The flute is the highest-pitched instrument in the woodwind family. The flute looks brilliant and challenging, however, it is no harder to play than any other instrument. We can check for the ability to produce a proper sound at the instrument interview. 

Things to consider in choosing to play the flute:

• Arms and fingers are long enough to hold the instrument and cover the keys correctly.

• Upper lip characteristics are conducive to a proper flute embouchure. (A short upper lip, or a “teardrop” lip make it very difficult to form a correct embouchure.)

• A clear tone is easily produced on the head joint.

• Small motor (finger) coordination is important.

• Reading skills are above average.

• Work habits are strong, and achievement is high.

The clarinet is the main instrument of the woodwind family. It can play very low notes and very high notes. Because of its large range it often plays the melody. The finger system of the clarinet is similar to the recorder. If a student was successful on recorder, he / she will likely be successful with the clarinet. Students who do well on clarinet may have the option of switching to oboe, bassoon or bass clarinet for 7th grade. Students who excel on clarinet will have the opportunity to audition for our jazz band where they can also learn to play saxophone. (For example, some students in 7th and 8th grade play clarinet in concert band and saxophone in jazz band.)

Things to consider in choosing to play the clarinet:

• Hands large enough to reach all the keys and fingertips large enough to cover the tone holes.

• Generally, braces are not a hindrance in forming a correct embouchure.

• Small motor (finger) coordination is very important.

• Reading skills are average or above average.

Even though the saxophone is made of brass, it is a member of the woodwind family. It is a common instrument in jazz and popular music. In the concert band, however, it is often delegated to a background role. It is the easiest instrument for a beginner to produce a sound. However, it is one of the most difficult instruments for students to produce a pleasant, controlled sound. In our beginning band the number of alto saxophone students is limited to 8-10.

Things to consider in choosing to play the saxophone

• Hands large enough to reach all the keys.

• Stature is adequate to handle the size and weight of the instrument.

• Work habits are strong and achievement is high.

• Generally, braces are not a hindrance in forming a correct embouchure.

• Small motor (finger) coordination is important.

• Reading skills are above average.

• Parental support is strong. (The saxophone is an expensive instrument.)

The trumpet is the highest-pitched instrument in the brass family. Much like the flute, the trumpet is no harder to play than any other instrument. However, if the student does not have the physical attributes to play the trumpet, it can be an extremely frustrating experience. If the student is not able to produce the proper sound on the mouthpiece, we may suggest the trombone as a better choice. We can check for the ability to produce a proper sound at our instrument interview. Students who do well on trumpet may have the option to switch to French horn or baritone for 7th grade. 

Things to consider in choosing to play the trumpet

• Lips are thin to medium. Thick lips are often better suited for the larger mouthpiece of the trombone or tuba.

• Front teeth are straight and even. If a slight overbite exists, it poses less of a problem on french horn than on trumpet.

• For some students, braces are a hindrance in forming a correct embouchure.

• Student is immediately able to produce a clear “buzz” on the mouthpiece.

• Student is able to sing a simple melody

• For french horn: Sense of pitch is exceptional.

• Work habits are strong and achievement is high.

The trombone is the most unique instrument in the band. It has no valves or keys. It has a slide! It is a common instrument in jazz and popular music. In our beginning band it serves the role as our bass section. Although it is the largest of our beginning instruments, it is does not weigh much more than a trumpet and is lighter than a saxophone. Students who do well on trombone may be invited to switch to tuba for 7th grade. 

Things to consider in choosing to play the trombone.

• Stature is adequate to handle the size of the instrument and reach the lower slide positions.

• Student is immediately able to produce a clear “buzz” on the mouthpiece.

• Generally, braces are not a hindrance in forming a correct embouchure.

• Student is able to sing a simple melody

• Dependability and sense of responsibility are strong.

In November we will select percussionists from the woodwind and brass classes. Percussion students are selected after establishing good counting habits, demonstrating outstanding rhythmic ability, and by demonstrating exceptionally good behavior in class. Percussion students are responsible for playing all the percussion instruments including bells, xylophone, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, etc. Percussion students will learn xylophone and snare drum (practice pad) first, then expand to include the other instruments. Students selected for percussion should make a commitment to be in band through middle school and into high school.

Things to consider in choosing to switch to percussion:

• Student possesses a high degree of self-control and is self-motivated.

• Student has an average to above average attention span and is not easily distracted or bored.

• Physical coordination is exceptional.

• Commitment to becoming a “complete percussionist” (not just “drums”) is unwavering.

• Previous piano experience is desired and helpful.

• Math and reading skills are above average.

• Parental support is strong. (Xylophone and other percussion equipment can be expensive.)