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Directions In Music

Directions In MusicDirections In MusicDirections In Music

Directions In Music

Directions In MusicDirections In MusicDirections In Music
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SCHOOL BAND & STRING INSTRUMENTS

MEET THE INSTRUMENTS!


Click to watch our video to see and hear all of the instruments you can choose from, to play in your school's band or string ensemble.


Scroll down for more detailed info and extra videos to help you choose the instrument that's right for you!

FLUTE
CLARINET
SAXOPHONE
TRUMPET
TROMBONE
BARITONE/EUPHONIUM
DRUMS/PERCUSSION
BASS GUITAR
PIANO/KEYBOARD
VIOLIN
CELLO

The Flute

Playing the Flute

 Playing the flute can be challenging but so rewarding for our young students. The flute is generally regarded as one of the trickier band instruments to get started on. But after the first term or so, you'll be so glad you stuck with it!  


What You Need to know:

  • Flutes produce a sound when air is blown across the head joint. Different pitches are created by opening and closing the different air holes with your fingers.
  • Your flute comes in 3 parts. You need to be super careful when putting it together
  • It's important to clean your flute regularly so that it stays clean and hygienic


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • Remember to wipe down your flute after each use
  • You'll need a cleaning rod & cloth, as well as a polishing cloth to keep your flute spick and span - don't forget to wash the cloths regularly!
  • Use your cleaning rod and cloth to clean the inside of your flute after each use - this will keep it hygienic and germ free
  • Regularly give your flute a polish to keep it shiny and perfect!


Any Ongoing Costs?

  • All instruments need regular servicing by a specialist technician (every 1-2 years)
  • As long as you keep your cleaning rod & cloth, and your polishing cloth close by you won't need to purchase anything extra to keep your flute up to scratch



Hire or Buy?

DIM has brand new and pre-played flutes for both hire and purchase. 


Click for Hire/Purchase Info

The Clarinet

Playing the Clarinet

 Playing the clarinet can be challenging but so rewarding for our young students. The clarinet is generally regarded as one of the easier band instruments to get started on, but don't be fooled - you'll still have to work hard!


What You Need to know:

  • Clarinets use reeds, which together with the mouthpiece, help to produce the sound.
  • Your clarinet comes in 4 parts. You need to be super careful when you're putting it together! 
  • Reeds can break easily and they will need to be replaced regularly - especially when you're just starting out. It's a good idea to keep a few spares in your instrument case
  • It's important to clean your clarinet & mouthpiece regularly, in order to keep them hygienic and germ free


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • Your clarinet should be wiped down regularly
  • You'll need a 'pull through' to keep the inside of your clarinet clean and fresh - don't forget to wash this regularly, this will keep it hygienic and germ free!
  • Reeds get dirty and they can break easily too. You'll need to change them regularly


Any Ongoing Costs? 

  • All instruments need regular servicing by a specialist technician (every 1-2 years)
  • You'll need to replace your reeds regularly, especially when you're just starting out. You can get a 3 pack of clarinet reeds for about $15
  • As long as you wash your 'Pull through' regularly (and don't lose it!), you shouldn't need to replace this very often - maybe  a new one every few years


All About Reeds:

  • Reeds can break easily, and they also get dirty so they need to be replaced regularly, especially at the beginning.
  • While it can vary, beginner students often go through 3-4 reeds per month.
  • Reeds come in different sizes. Beginners usually stay on size 1-1.5 for the first 12 months of playing



Hire or Buy?

DIM has brand new and pre-played clarinets for both hire and purchase. 


Click for Hire/Purchase Info

The Saxophone

Playing the Saxophone

 Playing the saxophone can be challenging but so rewarding for our young students. Saxophones are quite large and can get heavy, so it's a good idea to make sure you're strong enough to carry it around (if it does get a bit heavy, you can always purchase a harness for extra support while you're playing)


What You Need to know:

  • Saxophone use reeds, which together with the mouthpiece, help to produce the sound.
  • Your saxophone comes in 2 parts. You need to be super careful when you're putting it together! 
  • Reeds can break easily and they will need to be replaced regularly - especially when you're just starting out. It's a good idea to keep a few spares in your instrument case 
  • It's important to clean your saxophone & mouthpiece regularly, in order to keep them hygienic and germ free


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • Your saxophone should be wiped down regularly.
  • You'll need a 'pull through' to keep the inside of your saxophone clean and fresh - don't forget to wash this regularly, this will keep it hygienic and germ free!
  • Reeds get dirty and they can break easily too. You'll need to change them regularly


Any Ongoing Costs?

  • All instruments need regular servicing by a specialist technician (every 1-2 years)
  • You'll need to replace your reeds regularly, especially when you're just starting out. You can get a 3 pack of saxophone reeds for about $25
  • As long as you wash your 'Pull through' regularly (and don't lose it!), you shouldn't need to replace this very often - maybe  a new one every few years


All About Reeds:

  • Reeds can break easily, and they also get dirty so they need to be replaced regularly, especially at the beginning.
  • While it can vary, beginner students often go through 3-4 reeds per month.
  • Reeds come in different sizes. Beginners usually stay on size 1-1.5 for the first 12 months of playing


Hire or Buy?

DIM has brand new and pre-played saxophones for both hire and purchase. 


Click for Hire/Purchase Info

The Trumpet

Playing the Trumpet

Playing the trumpet on your own can be really rewarding but it's super fun playing with your friends! It's pretty light to carry around, so there's no need to be super strong to play this instrument!


What You Need to know:

  • The trumpet often gets the super cool melodies - there are some pretty famous songs played on the trumpet!
  • The trumpet only has 3 buttons (valves) to help change the notes - mostly you use your lips & mouth (embouchure) to change the sound of the notes
  • It's important to clean your trumpet & mouthpiece regularly, in order to keep them hygienic and germ free


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • Polish your trumpet to keep it shiny and new
  • Clean your mouthpiece regularly with some warm soapy water
  • Keep your valves oiled regularly, so they don't seize up


Any Ongoing Costs?

  • All instruments need regular servicing by a specialist technician (every 1-2 years)
  • Valve Oil should be used regularly to keep your valves moving. A small bottle (approx $10) should last about a year


Hire or Buy?

DIM has brand new and pre-played trumpets for both hire and purchase. 


Click for Hire/Purchase Info

The Trombone

Playing the Trombone

 Playing the trombone in an ensemble is super cool.  You get to play some really cool low notes. You'll need long arms to stretch right out, so make sure yours are long enough!


What You Need to know:

  • The trombone gets to play some super cool low notes in the band 
  • The trombone has a slide which helps to change the notes, but mostly you use your lips & mouth (embouchure) to change the sound of the notes
  • It's important to clean your trombone & mouthpiece regularly, in order to keep them hygienic and germ free


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • Polish your trombone to keep it shiny and new
  • Clean your mouthpiece regularly with some warm soapy water
  • Keep your slide oiled regularly, so it doesn't seize up


Any Ongoing Costs?

  • All instruments need regular servicing by a specialist technician (every 1-2 years)
  • Slide Cream should be used regularly to keep your valves moving. A small tube (approx $10) should last about a year


Hire or Buy?

DIM has brand new and pre-played trombones for both hire and purchase. 


Click for Hire/Purchase Info

The Baritone/Euphonium

Playing the Baritone/Euphonium

Playing the baritone or euphonium in an ensemble is super cool.  You get to play lots of cool low notes to support the melodies and the rest of the band. 


What You Need to know:

  • The baritone is a smaller version of the euphonium - so it's lighter and a little easier to carry around
  • The baritone/euphonium gets to play some super cool low notes in the band 
  • Baritones & euphoniums only have 3 buttons (pistons) to help change the notes - mostly you use your lips & mouth (embouchure) to change the sound of the notes
  • It's important to clean your instrument & mouthpiece regularly, in order to keep them hygienic and germ free


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • Polish your instrument to keep it shiny and new
  • Clean your mouthpiece regularly with some warm soapy water
  • Keep your pistons oiled regularly, so they don't seize up


Any Ongoing Costs?

  • All instruments need regular servicing by a specialist technician (every 1-2 years)
  • Valve Oil should be used regularly to keep your valves moving.  A small bottle (approx $10) should last about a year

 

Hire or Buy?

DIM has brand new and pre-played baritones for both hire and purchase. 


DIM does not provide euphoniums for hire, but your school might be able to loan one to you. Give our friendly office a call and we can check it out for you



Click for Hire/Purchase Info

Drums/Percussion

Playing Drums/Percussion in Band

Playing drums/percussion in band is different to playing the drum kit alone. Drums & percussion instruments  are an essential part of the band as they provide the rhythm and the beat for all other musicians to follow. 


Percussion players often have very independent parts, compared to other instruments, and students will need to be confident in doing things by themselves. They will have a variety of equipment to use, and must be great team players, as they are the 'heart beat of the band'!


What you need to know:

  • Playing Percussion/Drums in the band involves the use of all percussion instruments (triangle, cymbals, shakers etc), as well as the drum kit.
  • There is only one drum kit used during rehearsals and performances  at school. Students will take it turns on the drum kit, and will have other percussion instruments to play at other times. There is plenty of equipment, and always something to do!


Instrument Requirements:

  • You must have your own drum kit at home for practise (traditional acoustic, or electric).
  • You will use the school drum kit and equipment during rehearsals and performances.
  • Students must bring their own sticks to school for rehearsals and lessons.


Hire or Buy?

 DIM does not provide drum kits for hire or purchase.


Both Digital and Acoustic drum kits are good options for beginners, and should be considered according to your needs.


Don't forget - You'll need to bring your drumsticks to school for lessons & rehearsals!


The Bass Guitar

Playing the Bass Guitar

Playing the Bass Guitar in band is different to playing alone. Bass Guitar is a valuable instrument to have in the school band because it provides a strong bass line and depth of sound for the ensemble. Bass Guitar parts are often similar to the music played by the trombone section.


Beginner bass players will start by learning the basics of playing open strings, and then move onto adding more notes with the frets. In the school band, bass players will need to be able to play with the first 3 frets quite early in their learning.

What you need to know:

  • There are only 2 bass guitar positions in the  Junior Band. This is because they need to be plugged into an amplifier, and there may only 1-2 amplifiers available at school. It also becomes problematic if there are too many bass players together in the one band.
  • Bass Guitars are different to acoustic guitars. They have 4 strings, and sound lower than other guitars. We do not have acoustic guitars in the school band, as they would need to be amplified, and there is usually no specific music part written for it.


Requirements for playing bass guitar in band:

  • Private lessons are required as we do not teach bass guitar in group tutorials. In some cases, there may be a tutor available at school, however usually you will need to arrange your own tutor outside of school. We will discuss with you the options available at your school.
  • Because the lessons are private, the bass guitar may end up being a more expensive option.


Instrument Requirements:

  • You need to have your own bass guitar and amplifier to practise with at home, and for rehearsals and performances.
  • You can use the school amplifier during rehearsals and performances, but you'll need to bring your own bass guitar and your own lead to plug into the amp.
  • Bass Guitars are available in 1/2 or 3/4 sizes, which cans suit smaller children. A Bass Ukulele is also a suitable option, however it must have pickups to be plugged into the amplifier.
  • We recommend all bass guitar players have an electronic tuner for their instrument, and also a spare lead as a back up. 



Hire or Buy?

DIM does not provide bass guitars for hire or purchase.


Don't forget - You'll need to purchase an amplifier and lead as well as the guitar!


The Keyboard

Playing the Keyboard in Band

 Playing the keyboard in band is different to playing the piano at home. Keyboard is a great addition to any school band as they can play all the different musical parts, both treble (higher notes), & bass (lower notes).


School band music is not usually written as a two hand piano part. For this reason, students will play either a right hand part, or a left hand part. As students progress, the parts may vary, and the conductor may assign a left or right hand part, depending on what the band needs for a particular piece of music.


It can be lots of fun playing with your friends in an ensemble setting, and while this has it's challenges, it can also be a valuable and rewarding experience.


What you need to know:

  • There are only 2 keyboard positions in the Junior Band. This is because each school only has 1 or 2 keyboards for the band to use for rehearsals and performances. 
  • The keyboard players in the band are often given the music for a bass instrument (the bass guitar or trombone sheet music and/or book), this music is more accessible for our younger keyboard players and it also helps to support the bass section in the band. 
  • You may only play just the right or left hand music, and you'll need to be able to read both the treble and the bass clef notes.


Requirements for playing keyboard in band:

  • Unlike other instruments in the Junior band, it is ideal if you have some experience already learning piano. Our preference is for students to have had at least one year of private piano lessons before joining the school band.
  • You need to have your own piano teacher, and be taking regular weekly lessons. DIM does not provide piano lessons at school.


Instrument Requirements:

  • You must have your own piano or keyboard at home for practise.
  • You will use the school keyboard (including amplifier & leads) during rehearsals and performances.

Hire or Buy?

DIM does not provide keyboards for hire or purchase.

The Violin

Playing the Violin

The violin is a beautiful and versatile instrument. While it's rewarding to learn the violin by yourself, it's even more fun playing it in an ensemble with your friends!


 What You Need to know:

  • Violins come in different sizes, so you need to make sure you're playing on the correct size. You can be sized professionally, or use a SIZING guide to find out the best size for you
  • Violins are quite fragile, so you need to be extra careful when you're handling them.


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • You'll need to keep your violin clean and dust free
  • Careful of your bow - don't leave it out where it might be tripped on or damaged


Any Ongoing Costs?

  • Strings - strings can break from time to time, so you may need to buy replacements (approx $15/string)
  • Rosin - Rosin is used to create friction between the bow hair and the strings, which makes it easier to create a sound. It can break and shatter sometimes so may need to be replaced (approx: $10)

Hire or Buy?

Don't forget - Violins come in different sizes, so you'll need to be careful when purchasing to ensure you get the perfect size!


DIM does not provide violins for hire but we have a limited number of pre played violins for purchase through our online store, click below for details

Click for Pre Played Deals

The Cello

Playing the Cello

The cello is a beautiful and versatile instrument. While it's rewarding to learn the cello by yourself, it's even more fun playing it in an ensemble with your friends!


 What You Need to know:

  • Cellos come in different sizes, so you need to make sure you're playing on the correct size. You can be sized professionally, or use a SIZING guide to find out the best size for you
  • Cellos are quite fragile, so you need to be extra careful when you're handling them.
  • You'll need to make sure you have a good quality case, some cases even have wheels!


Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • You'll need to keep your cello clean and dust free
  • Careful of your bow - don't leave it out where it might be tripped on or damaged


Any Ongoing Costs?

  • Strings - strings can break from time to time, so you may need to buy replacements (approx $15/string)
  • Rosin - Rosin is used to create friction between the bow hair and the strings, which makes it easier to create a sound. It can break and shatter sometimes so may need to be replaces (approx: $10)

Hire or Buy?

 Don't forget - Cellos come in different sizes, so you'll need to be careful when purchasing to ensure you get the perfect size!


DIM does not provide cellos  for hire but we have a limited number of pre played cellos for purchase through our online store, click below for details 

Click for Pre Played Deals

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