Future Band Member Information

Brass Instruments

Trumpet/Cornet

These two instruments are very much alike.  They are shaped somewhat differently but are played very much the same way. They are the soprano voice of the brass family and are used extensively in band and orchestra, jazz band and marching band. Special Considerations: The Trumpet is an important melodic instrument, and being given the main melody means it will be featured often and "in the forefront" of the ensemble. Shy or timid students may find this to be uncomfortable as students will be required to play out so they can be heard over the rest of the band. Outgoing and "fearless" students tend to enjoy this instrument because they'll get to play out and be heard. Orthodontia can make playing trumpet difficult, but determination and resiliency will help students to overcome these difficulties. This instrument progresses at one of the slowest rates so patience and being critical about small details is the key to being successful on this instrument.

About 15% of students will be selected for Trumpet (12-15 students)

Trombone

The name trombone means “big trumpet” and the tone quality of the trombone really earns that name.  

The trombone has a big, rich, tenor voice.  Instead of using valves like the other brass instruments, the different notes are made by using a slide.  Trombones are popular in marching, concert and jazz bands and also in orchestras. Special Considerations: Students with strong musical ears should consider Trombone. Trombone players must have long enough arms to manipulate their slide correctly. Great Trombone playing takes a lot of concentration and study, and muscle memory (through correct practice and repetition) is a critical element in learning this instrument.

About 10% of students will be selected for Trombone (10-12 students)

French Horn

The French horn coils around so that the bell points to the back when you play.  Due to its wide range and tonal variety, the French horn is one of the most important instruments in the concert band, marching band and the symphony orchestras. Special Considerations: Students with strong musical ears should consider French Horn. This is a great instrument choice for students who have participated in piano lessons or honor choir groups. Students with a history of academic or behavioral problems will NOT be selected for French Horn. 

About 8% of students will be selected for French Horn (8-10 students)

Euphonium

Although it is a harmony instrument in both small groups and large bands, the euphonium is also fine for solo work. Its pitch is the same as the trombone and the tone is big and round.  The euphonium is played a lot like the trumpet, but it is much bigger, so the sound is deeper. Special Considerations: Students with orthodontia who find the trumpet or french horn difficult may find the Euphonium more comfortable for them. Euphonium requires a medium-sized hand span to reach the valves and students should have an above average lung capacity. 

About 8% of students will be selected for Euphonium (8-10 students.)

Tuba

This is one of the largest instruments in the Band, and has the lowest voice of all.  Tubas are made of brass and you sit down to play them. The tuba can be played in the concert band or the marching band. In the marching band, a Sousaphone is used. It is also made of brass or of fiberglass and carried onto the field. They both make a beautiful, deep booming sound. Special Considerations: Students must have a high lung capacity due to the amount of air needed to move through this instrument. Tuba requires a medium-sized hand span to reach the valves, as well as be tall enough to support the instrument. Students with a history of academic or behavioral problems should not consider the tuba due to the high amount responsibility needed to properly care for the instrument as well as the fact that because tuba is the foundation of the band, Tuba students maintaining academic eligibility is crucial for the success of the band.

About 6% of students will be selected for Tuba (6-8 students.)

Woodwind Instruments

Flute

Because flutes were once made of wood, they are still classified as woodwinds; however, most modern flutes are made of silver, nickel, or a combination of both.  Flutes do not have a “reed”, they are played by blowing over a hole near the end of the tube.  Keys cover the tone holes and you press down on the keys to produce different notes.   The flute produces the highest tone of all in the band. The flute is common in Marching bands, concert bands, orchestras and jazz bands.  It usually provides the melody and is featured many times as soloists. Special Considerations: Students with double-jointed fingers may want to avoid selecting flute because this can cause a lack of agility in the fingers. 

About 10% of students will be selected for Flute (10-12 students)

Clarinet

Most clarinets are made from a special African wood called Grenadilla.  Clarinets have a single reed mouthpiece and keys that open and close over holes in the tube to make different sounds.  The clarinet is common in Marching bands, orchestras, concert bands and jazz bands. There are several sizes of clarinets and in our band we normally use the Soprano (B-flat) and later add the Bass, Alto and Contra-Bass clarinets. Special Considerations: Students who are able to focus on and perform a detailed series of instructions could do well on clarinet. Students with very short fingers may find it difficult to cover all the holes on the clarinet. Students will be required to maintain a supply of 3-4 reeds at all times. A box of 10 reeds costs about $25 and can last (with proper care) up to 2 months.

About 15% of students will be selected for Clarinet (15-20 students)       

Saxophone

The saxophone has a tapered brass body and an upturned bell.  The sound of the saxophone can range from very high to quite low; from shrill and whining to bold and brassy.  The many keys make a saxophone look difficult to play, but it’s really one of the easier instruments. The saxophone comes in different sizes and keys.  In our band we use the E-flat Alto and the B-flat Tenor saxophone. Later we add the E-flat Baritone saxophone. Special Considerations: Students using saxophone require a neck strap, thus it is extremely important that students are able to sit up completely straight when asked to do so. Students will be required to maintain a supply of 3-4 reeds at all times. A box of 10 reeds costs about $25 and can last (with proper care) up to 2 months. We do not have many school-owned alto saxophones to rent to your child from Northside ISD, so it will likely be necessary for you to purchase or rent an instrument from a music store if your child wishes to play this instrument.

About 6% of students will be selected for Saxophone (6-8 students)      

Oboe - (Private Lessons are strongly recommended) 

The oboe is a true woodwind – with something extra.  It has two reeds, instead of one.  And it has a slender tube instead of a mouthpiece.  The oboe has a very high voice that soars over and through the other instruments.  It plays in both the band and the orchestra. Special Considerations: Students with overbites or underbites may have severe difficulty with the oboe. Because Oboe is a very difficult instrument to master, only students with the highest academic performance records will be considered. Students who are selected on oboe are highly encouraged to take private lessons. Students are required to maintain a supply of 3-4 high-quality reeds at all times. Reeds can cost between $12-20 each. Students with a history of disciplinary trouble will not be considered for Oboe. Students with high academic excellence will enjoy this class due to the small size and opportunities for individual attention.

About 3% of students will be selected for Oboe (2-3 students)   

Bassoon - (Private Lessons are strongly recommended) 

The bassoon is also a double-reed instrument, like the oboe, but it has a deep bass voice.  The bassoon is a very important instrument in both the band and orchestra.  Bassoons are usually made of maple wood and are really extra-big oboes, so big that the tube is folded in the middle.  If the bassoon was stretched out, it would be almost nine feet long. Special Considerations: Students should have agile thumbs as well as a medium or greater hand span. Like the Oboe, the Bassoon is a difficult to master and thus only students with high academic performance records will be considered. Students who are selected on Bassoon are highly encouraged to take private lessons. Students are required to maintain a supply of 3-4 high-quality reeds at all times. Reeds can cost between $12-20 each. Students with a history of disciplinary trouble will not be considered for Bassoon. Students with high academic excellence will enjoy this class due to the small size and opportunities for individual attention.

About 3% of students will be selected for Bassoon (2-3 students)

Percussion Class

Percussion - (Private Lessons are strongly recommended)  

Beginning Band has a Percussion class.  If your child is interested in “playing drums” or learning drum set, this may not be exactly what you are looking for.  “Percussion” includes:  keyboards (i.e. xylophone), timpani and accessories (i.e. cymbals, bass drum, triangle, bongos, wood blocks, etc.), and snare drum. The percussion section is the most select, hand-picked section of the band. Careful consideration is given to student’s grades, behavior, motor skills, and prior background in music (ex. Piano lessons, choir, etc.). Students should exhibit a high level of coordination in fine motor skills. Just because a student is always tapping on things does not mean they are a natural percussionist. Students must be able to listen attentively to and follow a complex set of instructions. Students must also be able to organize their equipment and other belongings in an orderly fashion. Special Considerations: Students must be able to develop a high level of physical coordination to progress on the many percussion instruments at the same time. All percussion students will study many more instruments besides the drums. You will learn all the instruments in the picture below and then some! Percussion is also among the most expensive instrument choices as there are many up-front costs and a necessary yearly expansion of stick, mallet, and beater collection. Students interested in percussion should closely consider their outside schedule of activities as Percussion students are asked to practice twice as much as other instruments (60 minutes per day) in order to properly learn both drum and mallet instruments at the same time. Those students who are busy in multiple after-school sports and activities on multiple days of the week will not likely have the time to properly develop on Percussion.

About 10% of students will be selected for Percussion (9-10 students)