Instrument Demonstrations Be sure to check out them all and make a list of your top 3 choices in case your first choice doesn't work out. You will be able to try out your top 2 or 3 in music class. Descriptions of each instrument and the personality types they (typically) attract are listed. (If you are on a mobile device, watch the videos in landscape)
Flute- highest sounding woodwind, creates sound by blowing air across a hole, uses all fingers to play PERSONALITY: Good students with self-assured personalities tend to do well on flute. Students who are not comfortable with competition may need to choose another instrument. This class usually contains a large number of “overachievers.”
Oboe- woodwind that uses a double reed, higher sounding, uses all fingers to play PERSONALITY: Students who do well on oboe tend to be reliable and creative individuals. Oboe students are generally independent people who enjoy working with puzzles and working with their hands. Many oboe players are straight “A” students.
Clarinet- single reed woodwind; considered like the "violin" of the band because it plays a wide range of notes, both melody and harmony. Finger pads need to cover holes in the instrument (may not be a good choice for tiny fingers) PERSONALITY: Students who choose clarinet feel comfortable working independently and with others. Clarinet players are creative individuals but also like to approach things with a serious, “get down to business” attitude.
Saxophone (Alto or Tenor)- single reed woodwind; lower sound- plays mostly harmonies; important instrument in jazz band (starts in 6th). Students wishing to play tenor saxophone in 5th grade must have large hands. Students may switch to tenor or baritone saxophone in future years after playing alto in 5th grade. PERSONALITY: Students who play saxophone tend to be outgoing, but laid-back individuals. They often have creative minds and good ears for melodies.
Trumpet- highest instrument in the brass family; plays melodies; uses buzzing lips and 3 valves to produce notes; important jazz instrument PERSONALITY: Successful trumpet players are generally self-assured. Children with a confident, showy, temperament tend to do well on trumpet.
French Horn- mellow-sounding brass instrument that plays melodies and harmonies; uses buzzing lips and 3 valves to produce notes; french horn players must a have a good musical ear and be able to match pitch when singing or humming PERSONALITY: French horn players are determined individuals and bright students. They tend to love a good challenge.
Trombone- a medium range brass instrument; plays harmonies and bass lines; important jazz instrument; uses buzzing lips and a slide instead of valves to change pitch. Students with longer arms are best suited for trombone. PERSONALITY: Trombone players tend to be outgoing individuals. They need to have good hand-eye coordination.
Baritone/Euphonium- medium range brass instrument; played like the trumpet but is better suited for students with fuller lips; plays harmonies, bass lines, and occasional melodies PERSONALITY: Students who choose baritone tend to be outgoing, responsible, and open to new ideas.
Tuba- lowest sounding brass instrument and lowest instrument in the band-essential to the overall sound of the group; uses buzzing lips (fuller lips preferred) and 3 valves to change notes; students should be a little larger in stature as the tuba is very large (school will provide). Smaller students interested in tuba should start on baritone (see instrument above). PERSONALITY: A good sense of rhythm is a must since tubists play an important role in the time-keeping responsibilities for the band. Responsible, good-natured students do best on tuba.
Percussion (mallets & snare drum)- uses hand and sticks/mallets to produce sound. Percussion students will learn to play a wide variety of percussion instruments (not just "drums"); students will start with mallets for the 1st half of the year before switching to snare drum and auxiliary percussion. The number of percussionists is limited, so any student interested in percussion must have a second or third choice of instrument. Previous piano experience is a plus. PERSONALITY- Percussion students should be gifted with a natural sense of rhythm and hand-eye coordination. Just because your child beats on things around the house does not mean he or she will be a good “drummer.” A keen sense of rhythm and excellent hand-eye coordination are much more important. A/B students with good organizational skills tend to do well in percussion class.