My granddaughter is going to take band. What instrument should she play?
409968
There are actually physical factors to consider when choosing an instrument, and if your child has a good band director, they will take these into consideration. (Under/overbite, size of "Cupid's bow" of the lip, braces, etc.) The director's need of certain instruments certainly can be a factor if your child doesn't have a strong opinion. (I am a music educator.)
928108
I use to be on the dance team too, it was a blast. She's obviously athletic and loves music.  I would like to suggest the following: \n \n1. Winter time is coming up so how about a stylish faux fur bomber jacket? http://shopping.yahoo.com/b:Fashions%20for%20Teen%20Girls:784712903\n \n2. Or this is perfect: Beat Generation Groove Master which is a stylish messenger bag with a portable speaker in it. It would be great for her to practice her routines with this. http://shopping.yahoo.com/b:Accessories%20Queen:784713434\n \n3. If she has an iPod how about a Apple iPod nano Armband in pink: http://shopping.yahoo.com/b:Rock%20Starlett:784713436  or if she doesn't have an iPod and you can't afford to get her one get her this Creative Labs MP3 for http://shopping.yahoo.com/b:Female%20Techie:784713416\n \nYou can find these gifts and more unique Holiday gifts at Yahoo! Shopping’s Holiday Gift Center: http://shopping.yahoo.com/b:Holiday%20Gifts%20%26%20Gift%20Ideas:784712816\n \nHope this helps!
462974
The O.Perry Walker High School Band looks pretty cool. A link for their band is attached here: http://www.angelfire.com/band/opwchargerband/
478861
concertina is the best one (kind of like a small accordion)\ndumbek, which is a small drum.\nthumb piano.\nhand chimes.\naccordion.\nspoons, washboard\nthere is something like a guitar with strings which sits down, i forgot the name...go to a medieval fair...and look around.
197266
Just practice a lot until you're confident that you sound really good. Then it won't be embarassing for her to hear you since you said she likes rock music. Also, she's your mom...don't be embarassed to be yourself with her!
126534
we my kids and I combined play piano, alto saxephone, trumpet, cornet, 12-string guitar, acustical guitar, eletric guitar, flute, french horn, clarinet and i can belt a song like Etta James! (so i'm told) that is not bad for a white girl...lol..
602051
Just buy her a CD Rock Swings by Paul Anka. Will leave her breathless (assuming she is middle-age lady).
90818
you mean switch from band to another elective?  tell them this:\n\nthe best reason why anyone would switch from band to another elective would be because they don't enjoy playing an instrument, not because there's a new teacher.
473485
i totally am!!! i'm in five different bands throughout the school year: marching band, indoor percussion, concert band, jazz band, and jazz combos. also, i'm a bigger freak because my mom went to the same high school that i'm in, and had the same band instructor. also, one time, i found her band jacket, and some pictures of her. i wore the jacket to practice and put the pictures on the bulliten board. all the time i'm doing something music oriented. i literally practice "morning, noon, and night" on some days!! i have concert band in the morning, a study hall in the music room (where i can practice in the band director's office) and percussion/marching band practice at night!! at home i am constantly on my piano, or finale, watching a musical, or with my headphones on. if i'm not playing music, i'm thinking about it; and when i'm playing it i can't get enough!!! i'm a freshmen in high school, and this is my third FULL YEAR playing in the high school band, and my fifth year of playing mallets. also, i love to sing, and i think i'm pretty darn good. so if you think you are a bigger band geek than me... wow you are my hero!!!
1084191
I would suggest something with simple harmonic structure and interesting rhythms, as this most appeals to children. How about jazz songs, or folk songs (or folk-influenced songs)? Nonsense songs like Armstrong Gibbs' settings of Walter de-la-mare's poems or Britten's settings of W.H.Auden's poetry - I especially recommend the latter - great music including mentions of llamas and picking one's nose!
708126
www.olga.net\n\nMostly guitar, but there is some bass as well.
81777
Start with a one-on-one tutor.  Don't assume that because a kid is a "slow learner" in traditional school that he/she will be the same for music.  It might be the environment, the method of teaching, the material, etc.  (Obviously, I don't know your kid, so this is just a for instance)\n\nBut if you're worried, start with private lessons and see how he/she takes to it.  Look for a teacher that can introduce different instruments and is willing to teach technique with or without sheet music (some kids will take well to an instrument but get turned off by learning to read music when they're first starting).
359060
Ask around or post bulletins saying that you want to start a band, around your school or work or where you hang out. Make sure you say what you need, eg drummer, bass, lead guitar, trumpet. Or if you don't have specifics then say that everyone is welcome. Don't forget to put your phone number on there.\n\nIt helps if you can play an instrument. You don't necessarily have to be good, but if you can strum a few chords on guitar or keep a decent beat on the drums, or whatever instrument you play, you can progress once the band gets together and starts practicing.\n\nOh yeah, you might want to find somewhere to practice. The old garage isn't always the best thing, especially if your parents dont like noise. Try another band member's house, friend's house, or see how much it costs to hire out a hall or room somewhere, at your school for example. Or just practice after school in a spare room (I suggest talking to your principal about it first)\n\nGood luck mate!
1140402
First off, WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR KID'S INTEREST IN MUSIC!!!   Learning to play guitar at his age will be a major deal in his adult life.  One who can play guitar can make friends anywhere.  Learning while YOUNG is so much easier then when an adult.  I know...I'm learning to play bass myself right now.\n\nAcustic is the way to go.  Electric strings are MUCH harder to hold down.\n\nI would go with finding a teacher who can give him private lessons to begin with.  There are MANY books, cd's, dvd's, etc out there, but one on one would be good for him as a young beginner.\n\nBetter yet, take lessons WITH HIM and then you can practice and play together.  \n\nAsk the teacher about how much to spend on a beginner guitar.  I know you can get a smaller sized version and they aren't too expensive.  He will certainly work his way up to bigger and better guitars in no time.\n\nKeep on Rockin!!!
811151
Swing/Big Band Music\nWWII stuff\nCigarette Glamour Girls
899985
French Horn.  It takes a while to get a good tone when playing and it has a huge range.  I once heard a fellow play almost 4 octaves on one.  Flute, Clarinet + Sax have a set range of about 2.5 octaves and alot of fingering combinations to remember.  Your sound depends on the type of reed and bite you put on it.  Tuba requires alot of wind and a good sized mouth as the mouthpiece is huge.  French horm and trumpet need taut lips, breathing skills and an ear because to actually hit the various notes you have to kind of sing in your head.  Drums require good hand coordination.
1047196
Great question. Jam. That's the simple answer. Have them get together and play something slow like a blues in 12/8 time (a la Stevie Ray Vaughn) and pass off solos every 2 or 3 times through the pattern. Everyone will start listening closer, because they will have to ultimately take a solo (sorry bro, i would just lay down the drum beat and not solo). Once everyone is listening more and really FEELING the music that they play, find rock songs that they really understand and feel. Jam everytime before you play and you will have a tight band in no time!\n\n- 12 year musician