Band Instruments Taught at the Music Conservatory
On this website page, you will learn about the woodwind, brass and percussion instruments that are taught at the conservatory.
A brief description describing the instrument and its role in the band accompanies each picture. In most cases, parents and guardians of a band student will need to purchase or lease/purchase an instrument from a music store. Instruments that intermediate or advanced players may want to consider learning are listed near the end of this page on the website.
A brief description describing the instrument and its role in the band accompanies each picture. In most cases, parents and guardians of a band student will need to purchase or lease/purchase an instrument from a music store. Instruments that intermediate or advanced players may want to consider learning are listed near the end of this page on the website.
What instrument should I play?
To help a student decide what instrument to play, keep in mind that a balanced instrumentation needs to be maintained. According to the most famous band director of all time - John Philip Sousa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Philip_Sousa) - there should be a 2:1 ratio of woodwind to brass instruments, i.e., twice as many woodwind as brass instruments.
The instrumentation of the 2015-2016 Conestoga Christian School Concert Band is listed below. According to "the Sousa standard," our group needs to double the number of woodwind players in our band. Students interested in playing brass instruments (especially trumpet), however, are not discouraged from joining in the fun of playing in a band just because the ratio is a little out of balance.
Woodwind Instruments = 6 players
Flutes = 5
Clarinets = 2
Alto Saxophones = 1
Tenor Saxophones = 0
Brass Instruments = 6 players
Trumpets = 0
French/alto horns = 1
Trombones = 3
Euphoniums or baritones = 1
Tubas = 1
Percussion Instruments = 6 players
Battery Percussion = 4
Orchestra Bells = 1
Electronic Keyboard = 1
In 2015-2016, the CCS Concert Band joined with the band from Berks Christian School for all our performances. This resulted in a very balanced band that also included six violinists.
The instrumentation of the 2015-2016 Conestoga Christian School Concert Band is listed below. According to "the Sousa standard," our group needs to double the number of woodwind players in our band. Students interested in playing brass instruments (especially trumpet), however, are not discouraged from joining in the fun of playing in a band just because the ratio is a little out of balance.
Woodwind Instruments = 6 players
Flutes = 5
Clarinets = 2
Alto Saxophones = 1
Tenor Saxophones = 0
Brass Instruments = 6 players
Trumpets = 0
French/alto horns = 1
Trombones = 3
Euphoniums or baritones = 1
Tubas = 1
Percussion Instruments = 6 players
Battery Percussion = 4
Orchestra Bells = 1
Electronic Keyboard = 1
In 2015-2016, the CCS Concert Band joined with the band from Berks Christian School for all our performances. This resulted in a very balanced band that also included six violinists.
C Flute
The flute is a woodwind instrument made of nickel or silver. Considered to be the oldest member of the woodwind family, flutes were originally made of wood and were often held in a vertical position, like recorders. Recorders are still played in many music classrooms across America. Modern flutes, however, are held horizontally. The sound on a flute is produced by gently blowing across the tone hole (similar to blowing across an empty bottle). The flute is among the highest sounding instruments in the band and is often difficult to play at first. Despite the initial difficulties, flautists usually become the best instrumentalists in most bands. To maintain a balanced band, there should be two flutes for every three clarinets. Flutes often play beautiful melodies or descant parts.
Bb Soprano Clarinet
Student model clarinets are made of a hard plastic material called resonite. A single cane reed vibrates in order to produce the sound. There are two ways a clarinet is similar to the recorders used in music class: the instrument is held vertically and the student’s fingers must cover the tone holes. Forming the basis for a good concert band sound, there should be more clarinets in the band than any other instrument - according to John Philip Sousa, at least two for every trumpet. The clarinet is an excellent melody and harmony instrument because it can play both low and high tones with a nice mellow sound. Beginners easily get a good sound on this instrument. The Conestoga band needs several more clarinet players! Conestoga needs clarinets more than any other instrument!
Eb Alto or Bb Tenor Saxophone
This woodwind instrument was invented approximately 130 years ago by Adolf Sax. He invented it in order to provide a fuller, richer sound to the band. Many people believe saxes are a brass instrument, but musicians classify it as a woodwind instrument for several reasons: 1) it uses a single reed similar to a clarinet; 2) it has many keys like the flute and clarinet; 3) the fingerings are nearly identical to the flute and clarinet.
Although this instrument uses a clarinet-like mouthpiece, the saxophone produces a more “brassy” sound than the clarinet for obvious reasons. Consequently, the main purpose of the alto saxophone is to link the sound of the woodwind instruments to that of the brass and the tenor adds richness to the lower brass instruments. The Conestoga band needs either alto or tenor saxes, but especially the alto.
Because US President Bill Clinton played the tenor sax, this instrument was extremely popular during the 1990s. Stores would sell out of altos and tenors as soon as they arrived. A modern day concert band only needs a few saxes to achieve a balanced sound.
Although this instrument uses a clarinet-like mouthpiece, the saxophone produces a more “brassy” sound than the clarinet for obvious reasons. Consequently, the main purpose of the alto saxophone is to link the sound of the woodwind instruments to that of the brass and the tenor adds richness to the lower brass instruments. The Conestoga band needs either alto or tenor saxes, but especially the alto.
Because US President Bill Clinton played the tenor sax, this instrument was extremely popular during the 1990s. Stores would sell out of altos and tenors as soon as they arrived. A modern day concert band only needs a few saxes to achieve a balanced sound.
Bb Trumpet or Cornet
The trumpet is the basic and best known instrument of the brass family. Known for its brilliant sound, its cousin, the cornet, has a mellower sound because it is shorter and fatter than the trumpet. This band version of a bugle uses three values to change notes. Although it may be called upon to frequently play the melody, the bright sound of the trumpet often provides excitement and contrast to the softer woodwind sounds. There should be one trumpet for every two clarinets in a balanced band. It would be great if the Conestoga band would have one or two new trumpet players this school year since our senior trumpeter is graduating in 2014.
French Horn (Horn in F)
The French horn is a middle-range brass instrument that uses three rotary valves. This member of the brass family is designed to produce the rich mellow tones needed to play beautiful harmonies and counter-melodies. Listen carefully to theme and background music performed for both television shows and movies and you will hear the French horn often soaring above the rest of the instruments. Like the saxophone,
the French horn is also a "linking" instrument designed to join the brass sounds of the band to those of the woodwind family. Students who “have a good ear” should consider playing this vital band instrument. Bands lacking a horn section may sound somewhat dull and not as full or mature as they should. Consequently, the French horn is a very important to the band.
Interesting fact: the French horn has more tubing than a tuba and a smaller mouthpiece
than a trumpet. Therefore, it can play both lower and higher than these two instruments.
the French horn is also a "linking" instrument designed to join the brass sounds of the band to those of the woodwind family. Students who “have a good ear” should consider playing this vital band instrument. Bands lacking a horn section may sound somewhat dull and not as full or mature as they should. Consequently, the French horn is a very important to the band.
Interesting fact: the French horn has more tubing than a tuba and a smaller mouthpiece
than a trumpet. Therefore, it can play both lower and higher than these two instruments.
Eb Alto Horn (sometimes called a "Peck Horn")
The Eb Alto Horn is a smaller version of the euphonium or baritone; however, it sounds more like a trumpet and usually plays the same music as a French horn. These horns were commonly found in bands during the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, but the mellower sound of the French horn now seems to be the preference for most concert bands
in our country. Musicians who play both the alto and French horn usually discover that it is easier to play the alto horn than the French horn.
Conestoga Christian School owns a shiny, beautiful Eb Alto Horn that looks like new. The instrument is lonely and earnestly desires someone at our school to play it!
in our country. Musicians who play both the alto and French horn usually discover that it is easier to play the alto horn than the French horn.
Conestoga Christian School owns a shiny, beautiful Eb Alto Horn that looks like new. The instrument is lonely and earnestly desires someone at our school to play it!
Trombone
Perhaps the oldest member of the brass family, the trombone sounds lower than a trumpet and uses a “slide” to change notes rather than valves. As powerhouse instruments, trombones provide a firm foundation for the band. 2,000 years ago, the Roman Empire used trombones in ceremonies and as a way to communicate commands
to its legions on the battlefield. A modern balanced band consists of one trombone for every two trumpets. A band without enough trombones sounds “immature” and "top heavy." Trombones usually play harmony and powerful melodies in band music. The Conestoga band needs several more trombone players!
Interesting fact: 400-500 years ago, this instrument was called the "sackbut."
to its legions on the battlefield. A modern balanced band consists of one trombone for every two trumpets. A band without enough trombones sounds “immature” and "top heavy." Trombones usually play harmony and powerful melodies in band music. The Conestoga band needs several more trombone players!
Interesting fact: 400-500 years ago, this instrument was called the "sackbut."
Euphonium or Baritone (Bass Clef or Treble Clef)
The name "euphonium" is derived from the word "euphonious" which means "pleasant-sounding or having a pleasant sound." Some dictionaries include the following synonyms: harmonious, tuneful, musical, melodic, easy on the ear, mellow, pleasant, lyrical.
All these words describe this gorgeous instrument - the euphonium.
Many people call the euphonium a baritone. Technically there is a difference between the two instruments, but for our purposes, they are one in the same.
Euphoniums or baritones may play beautiful melodies and countermelodies in the same range as the trombone but with a mellow “French horn-like” sound. Sometimes they are called upon to "double" the tuba part of the band arrangement, but with a higher sound. Most bands should have two or three of these instruments.
BBb or CC Tuba
As you can tell, the alto horn, euphonium and tuba look very similar. The alto horn is half the size of the euphonium and the euphonium is half the size of a tuba. Many people confuse the tuba with the sousaphone. The sousaphone is just like the tuba, but it wraps around the player's body so it may be easily carried in a marching band.
Tubas provide the low and firm foundation upon which the sound of a modern day concert band is based. Tubas usually play harmony or what many call "the bass" part of the music. A versatile player on this instrument can play to the lowest sounds heard by the human ear and as high as the lower notes on the trumpet. In the middle and higher range, tubas sound similar to the beautiful and lyrical tones of a euphonium or French horn.
Most bands need two or three tubas. If your family is able to purchase a used tuba or a new 3/4 size tuba on a website such as eBay, this would add so much to the band. Rentals may also be obtained through Menchey Music Service.
Interesting note: the tubas of 400-500 years ago were often shaped like snakes crawling on the ground. Consequently, they were called "serpents."
Tubas provide the low and firm foundation upon which the sound of a modern day concert band is based. Tubas usually play harmony or what many call "the bass" part of the music. A versatile player on this instrument can play to the lowest sounds heard by the human ear and as high as the lower notes on the trumpet. In the middle and higher range, tubas sound similar to the beautiful and lyrical tones of a euphonium or French horn.
Most bands need two or three tubas. If your family is able to purchase a used tuba or a new 3/4 size tuba on a website such as eBay, this would add so much to the band. Rentals may also be obtained through Menchey Music Service.
Interesting note: the tubas of 400-500 years ago were often shaped like snakes crawling on the ground. Consequently, they were called "serpents."
Snare Drum and other Battery Percussion Instruments
Without a doubt, drums are the oldest instrument. However, the snare drum is a rather new invention and came into existence during the 1800s.
Battery percussion instruments are often referred to as drums, however, battery percussion instruments come with the label "No Batteries Required." In music, battery means that the player must strike or shake the instrument in order to produce a sound. Students learning these instruments will begin with the snare drum and expand to other instruments as they progress. A "snare drum kit" is pictured to the left. Only a handful of drummers are needed in a balanced band.
The best percussionists need exceptionally fine motor skills since most of what a player does is controlled by the finger tips. Many beginning percussionists think all they have to do is bang on the drum head and it works. Wrong! Students who think this way usually stop playing after three or four months. If a child begins his/her musical adventure on this instrument with the right perspective and a great sense of rhythm, success is usually guaranteed.
Battery percussion instruments are often referred to as drums, however, battery percussion instruments come with the label "No Batteries Required." In music, battery means that the player must strike or shake the instrument in order to produce a sound. Students learning these instruments will begin with the snare drum and expand to other instruments as they progress. A "snare drum kit" is pictured to the left. Only a handful of drummers are needed in a balanced band.
The best percussionists need exceptionally fine motor skills since most of what a player does is controlled by the finger tips. Many beginning percussionists think all they have to do is bang on the drum head and it works. Wrong! Students who think this way usually stop playing after three or four months. If a child begins his/her musical adventure on this instrument with the right perspective and a great sense of rhythm, success is usually guaranteed.
Orchestra Bells
Percussion instruments can also play melodies. Conestoga's elementary students know this because they occasionally play a miniature version of the "orchestra bells" in general music class. If you enjoyed playing the mini-version in class, perhaps you should consider playing a larger version in the band.
Piano students make superb mallet percussionists. This happens because the keys of the orchestra bells are just a bigger version of a piano keyboard. It is not a prerequisite for beginning bell players to have previously studied piano, but it certainly helps the beginning student progress rather quickly.
Only one or two mallet players are needed in a balanced band.
Additional Band Instruments for Intermediate or Advanced Players
As band students enter their third or fourth year of playing, some students desire to branch out into playing something other than their primary instruments. These students choose something similar to what they have been studying, a second instrument within their "family," or something completely different. Below are pictured all the instruments in the woodwind family.
The WOODWIND FAMILY consists of piccolos, flutes, clarinets, saxophones and double reed instruments.
The BRASS FAMILY consists of trumpets, cornets, horns (Eb Alto and French), euphoniums, baritones and tubas.
The PERCUSSION FAMILY consists of all drums such as snare, tenor, bass, rom-tom and tympani; mallet percussion (orchestra bells, xylophone); piano or keyboard; and various shakers & strikers such as tambourine, triangle, maracas, claves and cymbals.
The WOODWIND FAMILY consists of piccolos, flutes, clarinets, saxophones and double reed instruments.
The BRASS FAMILY consists of trumpets, cornets, horns (Eb Alto and French), euphoniums, baritones and tubas.
The PERCUSSION FAMILY consists of all drums such as snare, tenor, bass, rom-tom and tympani; mallet percussion (orchestra bells, xylophone); piano or keyboard; and various shakers & strikers such as tambourine, triangle, maracas, claves and cymbals.
The Flute Section
Pictured left to right:
Three Flutes made of nickel, gold and/or silver.
Piccolo: the highest and most shrill. Affordable and easy to lease/purchase.
Very good flute players should consider playing this important instrument.
Tin Whistle: an instrument often used in the 1700s and 1800s.
Alto or Bass Flute: due to its length, a curved head joint is needed to play this instrument.
Three Flutes made of nickel, gold and/or silver.
Piccolo: the highest and most shrill. Affordable and easy to lease/purchase.
Very good flute players should consider playing this important instrument.
Tin Whistle: an instrument often used in the 1700s and 1800s.
Alto or Bass Flute: due to its length, a curved head joint is needed to play this instrument.
The Clarinet Section
Pictured left to right:
Eb Soprano Clarinet (very rarely used)
Bb Soprano Clarinet (the instrument on which clarinetists begin)
Eb Alto Clarinet (used mostly in clarinet ensembles)
Bb Bass Clarinet (this is a great addition to a concert band)
Eb Contra-Alto or Contra-Bass Clarinet (as tall as most people; rarely used)
Bb Contra-Bass Clarinet (taller than most people; rarely used)
Eb Soprano Clarinet (very rarely used)
Bb Soprano Clarinet (the instrument on which clarinetists begin)
Eb Alto Clarinet (used mostly in clarinet ensembles)
Bb Bass Clarinet (this is a great addition to a concert band)
Eb Contra-Alto or Contra-Bass Clarinet (as tall as most people; rarely used)
Bb Contra-Bass Clarinet (taller than most people; rarely used)
Low Saxophone Section
Pictured left to right are the following:
Bb Bass Saxophone (as tall as many people and rarely used)
Eb Baritone Saxophone (in band, this supports the low sounds of the tuba)
Bb Tenor Saxophone (affordable and easy to lease/purchase)
Double Reed Instruments
The oboe is pictured on the left. It is about the same size as a clarinet, but is more nasal in quality.
The bassoon pictured on the right is double the size of the oboe.
Almost the Entire Woodwind Family
Pictured left to right:
1-4: Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute
5-6: Oboe, English Horn (used in orchestra)
7-10: Eb Soprano Clarinet,
Bb Soprano Clarinet, Bass Clarinet,
Contra-Bass Clarinet
11-12: Bassoon, Contrabassoon
1-4: Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute
5-6: Oboe, English Horn (used in orchestra)
7-10: Eb Soprano Clarinet,
Bb Soprano Clarinet, Bass Clarinet,
Contra-Bass Clarinet
11-12: Bassoon, Contrabassoon