What are the benefits of investing in a quality instrument? Minimum quality instrument requirements for beginners may vary according to age and skill, but students are given the greatest opportunity to advance by playing a quality instrument from the very beginning. Poor quality instruments are made of inferior materials, are difficult to play and keep in tune, do not sound well, break easily, need to be repaired or replaced often and do not inspire children to learn. Many students quit out of frustration because the instruments are difficult to play or do not respond.

What is the difference between a "student", an "intermediate", and a "professional" instrument? The primary objective of any student-level instrument is to be inexpensive and affordable–nothing more or less. Student instruments are real instruments that are the same size, have the same number of keys, function the same, and can last someone a lifetime if playing isn't your professional occupation. Intermediate level and professional instruments are primarily built for better tone quality and response characteristics that only an accomplished advanced student or professional musician can begin to take advantage of. Professional instruments also come with features not typically found on student instruments i.e. low B foot, solid silver parts on a flute, 1st and 3rd expression slides on a trumpet, high F# key on a saxophone, trill keys on a clarinet, key change triggers on a trombone, etc. etc. These are features which an entry-level student will have virtually no use for in the first years of their studies. There is absolutely no musical advantage for an entry-level student to purchase an intermediate or professional instrument other than the psychological appeal of owning a very expensive instrument. By the time the student has progressed to the level of expertise that they can take advantage of an intermediate or professional instrument, they are the only one that will be able to choose the instrument that works and sounds best for them. You will have equal success with either endeavor. The only thing that is going to make any difference in how well one plays or sounds is very simple... practice. Some schools have instruments you can borrow, but if they don't you will have to either rent or buy an instrument. Check with your teacher about specific needs for your child.

Rosin is a product you put on the bow when it gets too smooth. You probably won't need to use it that often, even if you play a lot. Be sure not to use too much because you could ruin the bow.

If a string breaks, that means you need to replace it. Usually if one breaks, its not too long before the other three break, so you should change them all at the same time. Ask your instructor to teach you how to replace the strings so you can do it yourself.

Drastic changes in temperature can damage your instrument. Ask your teacher for some ways to avoid this.

If you are having problems balancing your cello/double bass on the floor, you can get a product called a "rock stop" that helps keep you still.

Full size or fractional? Many students just starting have trouble stretching their fingers up and down the neck of the instrument. Because of this there are different sizes of stringed instruments made – 4/4 (full size) 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and even 1/16 size instruments for students with smaller hands. As you grow, you can get a larger instrument until you can handle a full size instrument. Be sure to check with your teacher or a salesperson to see what size is right for you!

New or used? Alamo Music Center’s Sales staff will be able to advise you on pre-owned instruments that they have in stock. This can be a worthy alternative. Unless you know specifically what you want, beware of the Internet! You will not get the support, advice and service you will get from Alamo Music Center. If you are going to buy a used instrument, be sure to check the body for any cracks in the wood or imperfections in the carving. Look for signs of wear and see if any pieces are loose or need to be replaced.

Violin is one of the most popular instruments in the world and thousands of pieces have been written that feature the violin. Since it is the highest voice of the string section, the violin often carries the melody. In some orchestras, the violins are divided into two sections that play different parts. Because the violin is so versatile, it is often featured in orchestral pieces to create different moods, from strong and dramatic to tender and lyrical.

The viola is a larger version of the violin. In fact, the two are so similar that it's difficult to tell them apart at first glance. But once you hear the rich deep tones, you'll know it's a viola. The viola first appeared in the 1500s and added the perfect harmonies to the violin's melody. The viola has a larger body and fingerboard, which makes it more difficult to play at the speed and proficiency of a violinist, but today violists are becoming more specialized in their instrument and step up to the challenges put forth in modern orchestral music.

Cello

Known for its versatility and its virtuosity, the cello has been an important member of the string family for almost 500 years. Invented around the same time as the violin and the viola, the cello was created to add bass and depth to stringed instruments but it took a while to gain popularity due to its large size. While violins and violas are played on the musicians shoulder, the cello is too big to do that. Today the cello has a tailpiece, which helps balance the instrument and makes playing easier for the musician. The cello is often featured as a solo instrument and sometimes plays the melody with the violins. The cello adds an important upper bass voice to the string section and adds depth to the overall sound of the group.

Even though the double bass was invented around the same time as other string instruments, many people thought it wasn't necessary. Over the years, as the orchestras became larger and the cello started getting the melody, the bass became increasingly important in playing the lowest parts.

The double bass is a very important instrument in the orchestra because it plays low notes that most other instruments can't play. The bass players balance out the whole orchestra. The bass has been an essential part of the rhythm section in big bands and jazz.

Woodwind Roles

In orchestras, there are usually just a handful of woodwind musicians. The traditional orchestra has 2-6 flutes, 2-6 oboes, 2-5 clarinets and 2-3 bassoons. Most modern orchestras don't have saxophones. In concert bands, the woodwind section is usually much larger to be heard over the brass and percussion. Woodwinds also play in marching bands and instruments like saxophones, clarinets, and occasionally flutes, are featured in jazz ensembles.

If you are going to buy a used instrument, be sure to check the keys to make sure they aren't leaking or noisy. Also, check the body of the flute for dents and scratches. Make sure the pads and the sliding joint are still in good shape, too. If you decide to get a used instrument, make sure a professional looks at it to make sure it's a good instrument. You will have it for a while.

Be sure to sit up straight and hold the instrument away from your body. This will help with your breath support.

If you have a wood instrument, it's important to keep the wood in good shape. Ask about maintenance oils and polishes that can help preserve your instrument. These products can help prolong the life of your instrument.

Clean your instrument after every use with the products in a maintenance care kit.

As the highest voice in the woodwind section, the flute is often in charge of carrying the melody and is featured in solos. Flute is also a versatile instrument that can play a broad range of styles and moods. It's often used in pop and jazz music. Because of the complex key work, the flutes often play very fast.

Although originally made from wood, the flute is one of the few instruments in the woodwind family that is made from metal. The world's oldest flute was made using the bone of a bear about 45,000 years ago! Today, flutes are primarily made out of silver-plated nickel, gold or platinum.

Open hole or closed hole? Even though most of the pros play an open hole flute (that means some of the keys have holes that are covered by the players fingers), students generally start on a closed hole flute. It's easier to get the basics without having to worry about air leaking out and some young hands are too small to cover the open holes. Ask your teacher which one is right for you.

Known for its bright and unique sound, the oboe is one of the most important instruments in classical music. It evolved from an instrument called the shawm, which was originally used in outdoor ceremonies. The shawm was really loud and the noise it produced was very difficult to control, but musicians wanted to refine the instrument so it would be suitable indoors. The oboe was invented in the 1600s and was a permanent fixture in the orchestra by the 1800s. Today, it has a system of rods and keys similar to the flute's system.

The oboe can be a very expressive instrument in the hands of the right player. Although many instruments can be difficult to learn, the oboe is one of the more difficult wind instruments to master. Because of this, it's very important that you stay focused and practice. It will come over time.

Wood or Synthetic? Synthetic oboes are made out of plastic so they are lighter and less expensive. A lot of students start on a plastic oboes because they are easier to maintain. All of the pros use wood oboes, though, and they usually prefer the richer more vibrant sound. Check with your teacher and your local retail store to see which is right for you!

One of the most used instruments in the woodwind family, the clarinet is believed to have been invented in the early 1700s but the origins of this instrument date back to 3000 B.C.! The clarinet is different from the oboe and the bassoon because it has a single reed that vibrates on a mouthpiece. Some clarinets are made out of plastic, but most of them are made out of wood. Unlike most wind instruments, the body of the clarinet is cylindrical, not conical. That means that the instrument doesn't progressively get wider like a trumpet or a flute, but it stays the same shape until the flaring at the bell. The clarinet is a special instrument because it can be featured in a variety of settings. It can play Dixieland or marches, jazz or classical.

A product called cork grease makes putting the instrument together a little easier. Ask your teacher how to use it, but don't put on too much... your clarinet could get really gross from the excess grease.

Wood or Synthetic? Synthetic clarinets are made out of plastic so they are lighter and less expensive. They are good for marching band because you don't have to worry it getting wet. Most pros use wood clarinets and prefer the richer more vibrant sound. Check with your teacher to see if they have a preference.

One of the most unique and complicated instruments is the saxophone. It is classified with the woodwind instruments because it uses a reed, but is made out of brass. It was invented by a Belgian named Adolphe Sax in the 1840s and is one of the youngest modern instruments. There are four different types of saxophones, just like the four parts in many choirs: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones. The saxophone can also be used to balance the woodwinds. They are sometimes featured, but usually in blues and jazz pieces.

Saxophones are heavier than most other woodwind instruments so players use something called a neck strap. There are different kinds so be sure to choose one that is comfortable for you.

Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Baritone? Many schools have their students start on Alto saxophone because it's smaller and the most popular. After you learn the basics though, you can switch to a different sax, if you want, without too much hassle. The fingerings are the same for all four instruments. Check with your teacher before making a purchase.

The bassoon is a double reed instrument and the bass voice of the woodwind section. It is a long conical bore, which curves at the bottom and makes it look twice as long as it really is. When it was first invented in the 16th century, musicians had to stand on a ladder to play the bassoon! Bassoon is a challenging instrument, but keep practicing.

Wood or Synthetic? Synthetic bassoons are made out of plastic so they are lighter and less expensive. A lot of students start on a plastic bassoons because they are easier to maintain. All of the pros use wood bassoons, though, and they usually prefer the richer more vibrant sound. Check with your teacher to see if they have a preference.

Brass Roles - Because of the way brass instruments are constructed, they have a sound that can sometimes be loud and powerful. Brass instruments act as a compliment to the more mellow sounds of the woodwinds and strings sections. There are generally fewer brass instruments in bands and orchestras than there are strings and woodwinds but their presence never goes unnoticed. Traditional modern orchestras have 2-8 trumpets, 4-8 French horns, 3-5 trombones, and 1-2 tubas. In concert bands, the brass section usually has fewer players than the woodwind section. Trumpets and trombones are featured in jazz ensembles and there are even marching groups called drum and bugle corps that have only brass players and percussion instruments.

Be sure to keep your slide well oiled. Ask your teacher to show you how to oil your trombone properly.

Because you use your mouth to play your instrument, spit is going to get inside the horn. And even though it's gross, you need to empty the spit out of the tubing after every time you play.

Known for its powerful musical presence, the trumpet is one of the oldest instruments in the world. Predecessors to the modern trumpet can be found 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt! As with other instruments in the brass section, the valves are used to lengthen the tubes allowing the musician to change the pitch. Trumpets are a very important instrument in bands and orchestras, but they are also well known for their presence in pop music, jazz and swing.

Be sure to keep your valves well oiled. This will help you to move your fingers faster. Ask your teacher to show you how to oil your horn properly.

Because you use your mouth to play your instrument, spit is going to get inside the instrument. Trumpets have a special "spit valve" that allows you to get rid of excess moisture inside your instrument. Just don't unload your spit on the person sitting next to you!

Move your tuning slide everyday, even if it's just a half-inch. One of the most common repairs for instruments like trombone is that the pieces get "stuck" in place.

Because you use your mouth to play your instrument, spit is going to get inside the instrument. Trombones have a special "spit valve" that allows you to get rid of excess moisture inside your instrument. Just don't unload your spit on the person sitting next to you!

When musicians wanted a lower brass instrument with depth and strength, Europeans tweaked the design of the popular trumpet and invented the trombone. Today, the trombone plays an important role in modern orchestras, concert bands, brass bands and jazz ensembles. The most recognizable part of the trombone is the slide, which is used to change the pitch of the instrument. The player rests the instrument on his left shoulder and moves the slide with his right hand.

The French horn is often used to symbolize strength and power but it can also sound rich and mellow. The French horn player presses the valves, changes his embouchure, and moves his hand inside the bell to change the pitch of the instrument. Because it is such a difficult instrument to play, a lot of schools will recruit only their best musicians to play French horn.

Rest the bell on your thigh while you play. If the horn it too big, rest it on your side.

If the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion are the pieces to a big orchestral puzzle, the tuba is the instrument that holds it all together. The tuba's design is similar to a trumpet except it's much larger and is rested on the player's lap. The sousaphone plays the same range as a standard tuba but it wraps around the player. Even though professional tubas are very large, smaller versions are available for students just learning to play. Like most wind instruments, the tuba requires a lot of breath support but it's not any harder than smaller instruments.

You may have seen pictures of tuba players with their cheeks puffed out, but that's not how you should look. Keep your face relaxed but control the muscles in your mouth.

Full size or student size? Tubas are really big instruments and sometimes they are too big to fit in new student's hands. Many tuba manufacturers make 3/4 tubas, which are just like regular tubas only smaller. If you buy a smaller instrument, you have to buy full size one after you're done growing. Make sure that you can hold the instrument comfortably, whichever size you choose.

Percussion Roles - In many classical pieces, the cymbals might crash every few minutes. And in between the snare needs to be played. And there is a 30 second bell solo. A lot of times you don't need three different people to play three different parts. Many times, orchestras will have percussionists play several different parts. Watch an orchestra some time... and watch the percussionists run around in the back. It's pretty amazing to see! Percussionists also play different instruments in concert band. You can also see percussionists in marching bands, jazz ensembles, and anywhere else where people need rhythm.

There are literally thousands of instruments that are considered members of the percussion family. And even with all those different kinds, there are really only two types of percussion instruments: those that make a definite pitch, and those that don't. While timpanis, marimbas and xylophones play specific pitches like C# or A, cymbals, triangles and snares make sounds like 'crash,' 'ding,' and 'bam.' In general, percussion instruments have been around for thousands of years and have been used for religious ceremonies, frightening the enemy in warfare and to embellish an orchestra or concert band.

First introduced in 1874, the xylophone is a pitched percussion instrument. The player uses mallets to hit wooden blocks. The sound goes through a resonator, which amplifies the sound. Each block plays a different pitch and they are arranged to look like a keyboard. Sometimes featured in orchestras, it sometimes doubles soprano voices like flutes or violins.

Originally used in marching bands, the snare drum is made from a cylindrical piece of wood or plastic. The instrument is hit on the top and there are small pieces of wire that rattle to make the distinct snare sound. The first version of the snare drum was called a tabor and was invented in the 12th century. It is used a lot in orchestral music, and is also part of the drum set.

Dating back to 8th century B.C. in Israel, cymbals come in all sorts of sizes and in many different forms. There are tiny cymbals called zills that can be worn on your fingers, orchestral cymbals that crash together, and gongs, which are struck using a mallet. They are all generally made out of copper or brass.

Also called 'kettle drums,' they play certain pitches and are tuned by the player. A timpanist uses pedals on the floor to change the pitch of the instrument and it is considered to be the most difficult and specialized percussion instrument. Known for its commanding boom, it is used frequently. In fact, there are very few orchestral pieces that do not feature the timpani.

The bass drum is the largest drum in most orchestras. It is supported on a stand and can be adjusted for the performer. Although it looks relatively simple to play, it requires a great deal of concentration and excellent rhythm. The loud boom of a bass drum can sometimes be felt.

Suggested Band Instrument Accessories

Once you have an instrument, the next thing is making sure you have the supplies you will need. Both stores sell a care kit for each instrument that has everything (even more) you will ever need to keep the instrument in great shape. Please check with your child’s Band Director for any required items. The kits should come with the following items…

Flute. A Silver polish cloth or soft cotton cloth. A cleaning rod.

Clarinets. At least 4 working reeds at all times. You will need a reed guard for 4 reeds.   Reeds should be Rico 2 ½ strength. A cleaning swab. Mouthpiece cap.

Saxophones. At least 4 working reeds at all times. You will need a reed guard for 4 reeds. Reeds should be Rico 2 ½ strength. A cleaning swab. Mouthpiece cap and end plug. Neck Strap.

Trumpets, French Horns, Baritones and Tubas. One bottle of valve oil. A container of Tuning slide grease (I find the best is Selmer Tuning slide grease.) A soft cloth to wipe fingerprints.

Trombones. One container of Slide Cream or Slide Oil. Slide Cream is preferable and works better. It is also more economical. If you are using slide cream, you will need a water spray bottle (like a hair spray mist bottle). Tuning slide grease.

Percussion. A pair of snare drum sticks size 2B or SD1. A pair of M-4 Bell mallets or equivalent.

Students will need to have a music stand at home to practice on rather than setting it on their bed or a chair and developing poor playing posture.

The music book you will need to purchase is the Essential Elements 2000. It comes with a CD for rehearsal accompaniment and a DVD for additional help on the student’s home computer. This is one of the finest band methods available today used widely across the nation.