re: Questions for the band geeks

I’m going on my 13th year of teaching band. My father was a band director for over 30 years, and my wife is going on year 8. She is a saxophone player.

Here’s what I’ll offer…

1. Yes. She will need a bit more theory to excel at tenor or bari, but it’s something that is done frequently.

2. Not at all. If anything, her piano theory will help her move faster with learning the alto.

3. A “good” instrument to start with is subjective. I’ve started smart kids, gifted kids, disabled kids, and smartasses. If she WANTS to play that instrument, let her go. Students will typically do better on the instrument they want to play. Not everyone can be quarterback (or a drummer), but what any teacher will look for is excitement and interest.

It’s the director’s job to place students where they will most likely succeed. Most of our beginner students end up on their first choice. Some will change throughout the course of their MS and HS years, but the really passionate ones will learn to play other instruments.

I’d compare this to athletics. If she wants to play the alto and has the support of the director, let her.