Need Help Picking Instrument for Music

[Yukina]

*twiddles fingers* So this year (gr.9) i've decided to take music classes and the teacher wants us to pick a suitable instrument to rent and play. The problem is that piano is not on teh list which means i have to start a brand new instrument. Anybody have suggestions on what i shoudl take?

I told my teacher i had level 8 piano packed down and he suggested taking the "oboe" (sp?) he says it sounds unique and really stands out and to play it u really have to be good at it.

I'm kind of confused now on what to take...is there anything that would be good with my piano background?

Thanks for your help ^-^

[Ammer]

Personally, I'd go for the saxophone instead. It's a wonderful instrument and you'll have a blast playing it.

[Yoshi]

The saxophone's nice, but it's usually overplayed. Choose it if there's just a normal amount of people playing it.

Oboe's good, but according to my friends, it sounds kinda like a duck. But it's all worth a try!

[Cyanna]

If you are already used to working with your fingers, then I wouldn't suggest trombone unless you are up for the challege.

Basically all I can say is go with your gut. Everyone here is going to have a preference as to what instrument anyone should take. Oboe is one of the hardest instruments to learn. But it has perks. Some colleges will give you a scholarship just for playing oboe in their band (even if you stink!). So few people play it.

I've played flute. The hardest part is making the sound. Once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to pick up. Then it's all about speed and technique. I think sax and clarinet are easier when it comes to getting a sound. Brass is a different ballgame though. I'm not really in a position to talk about it though.

[Alex]

I've played flute. The hardest part is making the sound. Once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to pick up. Then it's all about speed and technique. I think sax and clarinet are easier when it comes to getting a sound. Brass is a different ballgame though. I'm not really in a position to talk about it though.

Gotta agree with you there - I did flute for 6 months a few years ago, and now when I try and play my friend's flute I can't even get a sound out of it.

Though she can't get a sound out of my clarinet either.

[ahoteinrun]

What?
Nobodies recommended the noble percussion section?
If you've got a good ear for rhythm and beat and time, you'd probably be a natural. PLUS! When I was in band, everyone wanted to be a percussionist! It's not all drumset. Theres also things like symbols, bass drum (the really really big one), timpanis, wood block, chimes (I want my own set of chimes), xylaphone, vibraphone... glockenspiel... bells...
And who could forget the noble triangle? (don't laugh, I played the triangle).

*shrugs* In the end it's up to you. If you're in band, maybe you could get some people to demonstrate their instruments to you so you could better choose?

[Christopher]

Learn something that you like the sound of obviously

[Alex]

What?
Nobodies recommended the noble percussion section?
If you've got a good ear for rhythm and beat and time, you'd probably be a natural. PLUS! When I was in band, everyone wanted to be a percussionist! It's not all drumset. Theres also things like symbols, bass drum (the really really big one), timpanis, wood block, chimes (I want my own set of chimes), xylaphone, vibraphone... glockenspiel... bells...
And who could forget the noble triangle? (don't laugh, I played the triangle).

*shrugs* In the end it's up to you. If you're in band, maybe you could get some people to demonstrate their instruments to you so you could better choose?

Ooooh, I forgot about percussion. I don't play, but I know a bunch of people who do.

Percussion uses a LOT of instruments though - you'll have to be prepared to cart them around if you're performing at a different venue

[FreaksRule!]

I had to do the exact same thing! I'd suggest trying two instuments at the same time.. as I did, and finding the one you like best. In the end for me though, I played both! I still do in grade 12. I play what one I want for the song I choose. I like the flexablity it gives me, If I get bored of my other instrument I play the other one. I play Clarinet and Flute, sometimes Piccalo, its a smaller version of the flute.

[Yoshi]

What?
Nobodies recommended the noble percussion section?
If you've got a good ear for rhythm and beat and time, you'd probably be a natural. PLUS! When I was in band, everyone wanted to be a percussionist! It's not all drumset. Theres also things like symbols, bass drum (the really really big one), timpanis, wood block, chimes (I want my own set of chimes), xylaphone, vibraphone... glockenspiel... bells...
And who could forget the noble triangle? (don't laugh, I played the triangle).

*shrugs* In the end it's up to you. If you're in band, maybe you could get some people to demonstrate their instruments to you so you could better choose?

I still play percussion...and piano too. Heh, the greatest thing about it is that if you're pretty good in piano, chances are you'll never have to practice much. (But I'm a lazy kid...what can I say.)

And yes, the triangle rocks!

[Igg]

I recommend Saxophone.
1) It's easy to pick up
2) It's dead sexy
3) All the brilliant people play it

Seriosuly though, it's a good instrument to play

[Squinchy]

Band, eh? *puts away "play viola" ideas*

I also recommend going with your gut. Not your mind-but that other part of your consciousness. What do you want to play? Go with that, unless everyone else is playing it.

To be paired with piano, though..For a long-term commitment (as in, playing through college and perhaps beyond), I'd pick something a bit less common than piano. Oboe would qualify. Take into consideration if you want to learn a new clef-it can get awfully confusing at times. If it's just for this class, perhaps a bass clarinet would be fun?

[werepup]

Well, I did Orchestral Xylophone and Glockenspiel for Higher and CSYS Music, and I managed to get an A for both. Before Higher, I'd never taken xylophone before, and only started it half way through the year... oh yeah, and it's great fun. My first instrument was always singing... I don't know why but I never really needed to study too hard for it. Anyway, whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll do great!

[The Fifth Marauder]

Hm, well, is there an orchestra you can join instead? Since you're quick with your fingers and hands, you could try a stringed instrument. Some right handed people aren't too good with their left hands (and vice versa for those left handed people out there), but piants use both hands frequently, as do string players.

If you want to be in band, though, I think you should go for what you like best. Listen to different instruments, decide if you like to play melody or harmony, think up pros and cons (for example, some instruments weigh more)....

*pokes Squinchy and other string players out there* Psst...we can still get her to convert her to our side. Mwahahaha. Go orchestra.

[shortin]

How about the clarinet which has a pretty sound. Or the guitar.