Band instructors-woodwind players, question for you?

[golfgal]

The twins just told me that their marching band instructors told them (the sax section I am guessing) that they want them to look into plastic reeds. Um, ok, how about more details kids.... teenagers for you. Any idea what they are talking about and if so, what is your experience and why do they need them?

 

[Tazicket]

I would vote no way absolutely not on plastic reeds. (I play clarinet) Not sure if it's the same with the sax as it is for clarinets, but plastic reeds result in a really horrendous sound on a clarinet, in my experience.

 

[PirateSnowmen]

They actually make plastic reeds. I have never used them, but they do exist. From what I've heard they aren't very good, but I can imagine that they would be more durable for marching. That's the only reason I can think of as to why they would "need" them. I don't know the cost of plastic reeds, so I can't comment on that. I marched clarinet for my entire four years in high school and never used a plastic reed, so I guess I'm not too much help

 

[Breezy_Carol]

My 23 yo DD played clarinet in high school and college marching band. She had a plastic reed for practice only. It saved a lot of money on buying reeds, which we bought by the box. She used real reeds for performances. Real reeds come in different numbers, I guess for the thickness. She had a brand and number she liked. But the plastic reed didn't have a choice, if I remember correctly.

We bought a lot of reeds online from www.wwbw.com. Here is a link to one type of reed. (I didn't know which type of sax.)

DS also used a plastic mouthpiece for practice with his trumpet. The metal one would stick to his lips in the cold weather.

 

[golfgal]

OK, more info-it is like getting water from a rock--they want them to get the plastic reeds for durability while marching. If their reeds break during a show they can't keep playing and the plastic reeds help that. I did look them up and they do have different strengths.

 

[AristocatFan]

Our band directors forbid plastic reeds and DS(alto sax player) says they're bad, very bad. While they will produce a louder sound, the tone and quality can be horrid. To each his own. Also don't get the need for them while marching. That's why you always carry spares.

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

I've been a clarinet player for many years and would never heard of a plastic reed. If wooden reeds cost, surely that is part of the price of being a musician.

 

[golfgal]

Our band directors forbid plastic reeds and DS(alto sax player) says they're bad, very bad. While they will produce a louder sound, the tone and quality can be horrid. To each his own. Also don't get the need for them while marching. That's why you always carry spares.

They have spares but in the middle of a show you can't change your reed. If they have that poor of a sound quality I wonder why they want them to get them. This is a top notch band program. Maybe the ones they suggested are better??? They are 'synthetic" if that is different then plastic and they do come in the same strength variances as the regular reeds. Now I am more confused.

As for cost, I don't think that is the issue at all. I think it is durability while playing?

 

[Cindy B]

No way no how on plastic reeds for oboes either... They do make plastic reeds for oboes but they sound like such crap, it is better to use the other ones.

OTOH, oboe is not really a marching instrument though... more of a symphony instrument.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

DS12 plays alto sax and clarinet and he swears that his plastic reeds produce the wrong keys. We also buy reeds by the box, and he always has spares...

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I was a woodwind player growing up, but I'd never ever use a plastic reed in my flute!

 

[manning]

If one reed breaks I don't think anyone will notice. They can change it for the next number.

Are the reeds properly prepared prior to playing. One way to solve the problem is to have everyone start with a new reed at the start of the event.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2373862_preparing-saxophone-reeds.html

 

[golfgal]

If one reed breaks I don't think anyone will notice. They can change it for the next number.

No, they can't, not with marching band. The show moves from beginning to end with no breaks and if a judge walks by a kid that should be playing and isn't they get marked down so it is a big deal.

 

[PirateSnowmen]

In my 4 years of HS marching band I have never broken a reed while marching. I haven't, personally, heard of anyone in my band who has broken one while marching and even if someone did, I'm sure it wasn't broken badly enough to stop producing sound. But, if the director would rather have the kids on plastic reeds and cost isn't an issue I would say go ahead and buy them. Sure, they don't sound good, but if all of the sax's are on plastic reeds then it's not going to matter what your kids play on.

But, honestly, I don't see the need to spend money on the plastic reeds.

 

[manning]

No, they can't, not with marching band. The show moves from beginning to end with no breaks and if a judge walks by a kid that should be playing and isn't they get marked down so it is a big deal.

That clears that up. I thought is was just a performance during half time. Also if the synthetic ones don't sound as good I would think points would be taken off for that. To perform on a level playing field, all bands should use the same type.

Hope my previous post will help.

 

[AristocatFan]

In my 4 years of HS marching band I have never broken a reed while marching. I haven't, personally, heard of anyone in my band who has broken one while marching and even if someone did, I'm sure it wasn't broken badly enough to stop producing sound. But, if the director would rather have the kids on plastic reeds and cost isn't an issue I would say go ahead and buy them. Sure, they don't sound good, but if all of the sax's are on plastic reeds then it's not going to matter what your kids play on.

But, honestly, I don't see the need to spend money on the plastic reeds.

Same here. DS has been marching for 4 years and he says he's never heard of it being a problem either. But every band director has their preference. Our director prefers the kids use Vandoren brand only. So if your director wants plastic, try it.

 

[monsterkitty]

As a band director I must say that I hate plastic reeds as well. However, I can see their use in marching band.

I personally do not tell which brand of reeds to get because I if I am not buying I don't have a say in what they get and different people like different reeds. While I ask that my kids not get the plastic reeds, if they do I am not going to say anything. Heck, that the parents actually went out and got a reed makes me happy! (I am in a poor area and I do provide 95% of the reeds to my students)