Not every band instrument is appropriate for every child depending on his or her physical characteristics. Children with thicker, fuller lips or asthma problems simply may not be able to play certain band instruments well. Even if she is initially successful at playing a certain band instrument there may come a time when she seems to stop improving onchoosin it. While this may be a mental or practice issue, it may also simply be the physical characteristics of your child catching up to the physical demands of playing the instrument. Before joining the band always ask your local band director if he or she has tested your child and what band instrument he feels your child would be good on. Whenever possible take the band director's advice. Years of experience tell a band director almost at first glance what kind of band instrument a specific physical characteristic might lend itself to.
If you cannot speak directly with your school's band director you should consider the following issues before going out to purchase a musical instrument:
1. Band instruments are very sensitive to the size of the lips and bone structure of the player. Larger, fuller lips are better suited for larger mouthpieces such as those on the trombone or tuba. Students with a significant overbite will also have difficulties getting the instrument to sit properly on the lips and may be better on clarinet, sax, or flute.
2. Thinner lips are often better suited to high brass instruments or to the woodwind instruments such as the clarinet.
3. Students with severe athsma can still be in the band, but should consult a doctor before going out for the class. A student in such a situation can easily play a percussion instrument if wind instruments are not an option.
4. Students that are obviously going to require dental appliances such as braces or retainers in later years may want to consider a woodwind instrument. Braces can be a big, and sometimes painful, problem with brass instruments. This is often a minor issue however, and should never be the sole reason for moving a student away from a specific band instrument.
5. The drums and the saxophone are always the most popular instruments in the band. For this reason band directors try hard to balance things out and only place students on these instruments that they are certain will be successful. Piano skills are always in demand for percussionists (drummers) and students with piano experience will often have a leg up on their classmates when choosing to be a percussionist.
Remember, just because you have Uncle Bill's old flute sitting in the attic does not mean that your child should play it. Likewise, just because your child wants to play the sax does not mean that he should be allowed to do so. Personal preference is always important, and the happiness and interest of your child is probably the most important aspect contributing to his success. When given a choice always go with the suggestion of your local band director when choosing a band instrument for your child. Once you have chosen a band instrument for your child check out this article to help your new musician be more successful.
