The flute is a small, silver woodwind instrument that makes a clear, light, bright sound. It often plays the melody (the main tune) that floats over the band with its high, singing notes. You produce sound by blowing gently across the mouthpiece (like blowing across a bottle).

The clarinet is a black woodwind instrument with a single reed (a thin piece of wood that vibrates when you blow). It has a smooth, warm sound and can play both soft background parts and loud lively melodies (the main tunes).

The alto saxophone is made of brass but is also a woodwind instrument. It has a rich, bold, jazzy tone that stands out in the band. It’s slightly larger than the clarinet and uses a similar single-reed mouthpiece. It often plays the main melody (the main tune) or harmony (the notes that support the melody).

The tenor sax is the big brother of the alto saxophone, and has a deeper, rounder sound. It often plays the middle sounds and harmonies (notes that support the main tune) that help fill out the overall tone of the band.

The trumpet is the highest voice (or sound) of the brass family. It is shiny and bright, with a clear, powerful sound. It often plays the main melody (the main tune) or fanfares, and adds sparkle to the band. You change notes by pressing valves and buzzing your lips.

Known for its rich, golden tone, the French horn often plays both melody (the main tune) and harmony (notes that support the main tune). It blends beautifully with other instruments and can help the band blend together. It can be a more challenging instrument to start, but is wonderful for students with good listening and pitch skills.

The trombone has a long slide instead of buttons, and creates a bold, warm sound. It often plays lower harmony (notes that support the main tune) or bass lines and can move notes up and down smoothly.

The euphonium or baritone has a deep, smooth sound — like a small tuba. It plays supportive harmony (notes that support the main tune) parts and sometimes gentle melodies (main tunes). In school bands, euphoniums and baritones play the same music and can be used interchangeably.

The bass guitar provides the foundation of the band’s sound with low, steady notes that support the harmony and rhythm. It works closely with the percussion section to create a solid groove.

Percussionists play a variety of instruments, such as snare drum, bass drum and cymbals, and tuned percussion like timpani and glockenspiel. In this video you’ll see a full drum kit being played. Percussion is great for students with strong coordination, timing, and focus.

Students on keyboard also have the chance to play mallet percussion (such as the glockenspiel), and learn to play melodies (main tunes) and harmonies (notes that support the main tune). In this video you’ll see some mallet percussion being played. They’re like keyboards, but you play them with special sticks (mallets) instead of fingers.