Meet the Band Instruments!
Meet the Woodwind Family
The flute makes the highest sound in the band. Because of the physical demands of playing in the upper register, this instrument requires a specific lip shape. It is necessary to create an extremely small aperture to play high notes on the flute. Unfortunately, very full or curvy lips or a top lip with a teardrop shape DO NOT work well. On the other hand, thinner lips that are even with a flat top lip are fantastic for playing the flute and are rewarded with gorgeous sounds!
Curious how the Flute sounds?
The oboe looks a lot like a clarinet but is played with a “double reed” instead of a single reed. The oboe produces a very unique, exotic and beautiful tone. It is a special “color instrument” in the band, considered a “solo instrument” at all times. Oboe students should relish the opportunity to be heard, to “sing” their part in the band. Because of the extremely flexible nature of the oboe, students must demonstrate an exceptional ability to “hear” and produce correct pitch.
Curious how the Oboe sounds?
Private Instruction: Because there are a limited number of instruments available, students enrolled with a school-owned instrument are REQUIRED to participate in our outstanding private lesson program.
Note: Students who participate in private lessons experience less frustration and statistically are more likely to continue their music education into high school.
The bassoon is the lowest sounding member of the woodwind family. It is similar to the oboe in that it uses a double reed to produce the sound. The bassoon produces a very unique, deep, rich tone. Like oboe, it is a very special “color instrument” in the band, considered a “solo instrument” at all times. Bassoon students should relish the opportunity to be heard, to “sing” their part in the band. Because of the extremely flexible nature of the bassoon, students must demonstrate an exceptional ability to “hear” and produce correct pitch.
Curious how the Bassoon sounds?
Bassoon: Bassoon Demonstration (click link)
Note: Students who participate in private lessons experience less frustration and statistically are more likely to continue their music education into high school.
The clarinet uses a “single reed” and mouthpiece to produce a beautiful sound. This is a very versatile instrument. It can play very high and very low. It has the largest range (the most number of notes) of all the instruments in the band! This is normally a large group of kids in the band with multiple parts so if you like playing solos there is a great part for you and if you like playing in a group there is a fabulous part for you too!
Curious how the Clarinet sounds?
The Alto Saxophone is a member of the woodwind family and uses a single reed and mouthpiece (like the clarinet) to produce the tone. The alto saxophone plays the “middle tones” in the band, not low or high. Rather than playing the melody in the band (like clarinet or flute) it more often plays the harmony or accompaniment.
Curious how the Saxophone sounds?