SPOFFORD POND SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM
IDEAS FOR HELPING YOUR CHILD CHOOSE A BAND INSTRUMENT
Many children who plan to participate in our band programdecided on their chosen instrument long ago. Othersmay still be uncertain about which instrument to choose. As parents, you can help your child make a confident and thoughtfully considered assessment. Please read the following to ensure that your child’s preference is well-founded.
To help you be surethat your child’s choice of instrument is one that will lead him or herthrough years of creative learning and enjoyment, I have prepared some guidelines to help you confidently shepherd him/her through this first step in a well rounded musical education. Since several concepts inform a good selection, you and your child should discussthe following factors before a decision is made:
Style Many children just like the way they “look” with a certain instrument in hand. Or perhapsone seems more familiar than the others. While these are arguably justifiable feelings, they shouldn’t necessarily play too large a role in the choice. While children should never be forced to play an instrument that does not interest them, they can be safely guided to venture from their “comfort zone” in search of new experiences.
Sound quality Your child should enjoy the sound of the instrument.This idea cannot be overstressed.
An instrument that is pleasing to listen to will be fun to practice and play. Alto saxes and
clarinets have a “reedy” tone while flutes and all our horns are mellow sounding. While
all instruments are capable of playing loud and soft sounds, some are inherently louder or
softer than others.Trumpets and flutes cover the melody more often than alto saxes. You and your child may find it helpful to listen to recordings of music featuring the various instruments and notice their tone quality.
Size This can be misleading. Most any child’s hands are large enough to finger any of our
Bandinstruments and smaller children can and do become proficient on the large. But
yes, it is true:it iseasier to carry a clarinet case than a saxophone or drum/bell kit case!
Dexterity The fine motor dexterity necessary for playing varies with each instrument.The trumpet,
flute, clarinet, alto sax, trombone, baritone horn require average dexterity. The last two instruments listed are great for thosewholove large movement and many children whose fine motor skills are still developing find them easier to manipulate. Contrary to popular belief, snare drums require more advanced fine motor skills.Demandingonly small wrist movements, they may be more difficult for studentswho are still developing fine motor control.Please note that instruction for drummers includesboth snare drum and
mallet instruction on a bell kit. Drummers must learn and practice both.
Practice time None of our instruments is easier to master than the others.The key to that is the amount
of time spent practicing at home. The first steps of learning any instrument can be tiring and not always immediately rewarding. However, by persistently dedicating time each day to practice, every student will steadily improve. This leads not only to greater skill in
playing,butalso to greater confidence. As parents, you are “instrumental” in your child’s
progress!
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me at .
After August31st, you can also reach me through the Spofford Pond office (978 352 8616.) I look forward to working with your child and meeting you soon!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Andrea Monty
Director, Spofford Pond Instrumental Program