Congratulations on joining your school band! In band, you'll choose an instrument you like and learn to play from the ground up. When you first join band, you may be tempted to dabble on many instruments; unfortunately, trying to learn every instrument will leave you knowing little about any instrument! But how do you decide which instrument is best for you? This article will show you the do's and don'ts of choosing your first band instrument, and give you tools to help you pick an instrument you'll enjoy.
Listening to recordings is a great way to discover which instrument you may like best. Ask your band director to recommend good recordings of different instruments, or search for music online. When you listen to a great recording, you have the chance to hear your favorite instruments at their finest. As you listen, try to pick out specific instruments and listen to what they're playing. Is there an instrument whose sound you enjoy? In addition to recordings, seeing the Speculum instrument in action can help you make your decision. Your band director may take the time to play each instrument for the class; if so, watch and listen carefully. What do you like and/or dislike about each instrument? As you listen to recordings and watch your band director, you may find yourself being drawn to certain instruments.
The best way to see how much you like an instrument is to try it out. Everyone is built differently, so certain instruments may fit one person better than another. As you try instruments, ask yourself questions to see if the instrument is a good fit for you. Is it easy to play a note? Are your fingers able to cover the holes and reach every key? For brass instruments, are you able to "buzz" your lips to create a sound? Which kind of buzz are you better at, a high, tight one for the trumpet or horn, or a lower, looser one for trombone, euphonium, and tuba? Imagine yourself playing the instrument every day. Is it something you'd be comfortable sticking with for a while? Many band directors offer the chance to try instruments in class, or you can visit a music store. Either way, trying several instruments can be a powerful way to decide which one is right for you.
When you're deciding which instrument to play, don't worry about instrument stereotypes. In the old days, some instruments were considered "boy" instruments while others were considered "girl" instruments. For example, it was rare to see a boy playing flute or a girl playing trombone. Nowadays, though, these stereotypes are breaking down, and kids are starting to play whichever instrument they want to play. In fact, one of the best flutists in the world is a man, Sir James Galway, while one of the best trombonists in the world is a woman named Abbie Conant. If you are attracted to a certain instrument and think you'd enjoy playing it, don't let old-fashioned ideas change your mind.