Beginner Band - Brass and Woodwinds

This class is where you develop your skills on a brass or woodwind instrument. You are eligible for this class whether you played in middle school or not.

BRASS instruments (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba, highest sounding to lowest) are all played by the same method. You will be taught how to produce the basic "lip buzz" technique and try the various size mouthpieces to see which one is the best fit.

WOODWIND instruments are divided into two groups according to whether they use a reed or not:
  • FLUTE uses a playing technique similar to making a sound on a bottle.
  • CLARINET and the various SAXOPHONES (Alto/Tenor/Baritone, or high/middle/low sounding) use air moving across a REED, a small thin piece of wood, to produce sound.​​

Click the Be Part of the Music button to learn more about the instruments, use the Matching Tool to see which ones interest you, and sign up for information alerts!
Be Part of the Music

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this a class or a club?
​It is a regular class during the school day. You will get a grade on your report card and your transcript will say you have completed Band 1, which will count as your required Fine Arts credit or other elective.
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  • Are there after school practices?
​Marching Band participation is optional for beginners. If you want to join the fun at football games, parades, and competitions with your friends, you will be eligible for a marching spot with the understanding that you will play more and more of the music as you master your instrument. You may also choose to focus on just playing your first year and not march.

  • Do I have to have my own instrument?
​We have a limited number of school owned instruments available to borrow at no charge. After they are all handed out, you will have to provide your own instrument to participate.