New Band Parent FAQ

New Band Parent Questions

How do I help my child choose an instrument?
We already know what my child wants to play- should we skip trying instruments?

Your child will first hear all the instruments played in the fifth grade band, and then will have an opportunity to try them with the band director. Together, we will find the instrument choices that will give your child the best chance for success. Your student and I will discuss why some choices may be more appropriate than others . At the conclusion of this 2 week process, your student will have much more information on which to base their instrument choice.

Students may start with an idea of what instrument they would like to play; but it may not fit their teeth or lip structure, or finger size. Students and parents should keep an open mind until all the instruments have been tried.

Mrs. Battenberg’s
Tips to Make Choosing a Band Instrument
A Musical Success!!

•    Keep an OPEN MIND!
Many times students come in to try out the instruments dead set on a certain instrument, but are amazed and surprised when they sound much better on a different instrument. All students will try all the instruments, and will not make any choices until they hear, see, feel, and play each instrument.

•    Look for SUCCESS.
Keep in mind that body size, lip structure, and other things may affect your success on a certain instrument. Be open to choosing an instrument you have a good chance to succeed on, even if it is not your initial first choice.

•    There are no girl or boy instruments!!
A girl or a boy can play any instrument. Your success depends on your personality and your willingness to work hard! Do not let stereotypes affect what YOU would like to play.

•    Don’t choose an instrument just because your best friend is choosing it.
Students cannot switch instruments (except in very, very extenuating circumstances) so it is important that you are happy with your choice. You will still be with your friends in band, so it really isn’t important that you play the same instrument.

(Hmmm…open minds… no stereotypes…no peer pressure…sounds like life lessons to me!)

I don't know a clarinet from a cornet. HELP!

Check out this wonderful link: http://www.beginband.com/sndclips.shtml . You can see and hear each instrument (and by the way, a cornet and a trumpet are pretty much the same thing; but we usually have kids play trumpet). Use this page to have your child show you his or her three favorites.

My student took piano and quit. Will they quit band?

Probably not. Research shows that students this age prefer a group experience to one-on-one instruction. Plus, band is a lot of fun and has tons of opportunities, from jazz band to marching band, to playing at Mass with other band buddies, to playing at Recheck's Food Pride.

Does my child need a new instrument?
Can I get an instrument off ebay?

You want your child to have a good quality and sturdy instrument without breaking the bank. Good options include:

Rent an instrument to start. The music stores we deal with offer high-quality band instruments at a reasonable monthly rate. Having a good quality instrument is a must- being able to produce a good sound is one of the best motivators to stay in band! These instruments usually come with maintenance plans, so if they are damaged the repairs will usually be covered. No matter how responsible you think your child is, accidents can and do happen. However, after a year or so, it makes economical sense to purchase an instrument.
Buy a used instrument. This is an excellent and economical option, and there are many great deals to be had, but make sure to buy from a reputable source! Music stores have used instruments that are high-quality and in good playing condition when purchased. If you have problems, they will find a solution for you. Anothergood source for used instruments is from students graduating from local schools who are selling their instruments. Ebay and similar sites have everything from good quality instruments to instruments that need complete repads ($250-$400), or are misrepresented by sellers who know nothing about what they are selling, or are poor brands. I would not recommend using ebay, unless you are willing to educate yourself first by visiting a local music shop so that you know what brands and information to gather before buying.
Buy a new instrument. This will cost you more upfront, but will be worth it in the long run. If your child does not stay in band, there is always a market for used student instruments!

If He/She doesn't like the clarinet, can we try flute after a few months?

I do not recommend switching instruments for at least the first year- and more preferable, two. Students who take band seriously and keep a consistent practice schedule are rarely unhappy with their instrument. In my experience, a child who switches instruments within the first two years is more at risk for quitting band because he/she develops the the attitude that switching instruments will make things better, not practice. Occasionally a student will be struggling with an instrument due to physical issues; in this case a switch would be recommended.

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Home Students Parents /Guardians Band Guild Calendar/Schedules Newsletter/Forms	New Band Parent Questions How do I help my child choose an instrument? We already know what my child wants to play- should we skip trying instruments? Your child will first hear all the instruments played in the fifth grade band, and then will have an opportunity to try them with the band director. Together, we will find the instrument choices that will give your child the best chance for success. Your student and I will discuss why some choices may be more appropriate than others . At the conclusion of this 2 week process, your student will have much more information on which to base their instrument choice. Students may start with an idea of what instrument they would like to play; but it may not fit their teeth or lip structure, or finger size. Students and parents should keep an open mind until all the instruments have been tried. Mrs. Battenberg’s Tips to Make Choosing a Band Instrument A Musical Success!! • Keep an OPEN MIND! Many times students come in to try out the instruments dead set on a certain instrument, but are amazed and surprised when they sound much better on a different instrument. All students will try all the instruments, and will not make any choices until they hear, see, feel, and play each instrument. • Look for SUCCESS. Keep in mind that body size, lip structure, and other things may affect your success on a certain instrument. Be open to choosing an instrument you have a good chance to succeed on, even if it is not your initial first choice. • There are no girl or boy instruments!! A girl or a boy can play any instrument. Your success depends on your personality and your willingness to work hard! Do not let stereotypes affect what YOU would like to play. • Don’t choose an instrument just because your best friend is choosing it. Students cannot switch instruments (except in very, very extenuating circumstances) so it is important that you are happy with your choice. You will still be with your friends in band, so it really isn’t important that you play the same instrument. (Hmmm…open minds… no stereotypes…no peer pressure…sounds like life lessons to me!) I don't know a clarinet from a cornet. HELP! Check out this wonderful link: http://www.beginband.com/sndclips.shtml . You can see and hear each instrument (and by the way, a cornet and a trumpet are pretty much the same thing; but we usually have kids play trumpet). Use this page to have your child show you his or her three favorites. My student took piano and quit. Will they quit band? Probably not. Research shows that students this age prefer a group experience to one-on-one instruction. Plus, band is a lot of fun and has tons of opportunities, from jazz band to marching band, to playing at Mass with other band buddies, to playing at Recheck's Food Pride. Does my child need a new instrument? Can I get an instrument off ebay? You want your child to have a good quality and sturdy instrument without breaking the bank. Good options include: Rent an instrument to start. The music stores we deal with offer high-quality band instruments at a reasonable monthly rate. Having a good quality instrument is a must- being able to produce a good sound is one of the best motivators to stay in band! These instruments usually come with maintenance plans, so if they are damaged the repairs will usually be covered. No matter how responsible you think your child is, accidents can and do happen. However, after a year or so, it makes economical sense to purchase an instrument. Buy a used instrument. This is an excellent and economical option, and there are many great deals to be had, but make sure to buy from a reputable source! Music stores have used instruments that are high-quality and in good playing condition when purchased. If you have problems, they will find a solution for you. Anothergood source for used instruments is from students graduating from local schools who are selling their instruments. Ebay and similar sites have everything from good quality instruments to instruments that need complete repads ($250-$400), or are misrepresented by sellers who know nothing about what they are selling, or are poor brands. I would not recommend using ebay, unless you are willing to educate yourself first by visiting a local music shop so that you know what brands and information to gather before buying. Buy a new instrument. This will cost you more upfront, but will be worth it in the long run. If your child does not stay in band, there is always a market for used student instruments! If He/She doesn't like the clarinet, can we try flute after a few months? I do not recommend switching instruments for at least the first year- and more preferable, two. Students who take band seriously and keep a consistent practice schedule are rarely unhappy with their instrument. In my experience, a child who switches instruments within the first two years is more at risk for quitting band because he/she develops the the attitude that switching instruments will make things better, not practice. Occasionally a student will be struggling with an instrument due to physical issues; in this case a switch would be recommended. Top of Page

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