Band Instruments

A homeschool band was starting near us. The typical child starts band in 6th grade, my kids are 6 years old. I talked to the band director and said my kids wanted to come try out different instruments. She explained they are probably too young and I was fine with that. It would be good for them to have something they aren't successful with. They need to learn some things you just have to wait to be able to do. They both already have 3 years of lessons and can read music, which I knew would be helpful for beginner band, but wind instruments are completely different from piano and guitar.

Sweet Daughter said she wanted to try flute. She held the mouthpiece and after one small adjustment (hers, not the band director's) she was able to produce a full tone. We were all shocked. She could produce the sound on the full flute as well, only her arms aren't quite long enough. We were told she could join if we could find a flute with a curved head joint.

Sweet Son said he wanted to play the trombone. His arms aren't long enough for that. So she gave him a trumpet mouthpiece. He instantly buzzed and could do siren sounds. She said he could join if we started him on a cornet rather than the full sized trumpet.

So, the hunt for instruments was on. These are what we found.

Sweet Daughter trying out the cornet

Sweet Son on the cornet

Sweet Daughter on the flute

(the curved head joint is in the case)

They will be the youngest, by far in the band, but we are going to try it and see how it goes. I don't feel ready to be a band mom. It wasn't that long ago I was a band kid.