way to making a great choice. If the instrument you want to play is expensive, see if you can rent/borrow one for a while. Consider your local resources; get into contact with local teachers and try to find a way to buy an instrument. Before starting, learn about your chosen instrument as much as possible to make sure that you want to play it. Consider your personality. Compare yourself to an actor. Do you need to be the leading man? Choose an instrument that carries melodies and is selected often for solos like the Flute, Trumpet, Clarinet, Violin. More the supporting actress type? If you are in your element when working collectively as a group to create beautiful harmonious undertones, then a bass instrument like the Tuba, Baritone, Bari-Sax or String Bass might be perfect. It's a good idea to pick instruments that will enable you to branch out into all kinds of music. Instruments such as the Flute have many possibilities. Likewise, choosing an instrument such as a Saxophone or Trumpet will let you easily branch out into other instruments. For example, it is much easier for Saxophonists to pick up other Reed Instruments, such as Clarinet, or much easier for a Trumpet player to pick up a French Horn or other Brass Instrument. Note that many schools consider "Percussion" to be one instrument, meaning, don't get your heart set on just the Snare Drum or Trapset, because you'll probably have to learn and play everything in the percussion section. This is a good thing. The more you know, the better you'll be. Choose a rare instrument. A lot of people know how to play the Piano, Guitar and Drums, so to shine playing those instruments, you need to be really good, but if you choose a strange non-common instrument, even if you're the worst player you'll find a job teaching or playing. If you're not sure you really want to play the instrument you have chosen, rent one, and if you like it, you can buy one. If you don't, you can still pick another instrument.

 Choosing An Instrument
Beginning Band Instrument Selection Form
Name:! ____________________________________________________________________ Contact: ___________________________________________________________________

Write in the 3 Instruments you are most interested in playing in Band in order from most to least desirable.

1st ! 2nd! 3rd!

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

Would you consider trying whatever instruments are needed? ____________________

Instrument Choices
This is a list of instruments that make up the Band. Members who already own an instrument will get rst choice. I would like to start the majority of students on Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, and Percussion. Once an instruments quota is lled, members will be offered their 2nd or 3rd choices. Please make sure you have the Music Directors approval before purchasing or renting an instrument. (* Instruments: Rent-to-Own Plans available from: Long & McQuade Woodwinds Flute Clarinet Bass Clarinet Alto Saxophone Tenor Saxophone Bari Saxophone Brasses Trumpet French Horn Trombone Baritone Tuba Percussion Snare Drum | Bass Drum | Auxiliary (Janissary) Percussion * Piano (Rehearsal Pianist | Small Ensemble Member)

 Choosing An Instrument Return To Music: Instructional Band Sign-Up

Woodwinds
Flutes !

Oboe

Bb Clarinets!

Bass Clarinet!

Eb Alto Sax!

Bb Tenor Sax!

Eb Baritone Sax

Bassoon

 Choosing An Instrument
Brass
Bb Trumpets

F Horn

Trombones

Baritone

Tuba

Percussion