Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- Which instruments are allowed in band ?
- Is it possible to play the guitar or piano in band class?
- Which instrument should I choose?
- Should we buy a new or used instrument?
- The saxophone is too big or too expensive. Is there an alternative to a saxoph
- Should we start with the Alto or Tenor Saxophone?
- Is it possible to play the oboe or the bassoon as a beginner?
- What's the difference between a trumpet and a cornet?
- Which percussion instrument should we start with?
- Which instrument is the easiest to learn?
- Do girls or boys do better on certain instruments?
- How often should a beginner practice?
- Who is qualified to teach private lessons to a beginner?
- What reeds are best
- What if I have questions on one of these topics?
- Items needed for class
- Where do I rent a bass guitar?
- Where do I rent a bell kit?
- Instruments need to be practiced opn a daily basis. See Edline for assignments
- What do I need for class?
Which instruments are allowed in band ?
Band instruments typically include: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet
or Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Percussion.
Is it possible to play the guitar or piano in band class?
Generally, the answer is no. These instruments are not typical band or
orchestra instruments. There isn't anything wrong with choosing to play a
guitar or piano. They can be extremely rewarding. They just don't fit into
band.
Which instrument should I choose?
This is perhaps the biggest question of all. You will hear three types of
answers this question.
First, some teachers will emphasize physical characteristics of the student.
They will match an instrument to students according to lip shape, mouth
shape, hand size and overall physique.
Second, others will attempt to convince students to choose less popular
instruments in order to end up with a balanced band or orchestra.
Both of these methods have merit but the third and best method is to simply
encourage students to choose according to the sound of the instrument.
Each instrument has a unique sound. Each student will tend to be attracted
to
some sounds more than others. Some desire the low sounds of a string bass or
a tuba. Others will naturally lean towards the higher pitches of a flute
while others will appreciate the beauty of a viola of the French Horn. The
best method is to hear the instruments live by competent performers.
Listening to recordings is also helpful.
Students who end up with an instrument that they don�t care for, are less
motivated to practice and are less likely to succeed.
Should we buy a new or used instrument?
Many used instruments can be extremely reliable and usable for musicians of
any level. Generally, brass, string and percussion instruments are more
durable than woodwinds. Woodwind instruments use fragile pads to cover holes
on the instrument. These pads can rip, mildew, swell or deteriorate due to
age. If you know a musician who can check out a used instrument for you, it
can be an excellent way to go.
The saxophone is too big or too expensive. Is there an alternative to a saxoph
Yes. The clarinet is very similar to a saxophone. Both use a single reed and
the fingerings are very similar. Since many students simply do not have
large
enough hands to play the saxophone, the clarinet is a good choice for
beginners. It's not difficult to switch to the saxophone later.
Should we start with the Alto or Tenor Saxophone?
Alto. The tenor saxophone is quite large and difficult to handle for
elementary age students and smaller sized middle school students. Even the
alto saxophone is too large for many students.
Is it possible to play the oboe or the bassoon as a beginner?
Yes. Many students can successfully start on these double reed instruments.
If they are allowed in a beginning band, there are two factors to be aware
of. The cost of these instruments, especially the bassoon is very high. They
also require expensive reeds that will need to be replaced on a regular
basis. These instruments can also be more difficult for a beginner than most
of the other instruments. It�s a good idea to take private lessons to play
oboe or bassoon.
The oboe, bassoon as well as the french horn are the three top instruments
for
getting the most scholarship money for college.
What's the difference between a trumpet and a cornet?
For the beginner, there isn't a noticeable difference. The trumpet is a bit
longer and slightly brighter sounding than a cornet. Either instrument is
suitable for beginners.
Which percussion instrument should we start with?
A percussion player will eventually play everything in the percussion
section. This includes the snare drum, bass drum, bells, triangles, cymbals
and many others. Students tend to have more success if they start on the
bells and later move to the non-pitched instruments like the snare and bass
drum. The drum set is rarely used in school bands.
Which instrument is the easiest to learn?
This depends on the student. Each instrument has unique difficulties. The
French Horn is particularly difficult because so many notes can be played
with each valve combination. Students who have some previous music
experience
with piano or elsewhere tend to be more successful with the French Horn.
Do girls or boys do better on certain instruments?
No. It's true that more girls may play the flute and more boys play the tuba
but gender doesn't correlate with success on any instrument. Thousands of
musicians have proven boys or girls can succeed on any instrument.
How often should a beginner practice?
Generally, the more a student practices, the better they will sound on their
instrument. This is especially true if they are working with a tutor or
teacher. Otherwise bad habits may develop by unguided practice.
A typical practice schedule for a successful student is 30 minutes,
five days per week. Even 10 to 15 minutes of practice each night can be
effective. Spreading out practice time is important. Two hours of practice
in one evening is not nearly as beneficial as four evenings of 30 minutes.
Advanced students practice 45 minutes to 1hour daily.
Who is qualified to teach private lessons to a beginner?
There is an assumption that anyone with music experience can teach others up
to their level. It's easy to find private teachers who may say they will
take
beginners only. This may be due to a legitimate preference or it may be
because the teacher only has an intermediate education on the instrument.
Just as we wouldn�t consider hiring a person with a ninth grade reading
ability to teach eighth grade readers we shouldn�t hire music teachers who
lack a substantial background in music. The best teachers tend to be college
graduates with music degrees. There are exceptions, but less qualified
teachers sometimes don�t have an understanding of the finer points of a
young
musician�s development.
What reeds are best
Clarinet- Mitchel Laurie
Saxophone- Hempke is the best.
What if I have questions on one of these topics?
You may always contact Mr. Olsen by e-mail.
Items needed for class
Essential Elements Book 1
Instrument
reeds
pencil
Water
Where do I rent a bass guitar?
Nick rail 909-798-9998
Where do I rent a bell kit?
Nick rail 909-798-9998
Why Rent an Instrument from Nick Rail Music?
At Nick Rail Music all of the rental paid can be applied to the purchase
price
of your instrument. Rent until you have purchased the instrument with no
interest charges. If you choose to pay the balance in full within 90 days, a
generous discount will be offered. We guarantee the very best price!
* Rent with Purchase Option, no interest charges
* New Instruments only the best major name brands
* Used Rental Instruments,major brands in mint condition
* Service,toll-free numbers save you money on phone calls
* Repair service-largest facility between Los Angeles & Bay Area
* Pick-up and Delivery,our reps are on the road five days a week
* Purchase Discounts,35% off remaining balance if paid in full within 90
days
Instruments need to be practiced opn a daily basis. See Edline for assignments
Answer #19 (blank)
What do I need for class?
Clarinet Reeds 3 each Mitchel Laurie, no orange box 2 1/2 strength
swab for your instrument woodwinds,
valve oil.