How hard is high school band?

Question

I'm in 8th grade now, and want to learn an instrument so I can play in band next year. Will I be good enough by then to play in high school band? I have been playing piano for 6 years, and guitar for 1 year, so I'm pretty sure I could learn really fast. I'm planning on learning saxophone, clarinet, or maybe something like an xylophone.

Answer 1

You'll do fine - but you will have to practice, practice practice.

You won't have to worry about learning music, or how music is put together.  The biggest thing is learning how the notes, and how to move your fingers correctly, and breathing.

You mentioned xylophone- thats percussion.  With a xylophone you will be also learning how to use all the drums, and percussion instrements

The other instruments are wind instruments, and requires a knowledge of which fingering goes with which note, and breathing techniques

I would go and ask you band director right if you can try a number of different instrements, and if you can take lessons from him.  He might even want you in the band right away!

Answer 2

If your band is average or better, the only instrument that you named which you could learn quick enough would be the xylophone. Not that xylophone is easy, but it is set up like a piano keyboard and you already know piano.

Go talk to the band director and tell them what you would like to do.

I was a violin player who decided I wanted to be in the Band too. I talked to the Band director and he gave me private instruction on the Tuba during the summer and every day after school until I could play well enough to be a regular member.

Answer 3

Honestly, it depends on your school! Ask around. I'm sure if you ask a bunch of people, someone will have heard how high school band is.

Also, it depends whether it's concert band or marching band... Marching band tends to be harder--long workouts and you have to march while you play. Ah!

Answer 4

If you are diligent and practice daily for 60 minutes (not an hour all at once but two session of 30 minutes), you should be ready to play in high school band. Of the instruments you mention, alto sax may be your best bet. If is easy to get a sound out of the sax, and the keys cover the holes completely (no open holes). Clarinet is a fine instrument but requires a more developed embouchure (the way you mouth and face interact with the horn). If you start with sax, you can always move on to clarinet later.

Xylophone is a great instrument, and it would suit you well as a keyboard player. However, as a member of the percussion section you would ultimately need to learn other instruments like drums, cymbals, bass drum, tambourine, triangle, etc. It may be difficult for you to find a xylophone that you can afford, and you might have trouble keeping it set up in your home. It takes up space.

I would encourage you to talk to the high school teacher and make your wishes known to him/her. Maybe you can ask what instruments the band needs.

Good luck with whatever course you choose!