Selecting a Band or Orchestra Instrument

♫Instrument Selection for Middle School and Beyond♫
by Scott Herman - Cabin John Instrumental Music Director

Which instrument should I play? This is a common question we answer throughout the school year, but one which is not very easy to answer. There are many consideration when selecting an instrument. The students age, prior experience, physical size, mouth, orthodontics, interest, and the needs of the program must all be considered. What seems to be a common factor is that many of our Cabin John students have really benefited from receiving some sort of musical instruction at the elementary age. The students are exposed to music reading, discipline, and the general physical skills necessary for playing in a band or orchestra. However, the students are often limited in size so the elementary programs offer a smaller selection of instruments more suited to younger musicians. As a result, our middle school program relies greatly on the student’s willingness and interest to learn an additional instrument, or simply switching to a slightly larger instrument from what they started in elementary school. Without this, the Cabin John groups would simply resemble extra large elementary ensembles.

A Typical Sixth Grade Class at the Beginning

Band - 12 flutes, 15 clarinets, 8 alto sax, 8 trumpets, 1 trombone, 1 baritones, 3 percussion
Orchestra, 20 violins, 2 violas, 3 cellos, 0 basses.


A typical Seventh and Eighth Grade Ensemble Band, 2 oboes, 1 bassoons, 7 flutes, 12 clarinets, 2 bass clarinet, 1 contra alto clarinet, 4 alto sax, 1 tenor sax, 1 baritone sax, 9 trumpets, 2-4 french horns, 6 trombones, 2 baritones, 3-4 tubas, 5 percussion. Orchestra, 20-30 violins, 6-8 violas, 6-8 cellos, 4 basses.

Comparing the typical 6th grade class to the 7th and 8th grade below, it is obvious that there is a great need to improve the instrument selection. A typically sixth grade band begins with mostly flutes and clarinets, and the orchestras starts with mostly violins. Cabin John 7th and 8th grade performing groups are praised for their mature and often "high school" sound. There is no real secret in attainting this, but it really stems from having a good balance of all the instruments. It can be described as a recipe which has the correct balance of ingredients, resulting in a great taste. Conversely, a recipe with the wrong ingredients is spoiled. Therefore, careful instrument selection can open numerous opportunities for your child, and really make a difference for the middle and high school music program. For example, there are a few instruments like the trombone and cello which can be easily started in elementary school, but because they are slightly larger than others, we are seeing a shortage of these musicians entering Cabin John. This is unfortunate, in that the trombone and cello are two of the most vital and important instruments in the band and orchestra. Be sure, however, that you pick an instrument that your child has some interest in playing. Ultimately, they should be excited to play in the band or orchestra.

Consider having your child learn piano at an early age. Piano opens the door for many opportunities in music since it teaches students to count and read notes before they may be able to physically manage a band or string instrument. Some kids are very successful in learning violin at a very early age like 4 or 5, skills which can easily transfer to other instruments a few years later. With good instruction, students can easily transfer these skills to the many choices offered in the elementary instrumental program. Suggest that your child play clarinet instead of a saxophone. Clarinet players enjoy the band equally, and have the option of switching to many other types of instruments after they get more experience. The saxophone is very costly and often is too large for most fourth graders. A middle school band needs at the most four alto sax players, but can easily accommodate up to twenty clarinets!

The trumpet is a good elementary start-up instrument, and easily transfers to french horn, baritone, trombone, and tuba. The trombone is also a good starting instrument, and is one of the most important instruments in a middle school program. The case is much lighter and more narrow than a saxophone so it can easily be transported home, or placed upright for storage on the bus. Trombone is also one of the most needed instruments in the high school jazz band and the symphony orchestra. Despite its size, the trombone transports the easiest on the bus as compared to any other brass instrument (place it upright). Unfortunately, it is seems to be the least played brass instrument in the elementary programs. Keep in mind that students can learn a second instrument at any time in middle school. Many discover as they mature that they are more suited to another instrument. There are opportunities throughout the school year to change instruments, and summer lessons scholarships are available to students who are interested.

Consider a string instrument. Orchestra instruments in middle school are very elegant sounding, and are very interchangeable. A year or two of violin experience can easily turn into the viola, cello, or bass. There are great opportunities for violists, cellists and bassists in middle and high school. Also, the string rental shops provide reduced sizes of string instruments so students as early as first grade can begin with private string lessons!

Statistics from the regional youth orchestra and honors groups auditions reveal that of the students who auditioned, those that played the flute and alto saxophone had less than a 10% chance of making one of the honors groups, where as a student playing trumpet, clarinet, violin had a 30% chance. The larger instruments like viola, cello, baritone, and tuba had at least a 50 % chance of qualifying. Bassoon had an 80% chance and string bass was over 90% Of course, I have often had parents ask which instruments are most in need at Cabin John. Highlighted in red are instruments which are in greater demand from the elementary school programs.