BEGINNER BAND
In the first year of band, you learn all the basics. How to make a really good sound, read music, rhythm and how to move your fingers all at the same time! By winter time you are ready to perform at concerts. In the spring, you take your first contest trip. And most important you have fun and make tons of new friends!
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HOW TO JOIN BANDWe begin Band in 7th grade, so it's really important to not miss this opportunity. Remember to select band 1st or 2nd on your class selection card. No experience necessary!
Instruments you can choose from are: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba and Percussion WHAT IS THE INSTRUMENT CHOICE DAY? |
WHAT DO THE INSTRUMENTS SOUND LIKE?
LISTEN BELOW!
FLUTEThe flute is a beautiful and popular instrument appearing as the melody in many songs. The sound on the flute is produced in the same way as blowing across the top of a bottle.
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OBOEThe oboe is a double reed woodwind instrument, played by blowing through two reeds that have been tied together. The potential oboist must be an independent thinker since there are only a few players per band. HEBISD Provided
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BASSOONThe bass counterpart of the oboe, the bassoon is also a double reed instrument. Like the oboe, the aspiring bassoonist must be able to think independently since there are only a few players per band. HEBISD Provided
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CLARINETThe clarinet is a good choice for most students. It is fun to play because it is a primary melody instrument. The only students not suited to the clarinet are those students with unusually narrow fingers that cannot cover the finger holes.
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SAXOPHONEAlthough it is made of brass, the saxophone is considered a woodwind instrument because it is played with a single reed like the clarinet. Because of its use in today’s music, the saxophone is one of the most popular band instruments.
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TRUMPETBrass instruments are played by blowing through the lips while closed, producing a “buzzing” sound. The trumpet is the primary melodic brass instrument. It is one of the most versatile of all the band instruments and is used in the concert band and jazz band.
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FRENCH HORNMany students are attracted to the horn through movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Lord of the Rings,” in which the horn is prominently featured. Because it can produce a wide range of tones, the horn requires a good ear. HEBISD Provided
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TROMBONEThe trombone is a very versatile instrument that is found in the concert band and jazz band. The trombone uses a slide rather than valves to change the notes.
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EUPHONIUMThe baritone has a similar range and feel as the trombone but has valves like the trumpet. Both instruments use a larger mouthpiece than the trumpet, distributing pressure over a wider area, making it easier for students who have, or are likely to have braces. HEBISD Provided
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TUBAThe tuba is a good choice for active students because it is the main bass instrument of the band and gets to play almost all of the time. When available, tuba players are issued an older second instrument to keep at home as a practice instrument. The tuba is a good choice for students with braces. HEBISD Provided
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PERCUSSIONYou will learn to play all of the percussion instruments, not just the drums. The ability to keep a steady beat is a must! Prior piano experience is helpful but not required. Percussion candidates must pass a percussion aptitude/coordination test..
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