Brass Wind Instruments

Trumpet - The soprano voice of the brass family, trumpets are used extensively in band, orchestra, jazz band, and marching band. This instrument is a favorite of athletic students, since it requires strength, endurance, and air.

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 other brass instruments, the different notes are played by moving the slide. The trombone is used in band, orchestras, jazz bands, and marching bands. Students who favor trombone tend to be very active listeners.

Horn - The horn coils around so that the bell points to the back when you play. Due to its wide range and tonal variety, the horn is one of the most important instruments in the concert band and orchestra.

Euphonium - The word euphonium means "sweet sound." It is a very versatile instrument and can play several roles in a band. Its pitch is similar to the trombone, but uses valves similar to the trumpet.

Tuba - The tuba is THE most important instrument in the band. Imagine a football team without a quarterback, and you can imagine a band without a tuba! The tuba acts as the foundation of the band by providing a rich bass sound. Tubas may be rested on a student's lap or on the tuba stands provided by the school. Tuba players come in all shapes and sizes.

Woodwind Instruments

Clarinet - Although some clarinets are made of plastic, the better ones are made of a wood from Africa called Grenadilla. Clarinets have a single reed mouthpiece, and keys that open and close over holes to make different sounds.

Flute - Because flutes were once made of wood, they are still classified as woodwind instruments; however modern flutes are made of silver and nickel. Flutes do not have a reed - they are played by blowing over a hole. Keys cover the tone holes, and are pressed down to produce different notes. The flute often has the melody in band music.

Saxophone - The saxophone has a tapered brass body and an upturned bell. The saxophone is a popular choice, and therefore a very competitive instrument.

Oboe -The oboe is a double reed instrument. It has similar keys to the clarinet, but more intricate. The tone of the oboe is important to the overall band sound, making it one of the more important instruments.

Bassoon - The bassoon is a double reed instrument, and has a deep bass voice. The bassoon sound is very important to the band and orchestra, and is a terrific instrument for intelligent students who are patient and enjoy a challenge. Opportunities for good bassoon players are endless!

Percussion Instruments

Percussion students are expected to learn how to play several different instruments. Percussion in beginning band focuses primarily on learning to play the snare drum and marimba (a melodic keyboard instrument similar to the xylophone). That is why we prefer percussionists to have had two years of piano experience prior to studying percussion. Once they learn the basics on those two instruments, they expand to bass drum, timpani, triangle, toms, tambourine, and the list goes on and on!