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"Band/Instrument help"
Asrai 6083 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 00:17 AM (EST)
 
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"Band/Instrument help" |
LAST EDITED ON 09-22-04 AT 08:07 AM (EST)I know we've talked about being in band and playing a musical instrument in the past, but I have a more specific request. In my county, the 6th graders take a test (advanced hearing test and an apptitude for instrumental music test) that decides if they are musically inclined enough to be part of the program that allows them to be in band. My mid kid, Holly, has tested very high and was invited to a couple of meetings to find out more information. We go back next Monday to sign up for an instrument. Tonight was the first meeting. We met the band director and were able to hear a few of his students play some of the instruments so that we had more of an idea on what they were. I'm basically leaving the entire decision on what to play to Holly. The only thing I can play is the harmonica and I tinker with my guitar, so I am of no real help. We talked and she raised some questions that I'd like to ask here so we can get a better idea on the pros and cons. Here is the list of instruments that she has to choose from:
(the ones marked are the ones we heard tonight) *flute
plastic clarinet (WTF?)
*trumpet
*trombone
*percussion (drum pad, bells and xylophone)
*wooden clarinet
silver trumpet
*alto sax
"F" trombone
oboe
tenor sax
*french horn
baritone
*Tuba (heard this, but I don't see it on the list) Here are Holly's thoughts: She liked the sound of the flute but thinks it takes too much breath. She liked the alto sax but thinks it looks old. She doesn't like the tuba because it's HUGE! The french horn was 'played' by a boy who obviously needs more practice. She didn't get a good feel for it. The trombone has a slide and she just didn't seem to like that. She likes the clarinet but it doesn't sound as pretty as the flute. Percussion looked like it'll take too long to learn, and she wants to play "real" drums, not that little pad. Her question is: What instrument is best and am I overlooking anything? I don't want to choose one and later on find out that one of the other ones are not as bad as I thought. Sooo, there you have it. She's my thinker of my 3 girl crew. She takes nothing too lightly and MADE me ask you guys your opinions. Gosh, that makes me sound like I talk a little too much about you guys, huh?!! Any advice? I'd really like to hear your opinions on this. *I'm* paying for this, I want to make sure that not only is she happy, but I don't want to keep making countless trips to the music store either. Thanks in advance, you guys rock. I know I can count on y'all to help make this decision easier.
"You? Are the poster child for debauchery."~Femme
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Gothmog 2886 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 00:46 AM (EST)
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3. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
LAST EDITED ON 09-22-04 AT 01:06 AM (EST)Oboe, sax, and clarinets require lots of reeds--they don't last long, so you'll be replacing them frequently. Also, the screeching will drive you nuts until it's mastered. Brass instruments are lower maintenance. Also fewer fingerings to learn. If she likes playing melody, then trumpet's the way to go there. Baritones, by the way, are very expensive! Flute is also low maintenance. Drums are fun, especially if you like to bang. (Insert inappropriate joke here.) But the melody instruments (xylophone, etc.) take lots of practice to master. Honestly, I don't think it's the choice of instrument that matters. She'll love it if she's given a chance to fall in love with it. Be encouraging and complimentary, take her to concerts and expose her to all kinds of music, and MOST IMPORTANT: do NOT ever force her to practice. Nagging is the quickest way to make her hate it. One more thing--learn along with her! It's never too late!  
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Jims02 7407 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 01:53 AM (EST)
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6. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
LAST EDITED ON 09-22-04 AT 01:56 AM (EST)OK, here's what I've gathered, through the 10 years of band: (By the way, I play the clarinet) I've found that the clarinet is one of the easier instruments initially. After you get the mouth-part right, the fingers are pretty easy. It's played fairly similarly to a recorder. I think it's one of the more "encouraging/easy" instruments to start. Later, the instrument may become more frustrating, as one hits higher notes. Plastic clarinets aren't that bad. I played on a plastic one for a long time, and I still do occasionally. It has a brighter sound than a wooden clarinet, if you really listen. However, the timbre distinction isn't *that* noticeable until much later. In short, plastic clarinets look like wooden ones, are much cheaper, and sound fairly similar. IMO, since wooden ones can be expensive, it's important to know how seriously you want to follow music. I really like the clarinet because it's very versatile. You can go really low and booming or high and lofty. But that's just my preference. Don't let me sway your daughter's opinion. The saxophone, I hear, is a little harder than the clarinet to start, but is similar in nature. The tenor sax can be a lot of fun when you get good at it. The flute has a really pretty sound. My sister plays it, and she does think it takes a considerable amount of breath. Flutes tend to get some interesting music parts and can play a variety of styles. I hear that it is kind of hard to get used to that "blow on the side of the hole" thing though. Brass instruments, I think, are considerably harder to learn at first. With reeded instruments, you don't have to move your lips as much at first. On a brass instrument, you have to change more consistently. Can be a little discouraging at first, especially for "harder" instruments like the french horn or tuba. Drums are attractive because it's fun to hit things. Most likely, though, new players start on a snare drum which is OK but not terribly exciting for some. It basically depends on her tastes. I'm a clarinet person. That's just me. She may turn out to be a "cocky trumpet player."  (I can't resist to still bash trumpets. The ones I know *are* cocky...) 
New TAR5 Game - Place your bets!
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Meemo 3519 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 11:25 AM (EST)
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25. "really?" |
>An alto sax is the sexiest sound that can come out of a musical instrument.Have I mentioned that I am a semi-pro alto sax player? My Buescher Tru-Tone Silver Alto Sax (circa 1927) makes beautiful sounds.
Half man, half amazing, all DAW
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syren 5418 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 06:51 AM (EST)
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9. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
Im elementary school, I started with the Cornet, which is like a Trumpet. In jr. High I learned the sax and onto the tenor sax, and also the baritone. In HS all I played was the baritone, and I loved it. It has a wonderful, full sound. However a concert baritone is almost the same size as a tuba, the marching one is smaller, shaped like a trumpet. I think that the Oboe is a great instrument, has a wonderful sound, and alot of people do not play it. If she does choose the flute, then I suggest that eventually she move to the Piccalo (sp?), it is a beautiful instrument.
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LeftPinky 4150 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 09:15 AM (EST)
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13. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
I've played the flute for nearly 35 years (I also play soprano, alto, tenor & bari sax, piccolo, and various other instruments). It's a lovely instrument that you can use in many places after your life in the school band. The first six months take a lot of work (your daughter won't start it as quickly as the clarinet or saxophone), but then the learning curve loosens up and you have a wonderful time. It is also a great "starter" instrument - many flautists move to oboe (similiar fingering - I could never get the double reed right), saxophone - almost identical fingering and piccolo - same thing. The only maintenance I've done on my instrument is a couple of new sets of pads (over 35 years, not bad).I would recommend that you find a music store with a "lease to own" program that allows you to change instruments a couple of times if necessary without losing any of your money paid toward purchase. I always wanted to play the trumpet or drums, but my parents wouldn't let me. I haven't been disappointed with the flute! Good luck! (My 9 year old started playing the flute in August, we're still in the tough learning curve)...
 Slice & Dice Chop Shop 2004
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Breezy 18380 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 09:21 AM (EST)
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15. "Hey Pinky!" |
Sure just ruin my post, I just said no one mentioned that the oboe and flute are the same fingering positions (out of the gutter peeps).
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Asrai 6083 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 09:36 AM (EST)
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16. "WOW!" |
Such awesome advice! Thanks sooooo much for this, guys. It's really helping. I read some of these to Holly before she left for school and she said that she is *even* more confused!I mean it, you guys are *MY* music. Thanks again for all the help, it really means a lot to Holly & I. We have so much to think about, but I don't want to overwhelm her by making her think it's a life or death decision, ya know? BTW, the director gave us info on the music center that they use. The center has a buy on payment plan deal, a re-rental deal and even a budget select deal for those that qualify. They offer free exchange, free repair, heck....a lot of freebies! It's crackin' me up how many of you have mentioned the 'cocky' trumpets. The director MUST'VE been a trumpet player, as he made a 'by the way, the trumpet is THE best instrument there is' remark! Had me rollin'! Once again, muchas gracias, amigos!
"You? Are the poster child for debauchery."~Femme
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PhoenixMons 4696 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 09:43 AM (EST)
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17. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
LAST EDITED ON 09-22-04 AT 09:45 AM (EST)Well, most of you know that I play drums. My mom is/was a drummer so it was natural for me to gravitate toward drums. Drums, IMO, are THE instrument. Of course, I am a BIT biased, but the drums really have a HUGE role to play in the band. They have to maintain the rhythm for the rest of the musicians (which is not always easy...often you'll find that the others will tend to speed up as songs progress)...the band leader/conductor, in the end, is secondary to the drums in terms of leading the band. If the drummers are off, the band will be off (you are more inclined to play along with what you HEAR as opposed with what you SEE). If the drummers aren't able to keep the band in check, then it will not be a pretty sound. Drums are also the most diverse because there is just so much you can play. I play a TON of percussion instruments. I played the standard snare, bass, crash cymbals (which was fun at 9!) from 3rd to 5th. I then played set/kit from 6th to 7th (had an AWESOME band director who was tough as nails but she ROCKED and LOVED having a girl drummer as she was one, too). I played in a lot of honor bands (at that time, it was still pretty rare for girls to be drummers....my mom had to send a note with me when I started band with a little article attached to it saying how unfairly girls are treated if they play/want to play drums - they were trying to get me to play flute or clarinet or sax, but I had already been playing drums for a while) and really loved playing drums. The xylophone, while not entirely exciting now, will be nice to learn so she can learn to play marimbas when she's in high school (assuming her school will have/teach them - I sometimes forget that not all school shave as many percussion instruments as we, as a performing arts school, had). Marimbas are really cool. I assume you've heard of Lionel Hampton (jazz - master of the marimbas)? He is way cool (and I got to meet him and see him in concert  ). If she can isolate different body parts and can do two different things at once (the whole pat head/rub tummy thing) then drumming is perfect. And she will get to play "real" drums later if that's what she's worried about. Gotta start small. I admit that I haven't really heard of using drum pads in a band (I am not even sure I know what kind of drum pad we're talking about...I assume it's some sort of electronic drum machine - one that still requires the basic fundamentals of drumming - I hope it's not some machine where you just push a button and out comes drums). If she does go the percussion route and you think she's serious about it (as she gets going), get her some rudiments books so she can learn terminology and basic sticking drills. That's important if she wants to really play (in high school or whatever). Before long she'll know what a paradiddle and flamacue are (). Being a drummer isn't just a bunch of banging on things (though that's usually what people think of when they think of drums). It's extremely difficult if you are really serious about it. It takes a LOT of practice to become a halfway decent percussionist. But the range of instruments within the percussion family is SO great...she can play snare (which is generally what they all want to play because it's usually got the most intricate rhythms and parts), bass, cymbals, xylophone, marimbas, timpanis (those kettle-like drums at the symphony), timbales, congas, even steel drums (all of which I've played at one point or another)...and TONS more. Drumming is loads of fun and I would recommend it for anyone (well anyone with rhythm!). As for the others, I would suggest oboe, but oboes are double reed instruments and I've heard they are extremely hard to play. It will certainly be annoying as all hell when she's learning, but if she is serious and gets good enough, there are some amazing oboe scholarships out there (that and the bassoon - one of the main instruments in Peter and the Wolf...though I forget which part...maybe even Peter?). I'd also recommend the trombone. It's great in jazz bands and there's usually not enough trombonists to go around. My dh played trombone in junior high band. He said he could still play if he picked up a trombone today, so I imagine it's pretty easy to get started on once you get the slide positions down. It was like that for me with steel drums. Once you learn where all of the notes are (I played bass steel drums, which consisted of 6 large garbage can looking drums, each of which had 3 notes), you can pick it up easily if you're musically inclined. Trombone seems like it would be totally fun to play. They always have cool parts, too. Like drums, you don't see a whole lot of females playing trombone - so that's always a bonus. I think if I didn't play drums I'd want to play sax (either alto or tenor...probably tenor). It's a sexy instrument and they get great parts. My sister played trumpet (whomever said they are usually cocky...that is SO true IMO...and I've known a LOT of trumpet players from elementary on up to my performing groups in high school...they were almost ALL incredibly cocky...in general and about playing trumpet...wonder if that's a character trait that makes people gravitate toward trumpets? Probably since they play lead in most school band situations). She was okay. She was better at violin (which I see is not on the list...bummer cause the strings are way cool). Silver trumpets are WAY cooler than brass ones, IMO...looking at least. All of the guys in my performing arts high school had both and played with their silver trumpets most all the time. I always wanted to play french horn just because it looked like such a fun instrument. The sound is kinda muffled and the sound isn't as cool as the way the instrument looks. Flute is pretty and there is ALWAYS a place for flautists...they can play in everything from classical orchestras to jazz bands (jazz flute is really pretty) to mariachi bands (my best friend in h.s. played flute in our orchestra, jazz band, and mariachi band...she played alto sax too, btw) Ya know what though? I can almost ALWAYS tell what instrument a person plays (or should or would want to play) by looking at him/her. If you show me a pic of your daughter, I can tell you what she should play Clarinet is cool, but there's the reed issue. Clarinets are one of my favorite musical sounds...very pretty woodsy sound. Bary and Tuba are instrments I personally wouldn't want to play just because of their size - at this age I'd imagine it'd be hard. But the tuba players in the U of A marching band have the coolest parts (the dancing tubas, as they're called...they are SO cool!). For that alone, I'd learn to play tuba! I just am not really fond of their sound over hte other instruments, but that's a personal thing. One thing is that I'd definitely leave the decision entirely up to her, as you've planned (and explain the varying expenses to her...which you should be able to get a better idea about by talking to the musical director/teacher at her school). There's nothing worse than a kid playing an instrument he/she doesn't want to play. If my band director had forced me to play the flute I'd probably have shoved it down his throat eventually (it's just not for me, even though I could play it...my best friend taught me a little). You have to be comfortable with the instrument in order to want to play it well enough to make it worth while. I would love for my daughter to want to play drums when she's older, but if she wants to play the trumpet (or nothing at all, which I would be TOTALLY shocked by since she's SOOOOO incredibly musically gifted for her age) I'd be behind her 100%. I'm glad you've left the decision up to Holly! Not a whole lot of parents do that (it seems), so yay you! Sorry for the novel, I just get a little carried away when talking about music (my love). I hope she finds something she really likes!
"Here is my secret. It's quite simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."
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Asrai 6083 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 10:17 AM (EST)
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20. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
Ya know what though? I can almost ALWAYS tell what instrument a person plays (or should or would want to play) by looking at him/her. If you show me a pic of your daughter, I can tell you what she should play
Funny thing about the tubas. Last college football season, Femme and her hubby drove from Ohio to my place in Indiana to see a Penn State vs. IU game. While tailgating, the IU band came out. The were introduced as "The Marching Hundred" in such a way that I thought we were gonna be spectator to a wrestling or boxing match! They were playing something (I can't remember now) and suddenly they broke out in this funky deal where the tubas were just rockin'! Femme and I cheered so loud and then laughed our tails off. To this day, we'll without warning say to the other.....The Marching Hundred as we start acting like we're playing tubas as we rock out around the room. Needless to say, our husbands aren't amused!! FWIW, *I* love the drums more than anything. Most of my BF were drummers. I just *swoon* over drummers. The drum pad looks like the top part of the drum. It didn't sound like a drum, but more like using drumsticks on a padded book. We go to a lot of the basketball games here (Indiana, who doesn't go to basketball games?) and the middle school band uses the 'real' drums for that. I'm guessing for learning purposes, learning how to stick, getting the rythym down, etc. they just use the drum pad. This is the link to the center that we'll be using for her rentals and such. They show the instruments that she can play with the exceptions of the strings. Thanks for all the info everybody. I'm digging all this and wish I was playing in band! Muncie Music Center
"You? Are the poster child for debauchery."~Femme
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nailbone 27263 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 10:30 AM (EST)
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22. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
Well, *I'm* a drummer (since 7th grade - 30+ years ago), and I don't have much to add to what PM said, except to say there just aren't enough chick drummers. Seriously, though, they do use that pad thing for learning/practicing/etc. cuz it's not as loud and it's easier for the teacher to talk over it to explain things, and it doesn't require sound-proofing. When the performances come along, she'll be playing a real drum. And I do want to emphasize that as a percussionist, she'll be able to learn MANY instruments, including keyboard instruments that will allow her to learn to read music. And she'll be better able to choose the level of expertise she wants to reach. If she wants to excel, and she's willing to practice A LOT, she can play lots of different instruments. If she's not highly motivated or a big practicer, there're still percussion instruments that she can play that don't require that much skill or practice. 
 
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PhoenixMons 4696 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 11:14 AM (EST)
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24. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
Ah, see now I didn't think they would use an actual drum pad (the things that look like a cross between a sting ray and a flattened wide-brimmed hat) because I was thinking more in terms of actually PLAYING the drum pad, not just learning on it. It was just before 6 a.m. when I started writing that message (the stupid effing doorbell woke me up...WTF rings a doorbell at 6 a.m.?). That makes sense though. It's easier to learn how to do a lot of things with a rubber drum pad because they bounce back...you can learn how to do drum rolls a LOT easier that way. I just hope they give the kids enough practice on REAL drums before shows and such because it is a lot different playing on the real thing...That music center sounds cool! I never really dealt with music stores before because my mom had drums already and I had all of my lessons through either my mom or through school (private lessons through my high school). Picture wise...hmmmmmmm...since I cant see her eyes, I'm going to go with the sax. She looks like she'd enjoy the sax and I can see her rocking out on a sax. Or trunpet (girl trumpet players don't seem to be as cocky as boy trumpet players). Or drums. Actually, she does have a drummer look about her...and that's not just me hoping she'll join the ranks Funny about the tubas. I haven't seen any other dancing tubas. They do the same little dance every year (with a few minor changes). It's during their exit off the field after their half time show. The tubas and (of course) percussion section are the last to leave the field. The drummers are (damn it's been a LONG time and I don't know if I remember correctly) behind the tuba players and there are about 15 tuba players in a row all dancing their little dance with their tubas. Way cool! Best part of the show (U of A band kinda sucks so, IMO, they are the highlight of the show). Gotta go get ready. Kaia's got a drs appt today and I haven't started getting ready yet! And my water's already running!
"Here is my secret. It's quite simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."
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DSpunk 3270 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 01:51 PM (EST)
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31. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
PM, you rock! Thanks for that very insightful post. It makes ME want to play drums.
  Sliced. Again.
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udg 3381 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 04:39 PM (EST)
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34. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
She should play which ever one she loves. She really won't stick with it if she doesn't. If one doesn't REALLY stand out for her now, rent (or borrow) an instrument first. Let her play it for 3-6 months, and reevaluate from there.My sister and I both play flute. Having a good instrument matters. Having a good teacher matters. Having a teacher who is a good match for your skills & personality matters. My sister played Oboe for a while in high school, because she was frustrated with her flute teacher and the band had plenty of flutes but needed an oboe. Now she's the 2nd chair flute in the freshman band at college (she started this month *sniffle*). While I was the "better" musician at the high school level, I think that my sister has the dedication to stick with it and continue playing for life. I think part of the reason for it was that my parents were constantly harping on me to practice. By the time my sister's turn rolled around (she's 8 years younger than I), they mostly left it up to her, and she played when she wanted to, and CHOSE to practice daily. I took lessons from a couple of different music professors at a local university. My sister started out taking lessons there, then switched to a teacher at a local music store instead. 
Slice n' Dice's Sigpic Chop Shop 2004
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tvgeek401 1615 desperate attention whore postings
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09-22-04, 08:43 PM (EST)
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37. "RE: Band/Instrument help" |
I took two years of violin (bleh) in jr high then switched to the flute and played for three more years. But I always regretted not being able to play the drums. They get to learn how to play so many different instruments and they get really good at it. very exciting to watch and listen to. So my two cents would be the drums.
As for trumpets, I think being cocky is a prerequisite. Every trumpet player I have ever met has been cocky. Inotolerably so.
Handcrafted by RollDdice
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p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e -
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p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e -
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