WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS

 

Woodwind players use all eight fingers and both thumbs, so finger dexterity is important. A woodwind player has a different fingering for each note. A child with any problems or difficulty in controlling & coordinating the fingers will not be happy playing a woodwind instrument. Holding a woodwind instrument is a matter of balance; therefore, thumbs must be strong. Children with double-jointed fingers, especially thumbs, should avoid playing woodwinds.

 

The FLUTE is the soprano instrument of the woodwind family. A profile of a flute player would include full lips, no teardrop in the center of the lip, a defined chin, and an agile tongue. A major over or under bite will present problems. Students who can say “pooh” with a pout and get a small slit between the lips when they blow may be very successful. Despite its size, the flute uses a great deal of air!

 

The OBOE (school provided) is a high double reed instrument. Oboists’ upper lips must be fairly long, capable of being folded over the teeth to grip the reed. An overbite is acceptable. Oboists’ teeth should be smooth, not jagged. People with short pinky fingers should not play the oboe. Oboe players should be patient, disciplined individuals who enjoy doing things alone. Oboists must be very determined individuals with a strong willpower to succeed.

 

The BASSOON (school provided) is the most forgiving of physical differences in the face. Players of bassoon can have an overbite, or an under bite. Lips can be full or not. Hands, however, must be large & thumbs agile. Successful bassoonists are independent individuals who enjoy puzzles and working with their hands. Bassoonists must be very determined individuals with a strong willpower to succeed.

 

The CLARINET student must be able to make & hold a firm, flat chin. Lower teeth should not be jagged. An overbite is a major problem. Sensitive teeth can make playing this instrument uncomfortable. A thick lower lip will muffle the reed. Clarinet is an “open hole” instrument; a child’s fingers must span the distance between keys and can cover the open holes completely. Any student can enjoy the rapid progress that is possible on the clarinet.

 

The SAXOPHONE, built completely of brass, is a member of the woodwind family. Those wishing to play saxophone should have large enough hands to reach around the instrument & work the keys without touching any of the side keys. The sax is a relatively heavy instrument and, since it hangs from the neck, the child must be fairly strong. A saxophonist must have strong pinky fingers. Saxophone can be expensive to rent & own. Saxophone is a small section in a band. For that reason, it becomes a very competitive instrument from 7th grade on.

 

 

BRASS INSTRUMENTS

 

Brass instruments, those powerful-sounding instruments, appeal to a large number of children. Playing a brass instrument is a very “athletic” thing to do. Because brass playing requires physical strength and stamina, athletic children often do well on these instruments. We just use different muscles than in soccer, baseball, hockey, volleyball, etc. A child who can sing or whistle a tune from memory can learn to play a brass instrument. Good ears are critical! Playing a brass instrument uses only three or four fingers in different combinations to make different notes happen. (A woodwind player has a different fingering for each note). Lips must be free of scar tissue. The size (fullness) of the lips generally helps to indicate the size of the mouthpiece that works the best.

 

The TRUMPET is the soprano voice of the brass family. Successful trumpet players are generally self-assured, outgoing individuals. One cannot be afraid to breathe & blow! Good trumpet players’ lips are usually fairly thin. Children with excessive overbites may want to consider another instrument. Trumpet players must have good strength in the face in order to develop the ability to play higher notes.

 

The FRENCH HORN (school provided) is coiled so the bell faces back with the right hand in the bell. The rim size of the mouthpiece is similar to the trumpet, so individuals with thinner lips can be very successful with this instrument. However, many professional players have full lips and are successful. Students desiring to play the Horn must have an especially fine ear for pitch discrimination. Horn players are very determined individuals. This instrument is played with the left hand but this is not a factor for selection.

 

The TROMBONE (school provided) is the only brass instrument that changes pitch by using a slide. Trombonists need good hand/eye coordination and good pitch discrimination. A keen sense of pitch is vital because the trombonist must adjust the slide position, sometimes microscopically, to correct the note. Responsible, good-natured children make the best players. A good sense of rhythm is a must. Students may have fuller lips. We are always seeking good trombone players!!

 

The EUPHONIUM (school provided) uses the same size mouthpiece as the trombone but has valves to change the pitch, as opposed to the slide. Responsible, good-natured children make the best players. A good sense of rhythm is a must. The size of the lips may be fuller.

 

The TUBA (school provided) is like a larger Euphonium. It uses the largest mouthpiece of all the brass instruments. Students should be of fairly large stature; however, we’ve certainly had fine results with students who have been small. Fuller lips with a large mouth usually enable the students to achieve a low notes on the instrument during the first session.

 

Brass players are incredibly important to a good-sounding band.

 

 

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS

 

Percussionists must be physically coordinated, with especially good hand/eye coordination, and should be endowed with a steady, innate rhythm. Students MUST BE ORGANIZED in order to keep up with several sets of sticks & mallets & different books. Understanding fractions & a good math aptitude is important to a percussionist. Beginners start on the snare drum and the xylophone or marimba. Very quickly the students will be performing on three or four instruments during one piece. Coordination and a good sense of rhythm are invaluable to the would-be percussionist. Just because your child beats on things in the house does not mean he/she will be a great drummer. This is a very competitive section!