DD#1 getting into band--instrument choice?

[Rock'n Robin]

DD#1 is thinking about joining band next year. She will be in choir (her first love) but can do both throughout junior high, with 2 days a week of each plus alternating Fridays.
Today was instrument selection. She had trumpet in mind as her first choice. She tried it out and did OK, but the instrument salesguy said that her lips are a little too thick to be really good at it! He tried her on trombone and she did better with that, but she wasn't very excited about it. As another choice we tried the alto sax and she loved it! I asked him if braces (which she'll have later) would make a difference and he said no, but they REALLY wouldn't make a difference with the trombone!
I think we are going with the sax since she won't play the trombone if she doesn't like it! Plus our cousin has a sax and might let us use it--turns out it was the last big thing her mom got her in 5th grade before she died suddenly, and she doesn't know if she wants to loan it out, even to her favorite cousin, my DD. If she does I'll get it rehabbed a little and save $26 a month in rentals.
Wish us luck!
Robin M.

 

[Kirby]

$26 a month! That's a great rental fee. We're paying $50 a month for my daughters clarinet. She just got braces and it really doesn't bother her now that she is used to them. Make sure that she has wax with her. Sometimes my daughter needs hers to cover up a wire while shes playing.

 

[nsyncraider17]

Braces definitely won't be a problem for sax...I play the clarinet and I have braces, occasionally my teeth will hurt if I'm playing right after I get my wires tightened, but other than that it's fine.

$50 a month for a clarinet?!?! My parents bought me a new (used) one a few months ago that is wooden and very good, and it was $350 (i think). What kind of clarinet is it??

 

[Kirby]

$50 a month for a clarinet?!?! My parents bought me a new (used) one a few months ago that is wooden and very good, and it was $350 (i think). What kind of clarinet is it??

I really don't know. Its one that the band director approved and we rent it from the local music store. I just know that all the other clarinet players were jealous when my daughter brought it to school. It is much newer than theirs. She switched from trumpet to clarinet about six weeks into the school year and we have never regretted that decision.

 

[piratesmate]

Definitely go with the sax if she's interested in that. You're right - she won't practice/play if she's talked into taking trombone.

The instrument sales guys will try to steer students to instruments that the music teachers need/want . . . otherwise the band will have a zillion girls playing flute & a zillion boys playing drum - and nothing else. Unfortunately, very few kids can be talked into playing trombone...but there's little point to "talking them into it" because they just won't stick with it. JMHO

Deb

 

[Liz]

Band is so fun!!! My son is just finishing 9th grade and has been playing the drums in the band since 7th. He played a little bit in the elementary band too. The band kids always seem to bond so well and are a tight knit group. As a "band parent" we have had a blast going to 5 parades in the summer, going to all their competitions and shows, etc. It really has been nothing but good for us.

I hope you enjoy the whole experience as much as we have!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

DD just finished her first year of playing clarinet and enjoys it

 

[Michelle]

My DD (9) is in beginning band this year and chose the trumpet! After a few initial days of her sounding like a cow dying when she played it she has actually become quite GOOD! I like the trumpet because she doesn't have to purchase extra reeds...she just has to be sure to keep it clean.

I think whatever your daughter chooses will be a great choice; band is so much fun for kids and you will enjoy the concerts!

Oh, and we only pay about $25 per month for my daughter's trumpet rental. I will buy her one if our school district will actually have funds to continue band next year, but it's not looking good.

 

[The LK 4]

My DS just finished his first year of playing the French Horn. I was thrilled when I went to the first meeting and they said they had several French Horns that the school owns that any interested student could borrow for free! He has been fighting practicing it for the last few months, but after their first concert, he seemed really pleased with all of the clapping and cheering. I was in band through high school and I think it's true that band members share a special bond, and are generally a good group of kids. I'm looking forward to many more years of concerts, parades, and band trips!

 

[Kallison]

Sax is cool. My son playes Trombone and I've never actually physically seen him in a concert, he is always hidden in the middle of the stage behind the bandmaster stand! He is the only trombonist in the band which is kind of neat. I was gonna say flute because they sit in the front and you will see her. I do watch his tapping feet on the stage.

 

[Wagamama]

i vote for sax too. i played flute in middle school and HATED IT!! unless you have "flute fingers" its not much fun!