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Parents Page..........

Over the course of my teaching career I have often been asked a consistent question by many parents: "Which instrument is easiest to play?" This inquiry has a simple motivation that is a concern by all parents. Parents are interested in making sure that their son or daughter plays an instrument that allows them to be successful. My answer is always the same: "No instrument is easier to play when compared to another".

Every instrument is a challenge to play at one time or another. For example when the flutes begin to play above high Bb & C into what is called the "altissimo register" students deal with irregular fingerings that require special practice, clarinet players work hard to cross the "break" at the end of their first year, percussionist must develop the stick control to produce a roll or paradiddle and all brass players are challenged by the notes in their instrument's upper register. This is why it is important for the individual student to make a careful, informed and enthusiastic choice. If the student chooses an instrument they are excited about the student will often work harder and motivated to excel.

To be sure there are physical considerations that require the band director to help the individual student make a good choice. A student with a "tear drop lip" may will not have an easy time with the flute. Braces are very difficult to manage when playing the french horn or trumpet (as a trumpet player I have been able to guide many brass students though braces). It is difficult to play clarinet or saxophone with a pronounced under bite. These are just a few examples.

One last issue of instrument choice is the size of a given section. A large percussion section in a given year might mean that fewer students will play at one time. After all, the drums cannot be the dominant sound of any band. If a band has a large saxophone or trumpet section the individual student will have a difficult time earning a first part or section leader chair. All these factors can influence the student/parent choice of instrument.

Here are some topics that parents and students may find helpful. Each link covers each individual instruments and a few areas of general information:

Instruments Things to consider when selecting and purchasing an instrument.	The Investment! Please read-very important!
Flute	French Horn
Oboe	Trombone
Bassoon	Baritone
Clarinet	Tuba
Bass Clarinet	Percussion
Saxophone	The Keyboards
Trumpet	Practice

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