Everything To Know About Switching Instruments!

For some, switching instruments is a really important part of their marching band experience. To help everyone out, we've talked to many different band peeps who experienced switching instruments so you can hear what it's all about!

Changing instruments is a small step into the world of marching band. It may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry! There are so many people here to help you along the way. If you dedicate your time to making the switch and put in some effort, you’ll be successful!

How is the instrument going to change?

• As you transition to a marching instrument, fingerings are going to be different, as your new instrument may have a different number of valves as your concert one. Some instruments will be different in the way they are held and played, so that will change your marching experience. For example, baritones and mellophones are played like trumpets (in terms of how they are held), so you will learn how to march with an instrument with a different hand and carry position. That being said, everyone is here to help you, and you’ll have it down in no time.

• “The fingerings for mello are the same as the fingers you use on the F side of your horn. With this said, the fingerings for first space F through third space C are the same. Anything above third space C is only slightly modified, and all fingerings you use on mello can pretty much be transferred to horn. What’s nice is, for most cases, you get to use your french horn mouthpiece on mello so the fundamentals there don’t change. The new postures (instrument carriage, etc.) can all be attributed to marching band, so everyone is learning these with you and the directors (and your leaders) make sure that you know exactly what you’re doing. By the end of it, trust me, you’ll be happy you’re playing a bell front instrument.” - Brookynn Cnare, junior horn player

How will this impact my band experience?

• In the beginning, you will spend more time learning how to work with your marching instrument alongside your fellow sectionmates. As the year goes on, less time will be spent on this because you'll get the hang of it!

• “When I was in 8th grade and trying to decide if I wanted to do band or not the biggest thing that was holding me back was the idea of learning how to play mellophone and learning how to march. I was always so nervous about not being able to keep up with the others, and I saw the upperclassmen march and thought “there is no way I can learn to do that!” but I learned that all the other freshmen in my section were all in the same boat as me and the leaders do an awesome job at making sure the freshmen are doing okay and are so patient and helpful I realized there really wasn’t anything to worry about! If you’re worried about the adjustment from concert band to marching band I promise you it will be ok! There is a spot for everyone in this band and we will make sure you feel at home here as you adjust to this new experience!” - Meredith Carroll, class of 2020

• “When switching over, it may seem nerve-racking at first because of how big and heavy the sousaphone is. It takes a little while to get used to, but in the end, you come out stronger and the weight and size doesn’t seem to matter much, if not at all. You just have to have the understanding that you will be uncomfortable some days, you will be sore, and your shoulders will ache, but no matter what, you can push through all that. We are super excited to have you guys be a part of the program!” - Jada Williams, sophomore tuba player

• "For me, I was super excited so I learned as much as I could before band camp and it helped me so much. Learning a new instrument isn't impossible and I think it helps you learn how to manage your time really well!" - Linzy Manis, junior oboe player

Where will I get my instrument from?

• Some instruments are school-owned (sousaphone, mellophone, baritone, low saxes), but others might need to be rented or purchased (like alto saxophone, depending on how many are available at the school). School owned marching instruments will be rented just as your concert instruments typically are.

• There are many people and resources available to make sure that everyone can have the instrument they need, but this isn’t something that you should worry about right now! Depending on how this year unfolds, the directors will make sure that everyone is fully prepared for marching season!

Oboe and Bassoon players confidently marching with their saxophones!

How will I learn my new instrument?

• For brass, you will be participating in marching and playing with your sections, and your upperclassmen and masterclass teachers will be there to assist you!

• For woodwind/double reed switchers, there will be separate masterclasses during the music block of summer band where saxophone teachers like Mr. Smith and Ms. Chen will be helping you learn how to play your instrument!

We hope that this provided a little more insight into the process of switching instruments for marching band. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to email us or fill out the contact form so we can reach out to you and help you out! More information can be found on the Contact Us page!