Learn about each instrument! (Click '+' for more info)

FLUTE

The flute is the highest-pitched instrument of the beginning band with a bright, clear sound.  It is played by blowing air across an opening and moving fingers to change the pitch.  

Physical Characteristics: a slight "frown" to the upper lip with no tear drop shape in the middle, agile fingers, and no extreme overbite of the jaw.

Flute Personality Traits: "conscientious", "detailed", and "consistent" 

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 sound. Soloistic and melodious, the oboe is a unique member of the band and only a few students each year will be selected to play it.  Students wanting to play the oboe must take private lessons. 

Physical Characteristics: no extreme over or underbite, agile fingers

​Oboe Personality Traits: "studious", "dependable", and "diligent"

BASSOON

The bassoon is played with a double reed and is a larger, lower sounding instrument.   With its dignified and majestic sound, the bassoon is also a unique member of the band with only a few special students selected to play it each year.  Students wanting to learn the bassoon must take private lessons.  

Physical Characteristics: a slight overbite, agile fingers, a medium to large hand span.

Bassoon Personality Traits: "serious" and  "aspirational"
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CLARINET

The clarinet uses a single reed and a mouthpiece to produce its sound.  With an extensive range, the rich and lustrous sound of the clarinet is very popular choice for band students.  

Physical Characteristics:  the ability to make a flat chin, no rounded lower teeth
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Clarinet Personality Traits:  "focused" and "detailed"

SAXOPHONE

Although it gives the impression of being a brass instrument, the saxophone belongs to the woodwind family and produces its smooth sound with the help of a single reed.  All beginners start on the alto sax, with some students getting the opportunity to move to the deeper tenor or baritone saxes at the end of their first year. 

Physical Characteristics:  the ability to sit up tall, agile fingers
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Saxophone Personality Trait:  "mellow"

TRUMPET

The trumpet is the highest member of the brass family and produces a bright, clear sound.  It is played by buzzing into a small mouthpiece and has three valves.

Physical Characteristics:  thin and even lips, slight overbite is ok
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Trumpet Personality Trait:  "confident"
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HORN

The French horn is also a brass instrument that is played by the use of a small mouthpiece similar to the trumpet.  Students with a good musical ear, such as Honor Choir students, should consider playing the French horn.

Physical Characteristics:  thin and even lips, slight overbite is ok, the ability to match pitch
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Horn Personality Trait:  "academic"
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TROMBONE

Like the French horn, trombone players need a good musical ear.  Like the other brass instruments, sound is produced by buzzing into a mouthpiece; however, the trombone has a single long slide instead of valves.  The slide is not marked with notches, so players must rely on their ears for correct positioning.  

Physical Characteristics:  slightly fuller lips, slight overbite is ok, the ability to match pitch
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Trombone Personality Trait:  "analytical"
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EUPHONIUM

The euphonium (you-PHONE-knee-yum) is sometimes known as the baritone. It 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 (like trombone). 

Physical Characteristics:  medium to full lips, slight overbite is ok, the ability to sit up straight
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Euphonium Personality Trait:  "artistic"

TUBA

The tuba is the most important instrument in the band.  Being the lowest of all the wind instrument, it provides the foundation for the entire band sound. Beginners start on a 3/4 size tuba that is easy to handle.

Physical Characteristics:  fuller lips, ability to sit up straight
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Tuba Personality Trait:  "unique"

PERCUSSION

Percussionists learn to play a variety of instruments other than drums including mallet instruments, such as the xylophone and marimba, and accessory instruments, like the triangle and tambourine.  While not a requirement, piano experience is particularly helpful to a percussionist as it will help with learning mallet instruments.

Physical Characteristics:  coordination and high gross and fine motor skills
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Percussion Personality Trait:  "coordinated"
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