The Trumpet
The trumpet is also a popular beginning instrument. The challenge seems to be getting students to use adequate air support and play out. Since several notes can be played with any given fingering, It takes a good ear and close listening to play the correct pitches. The top trumpet parts are melody brass, seconds and thirds play harmony parts. Trumpets are relatively inexpensive and portable.
The Trombone
The trombone is different than any other instrument in that it uses a slide instead of keys or valves to change pitch. Like trumpet, the trombone player must have a good ear, as several notes can be played in any given slide position. Trombone parts have a challenge of their own, since they frequently move independently of other instruments in the band. The instrument due to its size and weight presents a challenge to manipulate. Size and good coordination are an advantage to the trombonist. This instrument is not very expensive to rent or purchase however its size makes it a challenge to transport. Trombones are not allowed on the school bus.
Other Instruments
The french horn is a medium-high brass instrument. It has a beautiful, mellow sound when played correctly. The major challenge is to get and control the sound. The mouthpiece and design of the horn make it tricky to get pitches. Horn players need a good ear to be able to hear correct pitches. Without a good sense of pitch, the horn player will struggle. French Horns are on the expensive side. The euphonium, sometimes called the baritone horn, is basically a small tuba. The fingering is straight forward. The challenge for the beginner is getting the right pitch. It is a little more forgiving than the trumpet and uses a trombone mouthpiece. The Tuba is the largest of the wind instruments. The beginning student usually has trouble filling the horn with enough wind to make it respond properly. The second major problem with tuba is that beginners usually err on the high side with pitch consistently.
Sousaphone
update in progress for school year 2007-08