Choosing An Instrument
Try An Instrument Day
All Year 2 students will participate in instrument auditions during “Try and Instrument Day” on Friday 23rd October 2020. This is a fun class activity where each student is invited to try a variety of instruments of their choice. Some choose to try them all!
A professional tutor will make sure that the instrument physically suits the child and whether they have the fine motor skills and co-ordination required for their preferred instrument. The results will be sent home to parents with information on how to register for band.
Here are the instruments available to learn in our concert bands…
Flute
The flute is the highest pitch instrument in the band. It is a quiet and sweet sounding instrument. Students with smaller lips and competent fine motor skills suit the flute. Contrary to popular belief the flute requires a similar air capacity to that of the tuba. Keep in mind, however, it can take a bit of practice to get the first tone out of a flute.
Oboe
The Oboe has a very distinctive sound often described as being very “bright”. It’s commonly used in Orchestras, Concert Bands and Chamber Music. Students are specifically selected for this instrument based on their ability assessed by the Band Director or Conductor.
Bassoon
The Bassoon is another double reed instrument. Similar to the oboe, it has a rich and unique sound. The Bassoon is commonly used in Orchestras, Concert Bands, and Chamber ensembles. Students are specifically selected for this instrument based on their ability assessed by the Band Director or Conductor.
Clarinet
The clarinets have a large range, their lowest notes being lower than the saxophone and their highest notes almost reaching that of the flute. Clarinets require considerable fine motor/dissociation skills but slightly smaller air capacity than the flute. Their sound, created by airflow and a vibrating reed, is rich and sonorous (after some practice….). In primary school we play the Bb Clarinet. The school also owns a bass clarinet which experienced students may be invited to play. In high school some students may progress to the oboe or bassoon.
Saxophone
The saxophone comes in four sizes. In primary school we mostly play the alto and tenor saxophones. Learning the fingering on one saxophone allows students the versatility to play all saxophone types; soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. It is suitable for all students, but difficult to play if they are small. The school has a beautiful baritone saxophone which experienced students may be invited to play.
Trumpet
This is an energetic and exuberant instrument, which often plays the melody (recognisable) part of a piece of music. It is one of the most versatile instruments in the band and is very portable. Students must be able to produce a “buzz” with their lips and have good “tummy power”. The trumpet is used in all kinds of music including jazz, rock and classical music. They are popular in high- school Stage bands.
French Horn
The beautiful look and sound of the French Horn makes it a desired instrument in any professional orchestra or band.
As one of the most rousing instruments in the band, it is used to create soaring fanfares and powerful harmonics.
Trombone
This is the only instrument that uses a slide system to change its pitch. Students need to have good listening skills. Like the trumpet this instrument is incredibly versatile because it can play jazz, rock and classical music. What’s more, it is the only instrument that can produce a ‘glissando’ and a very cool racing car sound, which has surprised more than a few conductors!
Baritone - Euphonium
The Baritone is slightly smaller than a Euphonium making it easier to handle for younger players. It has a brighter sound than a Euphonium. Very popular.
The Euphonium is an extremely important instrument in our band – the bass section. It has the versatility to play fast and furious melodic passages as well as a low enough range to form part of the bass line. Its mouthpiece is large making it easy to play and immediately produce a large, rich and warm sound.
Tuba
The Tuba is a bigger version of the Euphonium. At Roseville Public School we have two Tubas – a smaller one for younger musicians and a larger one for more experienced students. It is the lowest pitched instrument in the band and as such provides an important foundation for every piece of music played. Its sound is both rich and powerful. In high school tuba players are highly sought after and usually find that they have many music opportunities.
Bass Guitar
So cool, the Bass Guitar is played primarily with the fingers or thumb by plucking, slapping, popping, strumming, tapping, thumping, etc! It has largely replaced the double bass in popular music and functions as the bass line within the rhythm section.
Percussion
Students choosing percussion will play a variety of different instruments within the rhythm section, such as:
Drum Kit – Students learning the drum kit will need to have excellent coordination skills and a steady sense of rhythm and beat. Students will also need to be dedicated and organised as percussion required flexibility and multi-tasking.
Timpani – These huge drums are used to support the bass line and punctuate dramatic parts of the music. Students are taught to read pitch as well as rhythm as they progress up the band structure.
Auxiliary Percussion – In addition to being a competent drummer, percussionists are required to juggle up to 30 different instruments, each with their own unique technical requirements. These smaller instruments include crash cymbals, bongos, shakers, tambourines, triangles, chimes, cowbell, to name a few.
Mallet Percussion – Percussionists will also have the opportunity to learn a variety of pitched instruments in the mallet percussion section such as Glockenspiel and Xylophone. These instruments are constructed similarly to a piano, but using wooden or metal pitched blocks. Students with a background in piano may wish to specialise as a Mallet Percussionist.
Want To Hear These Instruments?
The NSW Police Band have kindly created a variety of instrument demonstration videos to help new families discover the instruments of the band. Check them out here: www.nswpolicebandwelcometotheband.com
If your child has their own instrument, they are welcome to play it in the band (as long as it is a band instrument!). Please advise us if that is the case. If they would like to try or play another instrument in the band, they will still be able to.
Every instrument is different and if your child discovers another instrument they enjoy, the technical skills they already have on piano will carry over to the new instrument and enhance their musical knowledge. Your child will move from a solo instrument to a “team” environment, which will add to their experience. Piano students can choose to join our rhythm section on keyboard (if available) or mallet percussion but these places are limited and must be approved by the Band Director or Conductor. We would encourage your child to take up an additional instrument.
We have a range of instruments available for students to hire so don’t panic about having to buy your own! However, instruments are hired on a “first in …” basis, so register your interest early. We can also offer expert advice should you be planning to buy your instrument.