Introducing Students to Instruments: The First Day

I have included below some common questions and things to keep in mind when starting your first day as a beginning band director, most likely in middle school. These are taken from my own personal experiences, observations, and notes I have taken in my wind techniques class. Please let me know if I have omitted any important information, or have posting anything that is incorrect.

• When should you start students on band instruments”
  • For brass: suggest waiting until they’ve gotten their adult front teeth.
    • Note: some kids may not be able to hold the tuba, or reach the all the trombone positions.
  • Woodwinds: when they can reach the keys and hold the instrument properly.
  • If a student has a lot of difficulty making a sound or can’t reach properly, and doesn’t want to play anything else, do you still let them play the instrument?
    • Many teachers say no, and encourage the student to play another instrument.
    • Most teachers say yes; if the student wants to play that instrument badly enough, they will make it work.
    • You can also start the student on a similar instrument and let them try their preferred instrument when they have grown.
      • Make sure the student is aware of the difficulties and why playing may be tough for a while; they will have to work hard. Also tell why you may recommend another instrument temporarily.
  • Physical considerations:
    • If a student has poorly formed lips or mouth, or has a severe overbite, you may wish to encourage the student to try a different instrument.
    • Braces shouldn’t hinder terribly much, though it may be uncomfortable.
  • Big fingers or hands may make playing some instruments difficult.
  • Arms should be long enough for trombone.
  • Student needs to be strong enough to support the instrument.
• Students will view an instrument as a toy until you tell them that it is not.
• On the first day with instruments, do not simply say “Take out your instruments.” Students will most likely open cases upside down, and will not know how to assemble their instruments.
  • Mass chaos will ensue if you do not take things slowly and instruct them.
  • You must instruct the students, tell them :“Take out your cases and set them in front of your feet.” NOT “Take out your instruments.”
  • Students will not know how to put them together, and the few who do know will want to do it anyway; do not let them.
  • Instruct each section step-by-step how to put their instrument together. (If you have a teaching assistant or an older student, enlisting their aid may be beneficial.)
• Method Books: ask students “Who does not have a method book?” Rather than “Does everyone have a method book?”