| Congratulations on joining your school band! In | | | | "girl" instruments. For example, it was rare to see |
| band, you'll choose an instrument you like and | | | | a boy playing flute or a girl playing trombone. |
| learn to play from the ground up. When you first | | | | Nowadays, though, these stereotypes are |
| join band, you may be tempted to dabble on | | | | breaking down, and kids are starting to play |
| many instruments; unfortunately, trying to learn | | | | whichever instrument they want to play. In fact, |
| every instrument will leave you knowing little | | | | one of the best flutists in the world is a man, Sir |
| about any instrument! But how do you decide | | | | James Galway, while one of the best trombonists |
| which instrument is best for you? This article will | | | | in the world is a woman named Abbie Conant. If |
| show you the do's and don'ts of choosing your | | | | you are attracted to a certain instrument and |
| first band instrument, and give you tools to help | | | | think you'd enjoy playing it, don't let old-fashioned |
| you pick an instrument you'll enjoy. | | | | ideas change your mind. |
| Listening to recordings is a great way to discover | | | | While there are many good reasons to choose an |
| which instrument you may like best. Ask your | | | | instrument, there are several bad reasons. |
| band director to recommend good recordings of | | | | Generally, it's not a good idea to choose an |
| different instruments, or search for music online. | | | | instrument just because your friend is playing it. |
| When you listen to a great recording, you have | | | | Since everyone is built differently, everyone won't |
| the chance to hear your favorite instruments at | | | | find success on the same instrument. If you |
| their finest. As you listen, try to pick out specific | | | | sound great on trumpet, but can't get a sound |
| instruments and listen to what they're playing. Is | | | | out of the flute, don't pick flute so you can sit |
| there an instrument whose sound you enjoy? In | | | | beside your friend in band class! Odds are, you'll |
| addition to recordings, seeing the instrument in | | | | have a tough time and won't enjoy yourself in |
| action can help you make your decision. Your | | | | band. Another bad idea is choosing an instrument |
| band director may take the time to play each | | | | because you think it's the easiest to play. While |
| instrument for the class; if so, watch and listen | | | | some instruments may seem easy at first, you'll |
| carefully. What do you like and/or dislike about | | | | soon discover that every instrument has its own |
| each instrument? As you listen to recordings and | | | | unique challenges. While the trumpet is easy to |
| watch your band director, you may find yourself | | | | put together, it takes a while to achieve a pretty |
| being drawn to certain instruments. | | | | sound. On the other hand, clarinets are hard to |
| The best way to see how much you like an | | | | put together at first, but tend to sound good |
| instrument is to try it out. Everyone is built | | | | before many other instruments. Percussion may |
| differently, so certain instruments may fit one | | | | seem easy, but percussionists have to learn |
| person better than another. As you try | | | | several different instruments--and carry them all |
| instruments, ask yourself questions to see if the | | | | to the concert! If you choose your instrument |
| instrument is a good fit for you. Is it easy to play | | | | because it fits you well and you think you'll enjoy |
| a note? Are your fingers able to cover the holes | | | | playing it, you'll have a better chance of being |
| and reach every key? For brass instruments, are | | | | successful in band. |
| you able to "buzz" your lips to create a sound? | | | | When you're choosing a band instrument, doing |
| Which kind of buzz are you better at, a high, tight | | | | research and trying several instruments before |
| one for the trumpet or horn, or a lower, looser | | | | you decide can get your band career off to a |
| one for trombone, euphonium, and tuba? Imagine | | | | good start. No matter which instrument you |
| yourself playing the instrument every day. Is it | | | | choose, be willing to stick with it. Even though it |
| something you'd be comfortable sticking with for | | | | may be tempting to switch instruments when |
| a while? Many band directors offer the chance to | | | | yours seems hard, remember that every |
| try instruments in class, or you can visit a music | | | | instrument is equally difficult. When the going gets |
| store. Either way, trying several instruments can | | | | tough, keep practicing and ask your band director |
| be a powerful way to decide which one is right | | | | for help. You can even find a private teacher to |
| for you. | | | | help you learn more about your instrument. Even |
| When you're deciding which instrument to play, | | | | though band isn't always easy, taking the time to |
| don't worry about instrument stereotypes. In the | | | | choose the right instrument can make it more |
| old days, some instruments were considered | | | | fun, and put you on the road to becoming an |
| "boy" instruments while others were considered | | | | excellent musician! |