Am I On The Right Instrument?

One of the top reasons students do not continue in band programs is one that can be very easily prevented right from the beginning. (Or can it?) Many students are just simply on the incorrect instrument. I say this can be easily fixed but then added maybe not. What does this mean? Well first let's discuss the three instruments that I see the most students that may be incorrectly placed.

Flute - Many young students and parents have their heart set on playing the flute. For one thing there are a lot of the actual instruments out there. They are easy to carry in a book bag and they are not real loud in the house. Sounds great doesn't it? Well in reality, flute is perhaps the most difficult instrument in which to be placed. Why? A lot of people have what is called a "cupid's bow" on their upper lip. This means the upper lip actually looks like a bow. The problem is that this piece of lips will actually split the air stream almost guaranteeing that the player will have much difficulty producing a non airy characteristic flute sound. Also, some people produce an aperture which is more oval shaped than the desired diamond shaped. This too will allow air to leak or over flow around the lip plate on the instrument. All of these things may be dealt with at an elementary level of playing where range is not a concern. The problems start when as the student progresses in the band program and the level of the music progresses too especially with the aspect of range. These students which have manipulated their embouchure to play the upper notes of their beginning level music are now very aware of the their problems when confront with even grade 3 band literature. Why do flute players need to be able to play high? Because that's where they parts are written.

Trumpet - Here again is a popular one that may have quite a bit of problems built in. It again is a pretty easy instrument for one to find. There are a lot of them in attics and the such. The main problem with trumpet is again range. I have seen many, many high school players that just struggle with the upper range. Why do trumpet players need to be able to play high? Because that's where the parts are written. Many beginning band compositions do not write above a third space C and some not even about a second space A. The trouble happens when the player encounters grade 3 band literature and the ranges start expanding. If a beginning player struggles to play a third space C from the beginning, chances are that they will struggle with range.

Drums (I know percussionists, but let's be real they want to play the drums!) - What happens here may be the worst of all. There are many physical characteristics that will inhibit a student from gaining technical proficiency on the percussion instruments. One must remember that percussion playing is about 80% technique and if problems are built in such as not being able to hold the sticks correctly due to physical characteristics, the student is going to struggle. I have even heard a director say "well they couldn't make a sound on any other instrument so I put them on percussion." Wow! First the percussionist must understand they are going to play mallets...a lot of mallets. Still I have heard many parent say if their child doesn't play drums, they just won't be in band. The fact is with this mind set, they probably won't be in band very long anyway. The problems with having more than 5 or 6 percussionists in a symphonic setting is a whole other issue too.

Of course, there are exceptions to any of the above mentioned problems and many fine musicians are included in these exceptions. Also, remember that a clarinet and a saxophone embouchure is a taught embouchure in which all can have success. There is a place for all in band but why build in problems which will only get worse as the music gets more advanced?