Let's Begin

Making That First Choice

     Commonly, people start as musicians from a very young age. Most find their love of music through school when they are, often times, required to choose a music program to enroll in. This was so for me. I had to choose between chorus or instrumental music. As a shy kid, I was not looking forward to the decision. Ultimately I chose trumpet because I knew what it was- who didn't? However, my mother told me that too many people would be playing it, and I should choose something else. Well of course, I chose saxophone because, other than trumpet, it was the only instrument I really knew. Looking back, I'm grateful that I made the decision that I did, although I admit now; it was a horrible way to decide.
     Well, then what are some good ways to decide on an instrument for a beginner? Well, there are some key things to keep in mind for choosing an instrument, whether you are a child beginner (in which case, parents should note several things) or someone older who has decided to start playing.
     First off, do some basic research. Obviously the names of instruments are something of some importance. Some basic ones include flute, clarinet and saxophone of the woodwind section and of course trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone and tuba of the brass section. For the brass- if brass is what you want to play -choose what you have heard played before; something that you like the sound of. If you like the sound of the trumpet, go with that. Give it a try if you have the means. If you enjoy it, stick with it and practice. Otherwise, try another brass instrument. Keep doing this until you find the fit for you. Eventually, after playing a while, you might want to switch- or simply try something new. In this case, try any number of brass, including those that are more challenging. Now that you have, say, trumpet experience under your belt, you can learn the other brass instruments a little bit easier. For the woodwinds, again- pick one that you know you like the sound of. If you like the flute, stick with it. Play it, learn it, love it, and eventually, if you want something new, try the piccolo. It's the same kind of instrument as the flute, only half the size and an octave higher than what is written on paper. If you choose clarinet, there are alternatives for this as well. I recommend starting with the soprano Bb clarinet (your standard clarinet). From there you can try alto clarinet, bass clarinet, or some of the even lower types, like the contrabass clarinet. Then of course, there's the saxophone group. I recommend starting with the tenor saxophone, even though I started, and most people start on the alto saxophone. However, I suggest starting on the tenor sax because it's generally easier to play, and compositions for the instrument (mostly classical) will be more basic. Generally, higher instruments are expected to flow through notes quickly, while the lower register instruments take more of the basic harmonies. In my case, I started out on the alto sax, but really found my calling on the even higher soprano sax, as it has an almost oboe-like sound to it (making it great for classical) and really shreds the smooth jazz solos that I take. Some students of music will move onto the lower saxophones, though. Baritone saxophone is in the same key as the alto saxophone- Eb -but is much larger, and- obviously -lower in pitch. It's a great sounding horn which really rocks those funk jazz grooves. Both the saxophones and clarinets use one reed on the mouthpiece to produce sound. There are some instruments, though, which are arguably more difficult to play that are double-reeded instruments. They literally have two opposing reeds which vibrate against one another, making a rather unique sound. The oboe and bassoon are the two common double-reeded instruments, although to say that they are common is a bit of an exaggeration. Oboe in particular is a fantastic sounding instrument, one which I have actually learned the basics of, but is rarely played- so rare in fact, that there is a huge demand for them in concert bands, especially in universities and such. They are difficult to learn, and the reeds cost a considerable amount of money. Most oboists actually make their own reeds.
     After finding the instrument type for you (which I did not list all of them- like percussion and more), you should look at prices on multiple websites and in many shops. Price can make a big difference on what instrument you start out with. If you choose a string instrument such as the violin, you can find student pieces anywhere for a very low price- about eighty dollars is a good price for a starting violin. On the other hand, the cheapest student alto saxophone you can get will be in the two hundred dollar range. Larger saxophones will usually be more expensive. Clarinets aren't usually too bad, as student horns can be made out of inexpensive materials. Expect a student clarinet to be around a hundred dollars, while student flutes can be under a hundred dollars. Trumpets will go for about a hundred and fifty dollars or so, and trumpeters have a cool option of using a pocket trumpet. A tuba, unfortunately, is over a thousand dollars at it's cheapest. Sousaphones- the marching versions of the same instrument -can be half of that. Then of course there's gear and cases for each, though the instrument will come with everything you need to get started (it should), but remember, saxophonists, buy a better mouthpiece with your new sax.
     Finally, with instrument in hand, practice very hard. Get some music to learn, play in a band and most importantly, enjoy yourself. Music isn't easy, but it's never boring. Make the first choice a good one.



Let's Listen Closely

Be a Team Player

     High school music programs are the places to truly refine yourself as a musician. In such a setting, it's okay to make mistakes and stumble your way up the skill ladder. In fact, this is all necessary in order to grow. It also helps that the sort of mistakes you might make in high school are far less acceptable in later settings. Minor musical errors are fine, of course- you can make a squeak or miss a note and nobody will take it personally. However, playing to your own tune during a piece is never okay. Some people are unable to listen while they play which is bad, as listening is a very important skill to have. In any band, but especially in a concert band, being aware of everyone else around you who is also playing is crucial. Trust in the score's directions, the conductor, yourself and others as you play. Doing so will keep you from sticking out when you shouldn't or playing too subtly at a time when you should come out. In high school programs there is plenty of opportunity to explore listening to others as you play, especially if you are in a first chair soloing position. Playing through a solo, which often times has some form of background playing by other sections, is an especially important time to be aware of the sounds around you. Achieving your perfect pitch depends on this, as your intonation is affected by the rest of the band. Besides this, it is important to continue maintaining your levels. By this I mean simply that you should not, even in a solo, play too loud. You should definitely come out and flourish (depending on the piece), but don't over blow and kill your pitch. In concert pieces particularly, soloing doesn't abruptly happen (unless it's at the start of, and again depending on, the piece). Generally there is some semblance of a smooth transition in the rhythm and dynamics of the music where, given this, you transition with it, flowing into and out of your solo.
     Generally there are a lot of things to consider when you're playing in a band, but I cannot stress any more how important it is to listen closely and play to others. If everybody in the band plays to their sheets and to others, the band simply comes together. If everybody in the band plays thinking only "if I can't hear myself, I'll just play louder", then the band is doomed to sound terrible. It's very important to remember your place in the band at any one time. You can't play the tuba and expect to have lots of solo time. Similarly, you can't play the oboe and expect to only play harmony. Depending on your instrument and what the sheet of music in front of you is describing to do (and don't forget the conductor, who can make changes to the sheet), play your part. If the piece instructs the saxophone section to play mezzo-piano (mp), play mezzo-piano, because this is the arranger of the piece's way of telling you that there is another section that needs to be louder. For example, looking at a full score in this case you would find that the saxophones are at mezzo-piano while the flutes and clarinets are perhaps at mezzo-forte (mf). This means that while the saxophones back up with a harmony, it is likely that the flutes and clarinets are playing the melody- or at least a part that needs to be heard.
     A band is just that. It's a group- a team of individuals. Everyone will have different sounds, but it's finding a way to fuse all of these sounds together into one musical ensemble that takes real effort and talent. Being part of such a team is wonderful, so be sure to play your part well.