Student Resources
Instrumentation & Instrument Selection
In any band, the musicians are members of a team. Within the team, there are often different positions that need to be covered. In the band, we call this "Instrumentation" - the proportional number of each instrument we need to have a balanced (good-sounding) band. This means that there are certain needs for a certain number of instruments. Because of this, students will need to decide on three (3) instruments they would feel comfortable playing. This is why students may not receive their first choice.
Instrument Families
Band Instruments are typically sorted into three families:
Woodwind: Instruments were either once made of wood (Flute), or use a wooden reed to produce a sound make sound (Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon). Reeds are like tires on a car--they will last for a while with good care, but will need to be replaced at regular intervals. Reeds cost can vary, but usually families purchase in boxes of 5-10. Students may go through about two reeds per month on a regular practice schedule.
Brass: Sound is produced by buzzing one's lips together into a metal mouthpiece. (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba)
Percussion: Not just "the drums. "This family is often misunderstood by beginning band students. Young percussionists take on the responsibility of learning many instruments, with a primary focus on mallets and snare. Preference is typically given to students who have had at least two years of piano lessons, as the mallet system is identical to the piano system. Additionally, the timpani requires students to read in bass clef, while mallets will read in both treble and bass clef.
Learn more about each instrument:
Band Stats
70% of admissions officers of the nation's major universities say high school credit and achievement in the arts are significant considerations for admission
107: Points scored higher on the SAT for students involved in public school music programs according to the college entrance examination board.
66%: Lewis Thomas, Physician and Biologist, found that music majors comprise the highest percentage of accepted medical students.
94% of respondents (Gallup Poll), believe music is part of a well-rounded education and should be offered as part of the regular curriculum in schools.
Learn about band instruments from expert musicians with the United States Marine Band. Lessons include warm-ups, excerpts, and helpful advice. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The Marine Band performs at the White House an average of 200 times each year, and also presents annually an indoor concert series, summer concerts on the National Mall, and a national concert tour.
Blank Sheet Music (free printable)