Elm Grove Middle School Beginning Band Introduction to Band Instruments

The Instrument Families Woodwind. Originally made of wood, played by blowing air over a wooden reed or over a tone hole. Brass. Made of brass, played by blowing air through the lips causing them to buzz in a cup shaped mouthpiece.

The Instrument Families Percussion. Made of all sorts of materials, played by hitting, striking, or shaking.

Instrumentation in a band It is important to have a variety of instruments in band. The Pyramid of Sound The lower the pitch of the instrument the more players of that instrument are needed.

Woodwinds – Flute Made of metal. Sound produced by blowing air over a tone hole (like a soda pop bottle.). Held horizontally to the right.

Woodwinds – Flute Small case size. May eventually have the opportunity to play piccolo (in high school).

Woodwinds – Oboe Small case size. Plays by blowing into a double reed. Held vertically in front of body Made of plastic or wood.

Woodwinds – Clarinet Made of plastic or wood with metal keys. Sound produced by blowing air over a wooden reed. Held vertically in front between the legs.

Woodwinds – Clarinet Medium case size. May also play the bass clarinet after one year of study.

Woodwinds – Alto Saxophone Made of metal. Sound produced by blowing air over a wooden reed. Held with the aid of a neck strap.

Woodwinds – Alto Saxophone Large case size.

Brass – Trumpet Made of metal and uses valves to change the pitch. Played by buzzing lips into a cup shaped mouthpiece.

Brass – Trumpet Large case size. A cornet is a smaller type trumpet.

Brass – Trombone Made of metal and uses a slide to change the pitch. Played by buzzing lips into a cup shaped mouthpiece.

Brass – Trombone Large case size. May also play bass trombone in high school jazz band.

Brass – French Horn Made of metal and uses rotors to change the pitch. Played by buzzing the lips into a cup shaped mouthpiece.

Brass – French Horn Large case size. Player needs to have a good ear for pitch.

Brass – Euphonium Made of metal and uses valves to change the pitch. Played by buzzing the lips into a cup shaped mouthpiece.

Brass – Euphonium Large case size.

Brass – Tuba Made of metal and uses valves to change the pitch. Played by buzzing the lips into a cup shaped mouthpiece.

Brass – Tuba Large case size. EGMS has tubas that middle school students can rent.

Percussion Students may rent to own a student marimba from the local Band House. Students will need to purchase mallets and drumsticks. (Ask Mr Coco before purchasing!!!)

Percussion Students will also learn snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and other miscellaneous instruments.

Which Instrument Should I Play? We need a variety of instruments in order to have a balanced great sounding band. Do not purchase an instrument before being tested by US!!!!!! Students will be shown basics of all instruments before a decision is made by the student and directors.

Which instrument should you NOT play? Don’t pick an instrument because you mom or dad like it! Don’t pick an instrument because one of your friends plays it! Don’t pick an instrument that you think is a boys or girls instrument (there’s no such thing!) Don’t pick an instrument because of the case size!

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