The flute sits at the top of the band with a high range and a light sound that sings over the other instruments. Nimble fingers make this instrument a delightful member of the group as their melodies dance along overtop the supporting sounds of the other instruments.

The clarinet is a mellow and cool instrument with a powerful sound. Clarinets can soar up high and be strong down low without overpowering the other instruments. Plus….Squidward! Right?  If you enjoyed playing the recorder, the clarinet fingers work in a similar way!  

Any instrument can play jazz but the saxophone stands out as a jazz essential. The saxophone has a lot of power and plays a supporting role in many ensembles. When given the lead, a saxophone section changes the entire mood of a piece.

The trumpet is an instrument of fanfare and power as well as a popular jazz instrument. It is the highest of the brass instruments. Brass instruments require the player to “buzz” with their lips. It’s a goofy thing to do at first but it gives the trumpet its glorious sound.

The trombone is a brass instrument like the trumpet but is much lower and uses a slide instead of individual valves. This allows the trombone to sound its signature glissando that everyone can recognize. It is a crucial member of all kinds of ensembles from bands to jazz bands to symphonic orchestras.

The baritone is just as low as the trombone with the valves of a trumpet. A perfect combination if you were looking for a big low sound but the trumpet just does not seem to fit for you. This is also the instrument to choose if you are interested in the massive tuba in the future. That monster is a little big for you now but you can move to it easily in the future.

Percussion is any instrument that you can strike to create a unique sound. You could be playing the big bass drum in one song, the triangle in another, then the maracas, and finish the concert on a djembe. Piano players may also like this choice because you may be learning the orchestral bells which are laid out in the same way as a piano keyboard!

The violin is the smallest and highest of the string instruments. It carries the melody most of the time in a performance and is the most common choice among string students.

The viola is the slightly lower cousin of the violin. Not many students choose this instrument which is a shame because its lower tones add a beautiful harmony to any ensemble. We love this instrument because of  the extra color it adds to the orchestra.

The cello is a big jump lower from the viola. Don’t let its size fool you! This is an easy instrument to carry and play and makes the orchestra sound enormous and grand. Cellos are the only low choice for the orchestra so perhaps this is the one for you if the low range sounds good to you but the trombone and baritone don’t fit.

The string bass is an uncommon choice but a great option for those of you who really want something out of the ordinary. It’s big. It’s powerful. Its sound is the lowest out of all of the instruments. You will stand out from the rest with this monster

(Please consider the logistics of transporting a bass for two days each week to and from home)