Flute

The flute is the highest pitched instrument in the beginning band. With it’s clear, penetrating sound, the flute often plays the melody in the band.  

The flute is made of silver and is played by blowing across an opening in one end while the fingers press keys to change notes. 

Oboe

The oboe is similar in appearance to a clarinet, but it is played using a double reed instead of a single reed to produce its brilliant and distinct sound.

Soloistic and melodious, the oboe is a special part of the band. The oboe is a special instrument, and only a select few students will be chosen for oboe.

Bassoon

The bassoon, like the oboe, is a double reed instrument. It is the lowest sounding member of the woodwind family with it’s dignified and majestic sound.

The bassoon is one of the most specialized instruments in the band, and like the oboe, only a few select students will be chosen for the bassoon.

Universities and colleges seek out bassoonists who often receive substantial scholarships.

Clarinet

The clarinet is a popular choice for Beginning Band. The sound is a large, beautiful woody texture with an extensive range.

The mouthpiece and single-reed produce the sound, unlike the double reed instruments above.

Alto Saxophone

The saxophone is a woodwind instrument even though it is made of brass. Most people know the saxophone as they have heard it in jazz or rock music.

This instrument is versatile and is also used in the concert band. Some saxophone players will also have the opportunity to play tenor or baritone saxophones after the beginning year.

Trumpet

The trumpet is the highest instrument of the brass family.  It is recognized by its bright and clear sound.  The trumpet is frequently used to play melody. 

Like some of the other instruments in the band, the trumpet is also used in jazz and pop music.  Similar to most brass instruments, the trumpet has three valves and is played by vibrating one’s lips on a mouthpiece.

French Horn

The French horn is the also a member of the brass family. Its sound is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece similar to a trumpet. Students with good musical ears, such as choir students, tend to be the most successful on this instrument. 

Recognized by its distinct coil shape, the french horn is one of the most commonly heard instruments in movie soundtracks, as it has the widest range of any brass instrument.

Trombone

The trombone, easily recognized by its long slide, is one of the most powerful instruments in the band. The slide is not marked with positions so having a good ear is a must.

Playing primarily in the lower range of the band, the trombone is used both as a melodic and a supporting instrument.  Trombones are used in virtually every type of music, including jazz, blues, rock, and symphony orchestra.

Euphonium/Baritone

The euphonium (you-PHONE-knee-yum), sometimes known as the baritone, is a member of the brass family and looks like a small version of a tuba. Its sound is similar to that of a trombone, but it uses valves like a trumpet instead of a slide.

Though originally designed as a harmony instrument, the euphonium has grown to become one of the most popular band instruments for solo playing in the most recent years due to its rich sound.

Tuba

The tuba is the most important instrument in the band.  It is the largest and lowest of the wind instruments, and it produces the fundamental sound upon which all others are built. 

Despite its relatively large size, even the smallest students can easily handle the tuba with proper instruction.  Good tuba players are generally intelligent and assertive, with a passion for their instrument. 

Tuba players do not have to carry their instruments home every night.  Instead, inventory permitting, they will be an issued an instrument to take home and leave home for practice and they will play on another tuba at school that remains on campus. 

Percussion

The percussion section is one of the most misunderstood sections of the band.  Often referred to as the “drums”, this name is actually a very incomplete description of what is involved in playing percussion. 

Percussionists learn to play a number of instruments, including mallet instruments like bells and xylophone, battery percussion like the snare and bass drums, and accessory percussion instruments like the tambourine and triangle. 

Enrollment for this course is limited, and students wishing to play percussion will need to attend an additional evaluation before students will be selected for this instrument.