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Beginning Band Students & Parent Information
Welcome to the Rawlinson Patriot Band! We’re excited for your child to join our tradition of excellence. We’ll do our best to help them choose an instrument they enjoy and can succeed on. Please make sure “Beginning Band” is listed as their first elective choice. If not, let us know during your interview so we can notify the counseling department.
Please complete the steps below ASAP — we really appreciate your help in keeping things on track!
If we don’t receive your child’s instrument preferences, we’ll go ahead and assign one that we can provide for loan next year at no cost.
Watch the short instrument introduction video and check out the info below to start exploring options: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCTeSjpDsIs
Take a look at the instrument special considerations—these help ensure your child is comfortable and set up for success.
Email Jorge.madariagasantos@nisd.net to set up an instrument testing date.
BRASS INSTRUMENTS
Trumpet
The trumpet is the soprano voice of the brass family and is used extensively in band, orchestra, jazz band, and marching band. It plays an important melodic role, often carrying the main tune.
Special Considerations: Because the trumpet is frequently featured, students need to be comfortable playing out and being heard. It’s a great fit for outgoing, confident students. Braces can make playing more challenging, but with determination, students can still be successful. Progress can feel slower at times, so patience and attention to detail are key.
About 15% of students (12–15) will be selected for trumpet.
Trombone
The trombone, meaning “big trumpet,” has a big, rich tenor voice. Trombones are popular in marching band, concert band, jazz band, and also in orchestras. Unlike other brass instruments, it uses a slide to change notes instead of valves.
Special Considerations: Students with strong musical ears are a great fit for trombone. Players need arms long enough to comfortably use the slide. Success on this instrument requires focus, consistent practice, and strong muscle memory.
About 10% of students (10–12) will be selected for trombone.
French Horn
The French horn is shaped with a coil and a bell that points backward when played. Because of its wide range and tonal variety, it is an important instrument in concert band, marching band, and symphony orchestra.
Special Considerations: Students with strong musical ears are a great fit for French horn. It’s also a good choice for those with experience in piano or choir. This instrument requires focus and responsibility, so students should be prepared to meet high expectations.
About 8% of students (around 10 students) will be selected for French horn.
Euphonium
The euphonium is a brass instrument with a big, round tone and the same pitch as the trombone. While it often plays harmony in small and large groups, it also works well as a solo instrument. It’s played similarly to the trumpet but is larger, giving it a deeper sound.
Special Considerations: Students with braces who find trumpet or French horn uncomfortable may prefer euphonium. It requires a medium hand span to reach the valves and strong breath support, so above-average lung capacity is helpful.
About 8% of students (around 10 students) will be selected for euphonium.
Tuba
The tuba is the largest instrument in the band and produces the lowest sound. It is a brass instrument played while seated and serves as the foundation of the ensemble. In marching band, tubas are replaced with sousaphones, which are designed to be carried on the field. Both instruments create a deep, powerful tone.
Special Considerations: Students should have strong lung capacity due to the amount of air required. A medium hand span is needed to reach the valves, and students should be tall enough to support the instrument. Because of the responsibility involved and the instrument’s importance to the band, students must be able to maintain strong academic and behavioral expectations.
About 6% of students (6–8 students) will be selected for tuba.
WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS
Flute
The flute is a woodwind instrument, even though most modern flutes are made of silver, nickel, or a combination of both. It does not use a reed and is played by blowing across an opening in the mouthpiece. The flute produces the highest sound in the band and often carries the melody in both small and large ensembles.
Special Considerations: Students with double-jointed fingers may experience difficulty with finger agility and should consider this before selecting flute.
About 10% of students (10–12 students) will be selected for flute.
Clarinet
The clarinet is a woodwind instrument typically made from grenadilla wood. It uses a single reed mouthpiece, and keys are used to open and close holes to produce different notes. The clarinet is common in concert bands, marching bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles, and plays a wide range of roles from melody to harmony.
Special Considerations: Students should be able to follow detailed instructions and focus on technique. Those with very short fingers may have difficulty covering the tone holes. Students will need to maintain a supply of 3–4 reeds at all times; a box of 10 reeds costs about $25 and can last up to 2 months with proper care.
About 15% of students (15–20 students) will be selected for clarinet.
Saxophone
The saxophone is a brass-bodied woodwind instrument that uses a single reed mouthpiece. It can produce a wide range of sounds, from high to low, and is used in concert bands, marching bands, and jazz ensembles. In our band, students typically begin on alto saxophone, with opportunities to play tenor and later baritone saxophone.
Special Considerations: Students must use a neck strap and be able to sit with proper posture. A supply of 3–4 reeds must be maintained at all times; a box of 10 reeds costs about $25 and can last up to 2 months with proper care. School-owned instruments are limited, so families will likely need to rent or purchase a saxophone.
About 6% of students (6–8 students) will be selected for saxophone.
Oboe (Private lessons strongly recommended)
The oboe is a double-reed woodwind instrument with a narrow body instead of a mouthpiece. It produces a high, clear sound that often stands out above the ensemble. The oboe is used in both concert band and orchestra settings.
Special Considerations: Students with overbites or underbites may experience difficulty producing a proper sound. The oboe is a highly specialized instrument and requires strong academic focus and discipline. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for success. Students must maintain a supply of 3–4 high-quality reeds at all times, which can cost $12–$20 each.
About 3% of students (2–3 students) will be selected for oboe.
Bassoon (Private lessons strongly recommended)
The bassoon is a double-reed woodwind instrument with a deep, rich bass sound. It is made of maple wood and has a long tube that is folded in half, making it one of the largest and lowest woodwinds. The bassoon is an important instrument in both concert band and orchestra.
Special Considerations: Students should have agile thumbs and a medium or larger hand span. Like the oboe, the bassoon is a highly challenging instrument that requires strong academic focus and discipline. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for success. Students must maintain a supply of 3–4 high-quality reeds at all times, which can cost $12–$20 each.
About 3% of students (2–3 students) will be selected for bassoon.
PERCUSSION
Percussion (Private lessons strongly recommended)
The percussion class includes a variety of instruments beyond drum set, such as snare drum, bass drum, timpani, keyboard percussion (xylophone, marimba), and auxiliary instruments (cymbals, triangle, bongos, wood blocks, and more). Percussion students are responsible for learning many instruments and are carefully selected based on musical potential and readiness.
Special Considerations: Students should demonstrate strong coordination, focus, and the ability to follow detailed instructions. Prior musical experience (such as piano or choir) is helpful. Percussion students must stay organized and be prepared to manage multiple instruments. This is one of the most demanding and equipment-intensive sections, requiring consistent daily practice to develop both drum and keyboard skills. Students with very limited practice time due to multiple outside commitments may struggle to keep up.
About 10% of students (9–10 students) will be selected for percussion.
Drum Set at Home / Percussion Auditions
Having a drum set at home does not guarantee placement in the percussion class. Selection is based on an audition process.
What is the audition procedure?
Students will complete a series of rhythm and coordination assessments, including foot/hand coordination, rhythmic imitation, timing, pulse control, and the ability to follow instructions. Prior musical experience (such as piano or private lessons) may be helpful but does not guarantee selection. Students are placed based on demonstrated readiness and potential for success in a full band setting.
All students auditioning for percussion should also select a second instrument option in case they are not placed in percussion.
Additional Considerations:
Only a small number of students (approximately 9–10) are selected for percussion due to class size and instrumentation needs. There are limited percussion parts in each ensemble, and students rotate instruments during performances. Because of this, class size must remain limited to ensure a balanced and fair performance experience.
Students interested in percussion must attend a percussion tryout to be considered. Notification of placement will be sent by email by the end of May.
Jorge.madariagasantos@nisd.net
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