It’s a bit of a loaded question, but a very important one for many beginning band and orchestra students at this time of year.

To answer this question, you'll need to ask yourself the following

• What instruments are used in my school’s music program?
• What instruments do I like the best?
• Do I like the sound of the instrument and is it easy to duplicate that sound?
• How big/heavy is it?

To answer our first question, consider what music programs are currently available at your school/ Some schools offer both a band and orchestra program and some only offer one or the other. First, see what options you have. Here is the breakdown of instruments commonly used in a beginning band or orchestra program.

 

Flute

Clarinet

Saxophone (Alto)

Trumpet

Trombone

Baritone/Euphonium

Percussion

French Horn

 

Violin

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Your school might have a different set of instruments to pick from, so please check with your teacher. You can also consider whether you'd like to play an instrument that lots of other students play (flute, violin) or one that fewer students play (viola, baritone)

Think about what kind of music you like and would be interested to learn to play. Do you prefer the sound of strings or woodwinds? Do you like uptempo marching music to or swooning classic pieces? Do you like being the center of attention or supporting a group of performers in a more subtle way?

We've got a great starting point for our instrument selection. However, don't just limit yourself to your first pick! The perfect instrument for you may not be what you initially expected.

The best way to know what instruments you like is to test some of them out. Many band and orchestra programs have an 'instrument petting zoo' where students can try out a variety of instruments. This will help students determine which instrument feel natural to play and which are a little more difficult to grasp. Beginner musicians should gravitate towards what feels easiest and most comfortable to play; once they have certain fundamentals down, it is easier to switch to something a little less intuitive.
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Now, our last question:You would be surprised by the number of students that switch instruments or quit playing all together because of the size or weight of their chosen instrument. It's important to remember that when you choose to play an instrument, you are committing to lugging it around with you every to school AND back home so you can practice.

Below is a chart that breaks down the size and weight of common band and orchestra instruments: 

Instrument	Light	Heavy	Big	Medium	Small
Violin	X			X
Viola	X			X
Cello	X		X
Double Bass		X	X
Flute	X				X
Oboe	X				X
Clarinet	X				X
Alto Sax		X		X
Trumpet	X			X
Trombone	X		X
Baritone/Euphonium		X	X
Bassoon		X	X
Tuba		X	X
Percussion		X	X

 

However, it's important to remember that lighter isn't always better! A larger instrument like the cello or tuba may be the instrument that speaks to you the most.

If you still can’t decide which instrument is the right one, talk to your music teacher. Your teacher will be your number one resource for all your musical questions and they will be happy to help you make a selection!