Percussion is a family of instruments that many students want to play, but don't have a complete understanding of. The percussion family consists of mallet instruments, battery percussion, cymbals, and a multitude of other auxiliary instruments. It is important to make sure that students know that if they choose to play percussion, they will not be playing "the drums". Piano experience is a strongly advised prerequisite for students interested in percussion. Students who do not have this experience will need to put in considerably more effort to learn the basic instrument.
Watch a video of percussion instruments being played (Scroll down the page to see all instrument videos)
The flute is the highest pitched woodwind instrument played by fifth graders. Sound is produced by blowing a stream of air across a tone hole. As with all woodwinds, different pitches are produced by covering a combination of keys and holes. The flute is one of the oldest and most recognized instruments in the band. Students interested in the saxophone should start on the flute or clarinet.
The clarinet is the most versatile of the woodwinds. Sound is produced by a vibrating reed attached to a mouthpiece. Clarinet fingerings are similar to recorder fingerings, and students interested in the saxophone should start on the flute or clarinet. Other instruments students often try, after playing the clarinet in fifth grade, are the bassoon, oboe, and bass clarinet.
The trumpet is the highest pitched member of the brass family of instruments. Higher and lower pitches are produced by "buzzing" the lips into the mouthpiece. The valves are pushed down in different combinations by the right had to play different notes. Students who start on the trumpet sometimes have the opportunity to try the French horn in sixth grade.
The trombone is one of the lower voices of the brass family. Instead of valves, it uses a slide to change pitch. For the band to sound good, there need to be a lot of trombone players. Students who start on the trombone in fifth grade often have the opportunity to try the tuba later.
The euphonium (baritone), like the trombone, is a member of the low brass family. They even share the same notes. However, instead of using a slide to change notes like the trombone, the euphonium uses valves like the trumpet. Students who are interested in playing the tuba should begin on the euphonium.
The violin is the highest pitched orchestra instrument. Like all the stringed instruments, the violin has four strings which make sound when the player plucks or uses the bow on the strings.
The viola is slightly larger than the violin, has thicker strings, and as such produces a slightly lower sound. Like the violin, the viola is held under the chin. It's music is written in a unique clef called alto clef.
The cello is one of the two lower pitched string instruments. It is significantly larger than the violin and viola and is only ever played sitting down. The cello has an "end pin" which adjusts for the player's height.
The bass is the lowest pitched orchestra instrument. It has a deep and powerful sound. To play the bass, the players must stand. This instrument is often referred to as the Double Bass, and its music is written in the bass clef like the cello.
Teaches at Fairview, Manchester Park, Meadow Lane, Millbrooke and Ravenwood
Teaches at Central, Mahaffie and Northview
Teaches at Havencroft and Heritage
Teaches at Arbor Creek, Madison Place, Ridgeview, Scarborough and Sunnyside
Teaches at Briarwood, Countryside, Heatherstone, Madison Place, Regency Place and Sunnyside
Teaches at Northview and Washington
Teaches at Walnut Grove
Teaches at Bentwood, Indian Creek, Pleasant Ridge, Regency Place and Walnut Grove
Teaches at Canyon Creek, Manchester Park, Washington and Woodland
Teaches at Clearwater Creek and Prairie Center
Teaches at Black Bob, Brougham, Green Springs, Ridgeview and Tomahawk
Teaches at Millbrooke and Ravenwood
Teaches at Madison Place, Scarborough and Sunnyside
Teaches at Arbor Creek, Black Bob, Brougham, Madison Place and Sunnyside
Teaches at Havencroft, Mahaffie, Manchester Park and Washington
Teaches at Northview, Washington and Woodland
Teaches at Canyon Creek, Fairview, Manchester Park and Meadow Lane
Teaches at Countryside, Heatherstone, Indian Creek and Regency Place
Teaches at Bentwood, Indian Creek, Pleasant Ridge, Regency Place and Walnut Grove
Teaches at Central and Forest View
Teaches at Briarwood, Green Springs, Heritage, Ridgeview and Tomahawk