FAQs
Getting that instrument is the biggest part of band. But choosing which one, and knowing where to get it and take care of it, can all be kind of daunting. But this is where all your common questions will be answered.
Which one do I want to play?
Most people already have in mind what instrument(s) they want to play. In band, however, it's not just what you want to play, but what you can play. At the beginning of the year, band directors will be busy teaching you music and the rules. Along with that, they will be testing people out for instruments. The tests run like this:
The band director hands you a mouthpiece and demonstrates how to blow/buzz into it. He/she will let you try a few times and grade your "performance" on it. Don't be discouraged if you get a bad grade! It's just to see what instrument fits you best. (Think of it like Harry Potter) If you do well on a mouthpiece, the director will attach it to the instrument and ask you to play again, just to see how well your tone is in the instrument. Then, it's on to the next mouthpiece and it repeats again.
For percussion, the director will give you a pair of sticks or mallets and ask you to play, from memory, a rhythm that they make. They will make the rhythm and you play it back. Then the director will grade you.
Know that the director will take your choice into consideration, especially if you are good at multiple instruments. But a director cannot just simply give away instrument assignments. The band must be balanced and they want everyone's experience to be enjoyable, rather than frustrating from trying to play your instrument.
The band director hands you a mouthpiece and demonstrates how to blow/buzz into it. He/she will let you try a few times and grade your "performance" on it. Don't be discouraged if you get a bad grade! It's just to see what instrument fits you best. (Think of it like Harry Potter) If you do well on a mouthpiece, the director will attach it to the instrument and ask you to play again, just to see how well your tone is in the instrument. Then, it's on to the next mouthpiece and it repeats again.
For percussion, the director will give you a pair of sticks or mallets and ask you to play, from memory, a rhythm that they make. They will make the rhythm and you play it back. Then the director will grade you.
Know that the director will take your choice into consideration, especially if you are good at multiple instruments. But a director cannot just simply give away instrument assignments. The band must be balanced and they want everyone's experience to be enjoyable, rather than frustrating from trying to play your instrument.
Where do I get my instrument?
Once you are assigned your instrument, the band director will give everyone some time to get their instruments. Instruments can be paid for in three ways: bought, rented, or rent-to-own.
You can buy/rent any instrument from any music store and most schools rent out instruments to their students. Usually, schools rent out the more expensive, larger instruments: tuba, baritone, french horn, and tuba. Ask your school for their renting services.
If you are buying/renting from a music store, you may ask which store and which brand. Ask your band director for their opinion. They will be able to recommend good stores nearby. Brand-wise, your first year, don't try to get the most professional, high-quality horn out there! Your band director will suggest different brands for different instruments,s o be sure to check!
You can buy/rent any instrument from any music store and most schools rent out instruments to their students. Usually, schools rent out the more expensive, larger instruments: tuba, baritone, french horn, and tuba. Ask your school for their renting services.
If you are buying/renting from a music store, you may ask which store and which brand. Ask your band director for their opinion. They will be able to recommend good stores nearby. Brand-wise, your first year, don't try to get the most professional, high-quality horn out there! Your band director will suggest different brands for different instruments,s o be sure to check!
How do I play it?
Well it all depends on what you play! On your first playing day...it is going to be chaos! Everyone will be trying out their instruments, honking, squeaking, blaring, you name it, so don't think you won't know how to play. Most band directors make students by a lesson book that contains fingering charts, cleaning how-to, and playing advice.