Meet the Instruments

Instruction will be provided in the following instruments: clarinet, flute, percussion, saxophone, trombone, trumpet. Each instrument comes with its own advantage and sets of challenges. The following descriptions are to provide you with some assistance in choosing an instrument. Students are responsible for purchasing the materials listed in the description of their instrument.

To participate, students must:

• Return their sign-up sheet.

• Provide their own musical instrument, book and supplies.

Instrument rental fees range from $20 - 50 per month. The book and all necessary supplies can be purchased for approximately $20. Students that require financial assistance may obtain a scholarship application from their school's office.

• Practice approximately 15 minutes per day and maintain a log of their practice time.

• Come to class on time with their instruments, book and completed practice log.

• Work hard and be prepared to have fun.

The flute is the highest woodwind instrument in elementary band. It is played by blowing air across the blow hole. The flute is one of the oldest instruments (played for thousands of years), but players have only been holding it to the side for about 300 years. The flute is a small, lightweight instrument. Provides lots of challenges in the early stages. requires good breath control and finger dexterity. Materials needed: Cleaning rod, handkerchief or cloth with stitched border, Accent on Achievement, Book One.*

The clarinet is a woodwind instrument. It uses a reed to produce sound. Early clarinets had another name. They were called Basset horns. Most players like the name clarinet better small, lightweight instrument. good for achieving early success! Materials needed: Six "#2" reeds, swabs, preferably cloth with draw string, plastic reed guard, cork grease, Accent on Achievement, Book One.

The alto saxophone is another woodwind instrument, even though its metal body looks like a brass instrument. It uses a reed to produce sound. Players use a neckstrap to help hold the instrument. The saxophone is the youngest of the instruments in band. A larger, heavier instrument. Good for achieving early success. requires some finger dexterity. Good for students with larger hands. Materials: six "#2" reeds, pad saver or swab, neck strap (should be included), Accent on Achievement, Book One.

 

The trumpet is the highest brass instrument in elementary band. Players "buzz" their lips in the mouthpiece to produce sound. The trumpet has only three valves, but players can buzz many different notes with and without the valves. A mid-sized instrument that requires a moderate amount of finger dexterity and a good musical ear. Materials needed: Valve oil, slide grease, small soft cloth, Accent on Achievement, Book One.

  

The trombone has the lowest sound in elementary band. It is a brass instrument so players must "buzz" their lips to produce sound. Players enjoy moving the slide to change notes. During the Middle Ages, the trombone had another name. It was called the sackbut. Trombone players like to laugh about the old name. A larger, heavier instrument that requires less finger dexterity. This instrument requires a good musical ear and a lot of patience. Materials needed: slide oil or slide cream, slide grease, small soft cloth, Accent on Achievement, Book One.

Percussion Sticks and practice pad make for a small lightweight instrument. Students can rent/purchase a snare drum or opt to use only a practice pad. This instrument requires good motor skills and rhythm. Materials needed: pair of medium sized drumsticks, practice pad, Accent on Achievement, Book One.

*Please make sure that the Accent on Achievement method book is for the instrument that your child is playing. Please also be sure it is "book one" which will be used for beginners as well as second-year students. A companion CD to assist students practice is available for this book but is not required.

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