Beginning Band Instrument Choices

 

 

 

-At Evergreen, we focus on the "basic" instruments.
-For other instruments, see the "Frequently Asked Questions" page

 

A Note about Purchasing instruments instead of Renting: Don't, unless you know what you're getting. We've seen SO many poorly made ("Cheap" "Hey look at his great deal!") "Instrument Shaped Objects" (ISOs). It's incredibly frustrating for the student because they Just Don't Work Well!   See more here.Also, check out the Dallas Symphony Orchestra page for other instrument information 

(click on the links to See/Hear the instruments)

There are the Woodwinds:

• Flute and Piccolo: The flute and piccolo are the highest pitched of the woodwind instruments. The piccolo is about half the size of the flute. Both have an especially beautiful sound that can be light and happy, or quiet and calm. Best known as the bird in "Peter and the Wolf". This is usually the instrument for those who like high sounds, and like to be part of a group
  
• Clarinet: (listen to Eddie Daniels move from Bach to Jazz) This is the most popular woodwind instrument, and has a warm mellow sound. It can play both high and low notes. It is probably best known as the cat from "Peter and the Wolf". Here is Anthony McGill at Obama's inauguration,    Clarinet is a logical first step to bassoon and saxophone. Those who choose clarinet like the diversity of many activities, and being part of a cooperative group

There are the Brass:

        

• Trumpet, Cornet: Trumpets are somewhat longer than cornets, but play the same. These are the highest of the brass instruments. Players need a good sense of pitch. If you have a good whistle, and like to be heard individually, this is a good choice.

 

       

• Trombone: This instrument sounds very brassy like the trumpet, but makes a warmer sound. It plays the notes by using a slide. Very popular and usually in great demand for Jazz, Rock, Concert bands, and Orchestras... it does it all ! (even the Bumblebee!)   Trombone players have a good sense of pitch, and are pretty strong minded people!

 

    

• Euphonium or Baritone: (Literally "eu"=good, "phonium"=sound). Looks like a "small tuba", and is a warm sounding, but very "acrobatic" instrument. It can play beautiful melodies, and fast songs with lots of notes! (this video is Seattle Wind Symphony, my group)

There's Percussion:

   

• Percussion: One doesn't JUST play Drums: A Well-Rounded Percussionist plays Mallets (Bells, Marimba, Xylophone, or a Mallet Ensemble). You'll also play Drum Set, Tympani, and other small percussion instruments (Triangle, Tambourine, etc); Often you're part of a larger Percussion Ensemble. 

*Due to equipment limitations, we can only take 6 (six) percussionists.  Percussionists are usually the most "individual" folks, and need to have a lot of self-control and patience. You are often called-on to play many instruments in one song.

 

 

THERE'S ALSO ELECTRIC and ACOUSTIC BASS: BUT we won't be teaching Bass for 23-24

• Electric Bass: (here's a funky orchestral piece with Electric Bass). This is both to help the low voices of the Band, but also to prepare you for...

• Upright ("Double") Bass for Jazz Band  Bass players are usually the "coolest folks" and tend to be pretty easy going