Instruments of the Band
What band instruments should
your child play?
Some students are just learning to play a band instruments as they start middle school and others have been playing for a couple of years. Just when they think they know what instrument they want to play or are really happy with your music teacher asks them to switch to a different instrument. Why would a teacher ask this of a student? It's because the teacher wants to have the best balance of instrumentation in the band. In elementary or beginning band the level of band arrangements is very low (grade 1 we call it). Almost the entire band plays the same pitches at the same time. There is very little harmony or counter melody as we call it, pretty much everybody plays the melody. By the time they get to the end of the 8th grade we try to have them playing grade 3 level music. Grade three is considered upper middle school, lower high school level music. Look at he difference in the individual parts that are used at each level below:
Grade 1 Band Music
Grade 3 Band Music
If by 8th grade we can't cover all 21 different wind parts the music will sound incomplete compared to how the composer wrote it. It may seem strange to have a student switch instruments after playing something they picked in elementary school for two years but sometimes we as music teachers need to ask students to do what is best for the group. If you haven't picked an instrument yet, try asking your music teacher what instruments are need in the band before you do. It will help improve the sound of your band so they are more entertaining to listen to at concerts.
Renting school Instruments
Yes, the school has a few instruments that the school own that can be rented for $50 for the school year. The school unfortunately does not have all instruments available. Also many of the school instruments are not in the greatest of shape after many years of use. We use the rental fee to try and keep everything in the best shape possible. If you plan on using a school instrument you should contact your teacher as soon as possible for a couple of reasons. First, to make sure we have the instrument you need and second, we need to make sure it is in good working order.
Recommended Models
I have tried to include in my list some of the instrument models that I would recommend. I am not an expert in all of the instruments as to what are the latest models available from your music store. Parents will sometimes not understand how one flute can be so expensive and another so much cheaper, the main difference is in quality of sound. Unfortunately with musical instruments many times you get what you pay for. Cheaper instruments are sometimes harder to play in tune with a good sound. This can lead to lots of frustration for the student. Try to find a music store that you feel you can trust and ask for their help. Private teachers are always the best resource on their instrument (it is their specialty). Beware of buying low cost musical instruments from someplace that also sells underwear. Are they going to fix it for you when it needs adjusting? Do your homework on the internet, check instrument reviews before you buy an instrument.
Here are some brief descriptions of the band instruments used in middle school band. You might want to try this website as well.http://www.beginband.com/tipsbuy.shtml
Woodwinds
Flute (Piccolo)
The flute is one of the two most common woodwind instruments in band. Not everyone is capable of forming the correct embouchure (mouth position) in order to play the flute. Students can also try playing the piccolo when they get into symphonic band. The piccolo is only played occasionally in middle school band so the students would switch between the flute and piccolo during class. The piccolo is difficult to keep in tune because of its high range.
Purchasing suggestions - Do not buy colored flutes! Silver is the color for flutes. Many high schools do not allow students to use colored flutes in marching band.
Recommended models - Gimienhart 2SP, Yamaha YFL 221 S or II, Make sure it is close holed and silver plated.
Clarinet (Bass Clarinet)
The clarinet is the other most common woodwind instrument in band. The clarinet is the work horse of the concert band. It has one of the largest ranges of notes (low to high) of all the band instruments. The clarinet uses a wood reed to produce a sound. The reeds come in different strengths that we use numbers to describe. Most beginning students use a reed strength of one to one and a half. By 7th grade clarinet players should be at least using a two or two and a half. By 8th grade students should be up to using a three strength reed. Some individuals will vary on what strength they are able to use and when depending upon their physical maturity.
In middle school we try to find a student who would be willing to switch to the bass clarinet. The bass clarinet plays in the very low range of the music and can really help with balancing the sound of the band. In 7th grade music it copies the tuba part most of the time. The bass part or tuba part is usually easier to play than the part the clarinets are playing. In 8th grade it starts to have more of an independent part away from the tuba. The bass clarinet is almost always rented from the school.
Recommended models - Yamaha, Vito
Saxophone
In elementary school music teachers most often start all saxophone players on the Alto saxophone. Sometimes when students come into middle school they don't even realize that there is more than one type of saxophone and tell me they simply play the "Sax" as if it there where only one. There are three different types of saxophones that we use in concert band and jazz ensemble. All of the saxophones have almost the same identical fingerings as the flute. This makes it very easy for flutes to learn saxophone and vice versa. All three of the types we use in middle school are need to play in a Jazz Ensemble. The saxophone uses a reed that is very similar to the clarinet. Most beginning students use a reed strength of one to one and a half. By 7th grade saxophone players should be at least using a two or two and a half. By 8th grade students should be up to using a three strength reed. Some individuals will vary on what strength they are able to use and when depending upon their physical maturity.
The most common saxophone is the alto sax because it is the smallest of the three. The alto is the instrument that we usually have too many of in band. Middle school bands usually only need two or three per grade level and some years we get seven or more. It plays the same part as the French Horn most of the time in middle school band.
The next size of saxophone is the tenor saxophone. It is a little bigger than the alto and uses a little larger size reed. The tenor saxophone plays the same part as the trombone and baritone in most of the seventh grade level music. It starts to have a more independent part as the student plays in 8th grade and into high school.
The largest of three saxophones used in middle school band is the baritone or bari saxophone. The bari plays the tuba part most of the time in 7th grade and starts to gain some independence in the 8th grade. It is the bottom wind instrument in the jazz ensemble. Because of its size it is difficult to take home and practice. Students can practice at home on their alto and play the bari in class and at performances. It is typically rented from the school.
Recommended models - Alto Sax Yamaha YAS 62, Vito
Tenor Sax Yamaha YTS 62, Vito
Oboe and Bassoon
The oboe and bassoon are the two hardest woodwind instruments to play because they use a double reed. The double reed is just like it sounds, two reeds sandwiched together that the student blow air threw the middle of. It is highly recommended that oboe and bassoon players take private lessons. To be successful on these double reed instruments the student really needs to be able to work one on one with someone who knows the instrument and how to make reeds for them. This will only happen if they are your band directors' main instrument or you take private lessons. What is the payoff of playing a difficult instrument that needs private lessons? These are the easiest instruments to get college scholarships on. Recommended models - Oboe Yamaha YOB 241, Fox Renard 330
Bassoon- Fox Renard Model 51, Fox Renard Model 41, Fox Renard Model 220
Brass
Trumpet
The trumpet is the most common instrument in concert band and one of the three wind instruments you need for jazz ensemble (saxophone and trombone are the other two). Students should have their own straight mute by the time they are in 8th grade.Purchasing suggestion - Try to get a silver plated trumpet if at all possible. They will usually have a much better tone.
Recommended models - Yamaha YTR 2335s, Yamaha YTR 8310Z
French Horn
This is the most difficult of the brass instruments because the mouthpiece is very small compared to other brass instruments. It is however one of the most important sounds for a well balanced band. It is the only instrument that you put your hand in the bell to help with tone and intonation. There are two types of horn; single and double. The single horn should only be for the beginning level student. Students should be on a double horn when they finish book 1 in beginning band.Purchase suggestion - Don't buy a single horn! You may find used single horns very cheap on the internet but that is because some parent made the mistake of buying it and is trying to get rid of it.
Recommended Models - Yamaha YHR 667 or 668, Conn 6D
Trombone
The trombone is the only instrument that uses a slide to change notes and not keys or valves. Because of the slide and rather large mouthpiece it is one of the easier instruments to learn right away and be successful. It is also one of the three wind instrument used in the jazz ensemble (saxophone and trumpet are the other two). Recommended Models - Yamaha YSL 354, Yamaha YSL 446G, Yamaha Xeno 8820
Baritone/Euphonium
The baritone or euphonium as it is also called is very similar in size to the trombone but has a little darker or warmer sound. They both use about the same size mouthpiece but the baritone uses valves to change notes.
Tuba
The tuba is the foundation of the band. It is also sometimes the hardest instrument to get students to play because of its size. Because of this size problem we use half size tuba's in middle school band. The tuba is the only band instrument that use smaller sizes (it is possible to get half size string instruments). Because it is difficult to take home all of the time it is recommended that students come in before or after school to practice. Would you want to listen to a stereo that had no bass? It would be just as unappealing as listening to band with no tuba. There is an event held every year in downtown Denver called "Tuba Christmas". Try to imagine 200 tuba players (and some baritone players) playing Christmas Carols together.
Purchasing suggestions - Don't buy one unless your student is very serious about the Tuba. Even if your student plays it for six years it will be a lot cheaper to rent it from the school.
Percussion
Many students assume that playing percussion is the easiest instrument to learn. The exact opposite is true, it is one of the more difficult instruments to learn. Not only do students learn how to play the snare drum they also have to learn how to play all of the mallet or keyboard instruments (bells, xylophone, vibes and marimba). Keep the bell kits at home to practice on. Students do need to bring their drum sticks to class every day ( do not use plastic tip).
What band instruments should
your child play?
Some students are just learning to play a band instruments as they start middle school and others have been playing for a couple of years. Just when they think they know what instrument they want to play or are really happy with your music teacher asks them to switch to a different instrument. Why would a teacher ask this of a student? It's because the teacher wants to have the best balance of instrumentation in the band. In elementary or beginning band the level of band arrangements is very low (grade 1 we call it). Almost the entire band plays the same pitches at the same time. There is very little harmony or counter melody as we call it, pretty much everybody plays the melody. By the time they get to the end of the 8th grade we try to have them playing grade 3 level music. Grade three is considered upper middle school, lower high school level music. Look at he difference in the individual parts that are used at each level below:
Grade 1 Band Music
- Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Trumpet, Bells play the same line.
- Alto Sax and French Horn play the same line.
- Tenor Sax, Bassoon, Trombone, Baritone play the same line
- Bass Clarinet, Bari Saxophone and tuba play the same line.
- Snare Drum
- Bass Drum
- Cymbals
Grade 3 Band Music
- 1st and 2nd Flute
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- 1st and 2nd Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Bari Saxophone
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trumpet
- 1st and 2nd French Horn
- 1st and 2nd Trombone
- Baritone
- Tuba
- Snare Drum
- Bass Drum
- (Too many possible auxiliary instruments to list)
- Timpani
- Bells
- Xylophone
- Vibes
- Marimba
If by 8th grade we can't cover all 21 different wind parts the music will sound incomplete compared to how the composer wrote it. It may seem strange to have a student switch instruments after playing something they picked in elementary school for two years but sometimes we as music teachers need to ask students to do what is best for the group. If you haven't picked an instrument yet, try asking your music teacher what instruments are need in the band before you do. It will help improve the sound of your band so they are more entertaining to listen to at concerts.
Renting school Instruments
Yes, the school has a few instruments that the school own that can be rented for $50 for the school year. The school unfortunately does not have all instruments available. Also many of the school instruments are not in the greatest of shape after many years of use. We use the rental fee to try and keep everything in the best shape possible. If you plan on using a school instrument you should contact your teacher as soon as possible for a couple of reasons. First, to make sure we have the instrument you need and second, we need to make sure it is in good working order.
Recommended Models
I have tried to include in my list some of the instrument models that I would recommend. I am not an expert in all of the instruments as to what are the latest models available from your music store. Parents will sometimes not understand how one flute can be so expensive and another so much cheaper, the main difference is in quality of sound. Unfortunately with musical instruments many times you get what you pay for. Cheaper instruments are sometimes harder to play in tune with a good sound. This can lead to lots of frustration for the student. Try to find a music store that you feel you can trust and ask for their help. Private teachers are always the best resource on their instrument (it is their specialty). Beware of buying low cost musical instruments from someplace that also sells underwear. Are they going to fix it for you when it needs adjusting? Do your homework on the internet, check instrument reviews before you buy an instrument.
Here are some brief descriptions of the band instruments used in middle school band. You might want to try this website as well.http://www.beginband.com/tipsbuy.shtml
Woodwinds
Flute (Piccolo)
The flute is one of the two most common woodwind instruments in band. Not everyone is capable of forming the correct embouchure (mouth position) in order to play the flute. Students can also try playing the piccolo when they get into symphonic band. The piccolo is only played occasionally in middle school band so the students would switch between the flute and piccolo during class. The piccolo is difficult to keep in tune because of its high range.
Purchasing suggestions - Do not buy colored flutes! Silver is the color for flutes. Many high schools do not allow students to use colored flutes in marching band.
Recommended models - Gimienhart 2SP, Yamaha YFL 221 S or II, Make sure it is close holed and silver plated.
Clarinet (Bass Clarinet)
The clarinet is the other most common woodwind instrument in band. The clarinet is the work horse of the concert band. It has one of the largest ranges of notes (low to high) of all the band instruments. The clarinet uses a wood reed to produce a sound. The reeds come in different strengths that we use numbers to describe. Most beginning students use a reed strength of one to one and a half. By 7th grade clarinet players should be at least using a two or two and a half. By 8th grade students should be up to using a three strength reed. Some individuals will vary on what strength they are able to use and when depending upon their physical maturity.
In middle school we try to find a student who would be willing to switch to the bass clarinet. The bass clarinet plays in the very low range of the music and can really help with balancing the sound of the band. In 7th grade music it copies the tuba part most of the time. The bass part or tuba part is usually easier to play than the part the clarinets are playing. In 8th grade it starts to have more of an independent part away from the tuba. The bass clarinet is almost always rented from the school.
Recommended models - Yamaha, Vito
Saxophone
In elementary school music teachers most often start all saxophone players on the Alto saxophone. Sometimes when students come into middle school they don't even realize that there is more than one type of saxophone and tell me they simply play the "Sax" as if it there where only one. There are three different types of saxophones that we use in concert band and jazz ensemble. All of the saxophones have almost the same identical fingerings as the flute. This makes it very easy for flutes to learn saxophone and vice versa. All three of the types we use in middle school are need to play in a Jazz Ensemble. The saxophone uses a reed that is very similar to the clarinet. Most beginning students use a reed strength of one to one and a half. By 7th grade saxophone players should be at least using a two or two and a half. By 8th grade students should be up to using a three strength reed. Some individuals will vary on what strength they are able to use and when depending upon their physical maturity.
The most common saxophone is the alto sax because it is the smallest of the three. The alto is the instrument that we usually have too many of in band. Middle school bands usually only need two or three per grade level and some years we get seven or more. It plays the same part as the French Horn most of the time in middle school band.
The next size of saxophone is the tenor saxophone. It is a little bigger than the alto and uses a little larger size reed. The tenor saxophone plays the same part as the trombone and baritone in most of the seventh grade level music. It starts to have a more independent part as the student plays in 8th grade and into high school.
The largest of three saxophones used in middle school band is the baritone or bari saxophone. The bari plays the tuba part most of the time in 7th grade and starts to gain some independence in the 8th grade. It is the bottom wind instrument in the jazz ensemble. Because of its size it is difficult to take home and practice. Students can practice at home on their alto and play the bari in class and at performances. It is typically rented from the school.
Recommended models - Alto Sax Yamaha YAS 62, Vito
Tenor Sax Yamaha YTS 62, Vito
Oboe and Bassoon
The oboe and bassoon are the two hardest woodwind instruments to play because they use a double reed. The double reed is just like it sounds, two reeds sandwiched together that the student blow air threw the middle of. It is highly recommended that oboe and bassoon players take private lessons. To be successful on these double reed instruments the student really needs to be able to work one on one with someone who knows the instrument and how to make reeds for them. This will only happen if they are your band directors' main instrument or you take private lessons. What is the payoff of playing a difficult instrument that needs private lessons? These are the easiest instruments to get college scholarships on. Recommended models - Oboe Yamaha YOB 241, Fox Renard 330
Bassoon- Fox Renard Model 51, Fox Renard Model 41, Fox Renard Model 220
Brass
Trumpet
The trumpet is the most common instrument in concert band and one of the three wind instruments you need for jazz ensemble (saxophone and trombone are the other two). Students should have their own straight mute by the time they are in 8th grade.Purchasing suggestion - Try to get a silver plated trumpet if at all possible. They will usually have a much better tone.
Recommended models - Yamaha YTR 2335s, Yamaha YTR 8310Z
French Horn
This is the most difficult of the brass instruments because the mouthpiece is very small compared to other brass instruments. It is however one of the most important sounds for a well balanced band. It is the only instrument that you put your hand in the bell to help with tone and intonation. There are two types of horn; single and double. The single horn should only be for the beginning level student. Students should be on a double horn when they finish book 1 in beginning band.Purchase suggestion - Don't buy a single horn! You may find used single horns very cheap on the internet but that is because some parent made the mistake of buying it and is trying to get rid of it.
Recommended Models - Yamaha YHR 667 or 668, Conn 6D
Trombone
The trombone is the only instrument that uses a slide to change notes and not keys or valves. Because of the slide and rather large mouthpiece it is one of the easier instruments to learn right away and be successful. It is also one of the three wind instrument used in the jazz ensemble (saxophone and trumpet are the other two). Recommended Models - Yamaha YSL 354, Yamaha YSL 446G, Yamaha Xeno 8820
Baritone/Euphonium
The baritone or euphonium as it is also called is very similar in size to the trombone but has a little darker or warmer sound. They both use about the same size mouthpiece but the baritone uses valves to change notes.
Tuba
The tuba is the foundation of the band. It is also sometimes the hardest instrument to get students to play because of its size. Because of this size problem we use half size tuba's in middle school band. The tuba is the only band instrument that use smaller sizes (it is possible to get half size string instruments). Because it is difficult to take home all of the time it is recommended that students come in before or after school to practice. Would you want to listen to a stereo that had no bass? It would be just as unappealing as listening to band with no tuba. There is an event held every year in downtown Denver called "Tuba Christmas". Try to imagine 200 tuba players (and some baritone players) playing Christmas Carols together.
Purchasing suggestions - Don't buy one unless your student is very serious about the Tuba. Even if your student plays it for six years it will be a lot cheaper to rent it from the school.
Percussion
Many students assume that playing percussion is the easiest instrument to learn. The exact opposite is true, it is one of the more difficult instruments to learn. Not only do students learn how to play the snare drum they also have to learn how to play all of the mallet or keyboard instruments (bells, xylophone, vibes and marimba). Keep the bell kits at home to practice on. Students do need to bring their drum sticks to class every day ( do not use plastic tip).