Beginning Band is open to all students. No previous music knowledge is required. In Beginning Band you can play the instruments on the following list. Click on each instrument to see the instrument in action and hear what it sounds like.
It is my experience that any student can learn an instrument if they find the right one for them and work hard in class. Some physical traits may make it more difficult to play that instrument. I have listed some considerations next to instruments that you should consider.
In addition to signing up for the Beginning Band class you also need to fill out the Beginning Band Instrument Interest Form where you will rate how much you like each instrument.
Filling out the Instrument Interest form is very important because a successful band is much like a successful football team. On a football team not everyone can play quarterback or running back or wide receiver. The team needs all positions to be successful. The same is true of band. We need a good number of each instrument to be successful and this also makes the experience more enjoyable for you.
In March I will contact you letting you know what instrument you have been assigned to play and give you details about what you will need to be ready for the school year. Most students are assigned to play their highest rated instrument, but we need to maintain balanced instrumentation to have a good band. If there are too many students wanting to play the same instrument you may be assigned to play your next highest rated instrument. Flute and trumpet are sometimes quite popular. Please especially be prepared to play your second choice if you select one of those instruments. However, I work hard to make sure that each student is happy with the instrument they end up playing.
Beginning Band Instruments
Getting an Instrument
Most students rent an instrument from Summerhays Music. The school does own a limited supply of instruments for students who are on fee waiver or who truly cannot afford to rent from a music store. The school owns larger instruments (i.e. tuba, euphonium, French Horn) for students to use.
It is my experience that any student can learn an instrument if they find the right one for them and work hard in class. Some physical traits may make it more difficult to play that instrument. I have listed some considerations next to instruments that you should consider.
In addition to signing up for the Beginning Band class you also need to fill out the Beginning Band Instrument Interest Form where you will rate how much you like each instrument.
Filling out the Instrument Interest form is very important because a successful band is much like a successful football team. On a football team not everyone can play quarterback or running back or wide receiver. The team needs all positions to be successful. The same is true of band. We need a good number of each instrument to be successful and this also makes the experience more enjoyable for you.
In March I will contact you letting you know what instrument you have been assigned to play and give you details about what you will need to be ready for the school year. Most students are assigned to play their highest rated instrument, but we need to maintain balanced instrumentation to have a good band. If there are too many students wanting to play the same instrument you may be assigned to play your next highest rated instrument. Flute and trumpet are sometimes quite popular. Please especially be prepared to play your second choice if you select one of those instruments. However, I work hard to make sure that each student is happy with the instrument they end up playing.
Beginning Band Instruments
- Clarinet - The most important woodwind instrument
- Trombone - Super important low brass instrument
- Tuba - The most important instrument in the band
- We have smaller versions of the tuba for students who have not super tall yet.
- Tuba students are typically able to complete their practice at school during PLUS time so that they don't have to worry about carrying their instrument back and forth between home and school every day.
- Euphonium - Sweeter sounding low brass instrument like trombone but with valves instead of a slide.
- Flute
- Trumpet - Requires super fast, small air. If you have full lips or like to blow slow, warm air this instrument may be difficult for you to play.
- French Horn - Plays many of the cool themes you hear in movies like The Avengers. Students who have the most success on this instrument are generally quite good at singing songs in their head.
- If you are interested in Percussion there is an audition to determine who gets into the percussion class. Please see the Percussion Auditions section of the website for more information.
Getting an Instrument
Most students rent an instrument from Summerhays Music. The school does own a limited supply of instruments for students who are on fee waiver or who truly cannot afford to rent from a music store. The school owns larger instruments (i.e. tuba, euphonium, French Horn) for students to use.