Band Instruments

 

 

Beginning band students at Brink may start on the following instruments.  For a list of recommended instrument brands/models, see: Recommended Instruments

 

To hear a sound sample of the instruments, go to the following website and choose either woodwinds, brass, or percussion: Instrument Storage Room

 

Another good site with sound samples: How to Choose a Band Instrument

 

 

Woodwind Instruments

{flute}

 

The flute is one of the higher pitched instruments of the woodwind family. It has a beautiful sound that can be light and happy, or quiet and clean.

 

{clarinet}

 

This is a popular woodwind instrument. It can play both high and low notes. A band generally has more clarinets than any other instrument.  Larger clarinets such as the bass and contra-alto clarinet are available to older students.

 

{oboe}

 

The oboe has a distinct sound and has many beautiful solos in a number of pieces. Its expressive sound is often used to play sad or emotional melodies. It is often said to be a very difficult instrument to play.  Students playing oboe are required to take private lessons. Email Mr. Ortega for a list of private teachers.

 

{bassoon}

 

The bassoon is a double-reed bass woodwind instrument with a long, curved mouthpiece. The sound is made when air strikes the small opening between the double reed.  Students playing bassoon are required to take private lessons.  Email Mr. Ortega for a list of private teachers.

Bassoon is a school-owned instrument.

 

{alto sax}

 

The saxophone is a very popular instrument and comes in various sizes and ranges. Most beginners start on the alto saxophone. Even though made of brass, they are part of the woodwind family.

Larger saxophones such as the tenor and baritone sax are available to older band students.

 

 

 

 

 

Brass Instruments

{trumpet}

 

The trumpet and cornet are the highest pitched instruments in the brass family. They are played in all types of bands and orchestras.

 

{horn}

 

The French horn has a rich full sound. It is a brass instrument built in a circle, with a large bell that is held down by the player's side.

 

{trombone}

 

Trombone

The trombone sounds very brassy like the trumpet, but produces a lower sound. Moving a long slide changes pitches. The trombone is very popular and is in great demand in both bands and orchestras.

 

{baritone}

 

Baritones are made of brass and are usually silver-plated or lacquered. They are actually small tubas. The baritone sounds in the same range as a trombone but has a mellower sound.

 

{tuba}

 

Tuba

The tuba is the largest and deepest member of the brass family. It is actually a gigantic bugle that is held upright. Even though the tuba is big and plays in a low register, it can play very fast notes or light and lively tunes.

 

 

 

 

 

Percussion

{xylophone}

 

You don't just play drums. Xylophone, marimba, bells, chimes, tambourine, timpani, triangle, and cymbals are among the many percussion instruments. Percussion students must learn to play them all.  The beginning percussionist will start on a percussion kit which includes a small set of bells and a drum pad.

See Mr. Smith's 7th grade percussion page.