Balancing your beginning band instrumentation is crucial for your band's success. Many directors understand the importance of placing the right students on the right instruments. However, getting students interested in low brass instruments can be a challenge. For instance, I've seen students produce fantastic sounds on a tuba mouthpiece, only to be deterred by the size of the tuba. Understandably, parents often ask, “How is my kid supposed to carry that home every day?” If you’ve struggled to get enough quality students on low brass instruments, here are a few suggestions.
First and foremost, celebrate students who produce great sounds on low brass mouthpieces. Make it a big deal and show your excitement. Focus on students who not only make good sounds but also show enthusiasm. Avoid using the low brass section as a dumping ground for students you’re unsure about. Remember, they form the foundation of your band and handle the most expensive instruments in the room. These spots should be highly selective, and the students should know they are special.
Next, address the issue of instrument size, particularly for tubas. I always provide my beginning band baritone and tuba players with both a take-home and a school instrument. This means each beginner has two instruments. Parents appreciate that their child only needs to carry a mouthpiece, which is smaller than even a flute. By doing this, you show students they are special and trusted with two instruments. This also ensures they can practice consistently, maintaining the same expectations for all students regardless of their instrument. Believe it or not, some students quit playing low brass instruments because they can’t practice at home.
Finally, if you’re teaching your beginning brass in their own class, place the tubas and baritones in the front row, followed by trombones, and then trumpets. Positioning your tubas and baritones up front helps build rapport and allows you to hear and correct any issues. At the end of the year, I move my low brass to the back of the room to prepare for the festival. It’s a necessary change, but I turn it into a rite of passage, acknowledging their hard work and telling them they’ve earned the right to sit in the back row. As silly as it sounds, students really look forward to this.
Engaging beginners in low brass instruments can significantly enhance your band’s overall sound and balance. By celebrating their achievements, addressing practical concerns, and fostering a positive learning environment, you can inspire more students to take up these essential instruments. Remember, the key is to make them feel special and successful from the start. For more tips and insights on band instrument selection and other music education topics, stay tuned to our blog.
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