Welcome to the West Babylon Musical Instrument Program! An Introduction to Musical Instruments for Elementary Students Prepared By Tara Smith Class of 2014
Let s take a look at the wonderful world of music!
Music has always been a part of our lives As infants, there was soft music and lullabies to put us to sleep As toddlers, we had musical toys such as keyboards, drums, and guitars As young children, we had music for dance lessons and religious ceremonies
Learning to play an instrument has many benefits It s exercise for our brain! Helps us develop memory It helps us to develop listening skills!
It s a way to express feelings: happy, sad, angry, etc. Music is social. It s a great way to get together with your friends.
Now that you know why it s so great to play an instrument, let s learn about some of the instruments that are great to play!
Let s look at the instruments of the Orchestra
Orchestra instruments have strings and are played with a bow
There are 4 instruments in our orchestra: The Violin is the smallest and produces the highest notes. It is held under the chin. The Viola is a little larger and gives lower notes. It is also held under the chin.
The Cello is a little larger than the violin and viola and is played while sitting down. The Double Bass is the largest instrument and is played standing up.
When all the string instruments are played together in the orchestra, the sound is beautiful!
Let s take a look at the instruments in the Band
The Band is divided into sections Woodwinds Brass
Percussion
The Woodwind Section Instruments are made of wood or metal Blowing into the mouthpiece produces sound Some instruments have a small piece of wood called a reed in the mouthpiece
There are holes or key pads covering the holes along the body of the instrument Sound is produced by covering or uncovering the holes with fingers or keys
Let s look at the woodwinds you can learn to play
Flute The flute is held horizontally or to the side Sound is made by blowing across the mouthpiece A flute does not have a reed A flute sounds like a high pitched bird or whistle
Clarinet The clarinet is held vertically or up and down Sound is made by blowing into the mouthpiece which has a reed A clarinet has a smooth sound
Saxophone The saxophone is held vertically or up and down It s usually made of brass but has a reed and it is in the woodwind family A saxophone has a sweet smooth sound
The Brass Section The instruments are made of shiny brass! They have pipes that are curved and twisted
Brass instruments have a bell shaped end And valves to press
The mouthpieces on the instruments are cupshaped And there s a special way to blow into them
Let s look at the brass instruments you can learn to play Trumpet French Horn
Trombone Baritone/ Euphonium
Tuba/ Sousaphone
The Percussion Section There are many different instruments in the Percussion group They are played with a stick, mallet, or your hand Percussionists usually learn to play all of the instruments in the section
Timpani Snare Drum Cymbals Xylophone
Once you start to play an instrument, there s so much more to experience!
If you practice, practice, practice You ll be able to play your instrument so well that you will be a part of the West Babylon Music Program! In 5 th grade you can play in
The Orchestra
Or the Band
If you really love to play your instrument, you might be able to join the string ensemble or the jazz band!
Maybe you ll want to play a piece of music for a judge. They will tell you what you re great at and what you need to work on. This is called a NYSSMA solo.
Some West Babylon students might play in a music festival with the best student musicians in Suffolk County!
Long Island String Festival SCMEA
In Junior High School and High School there are so many opportunities for you to play!
And the High School band is also a marching band so you can march in parades and festivals!
Your exciting musical journey starts with choosing an instrument to play!
So which instrument will you choose?
We hope you ll join us!