Marching bands can have hundreds of members and play instruments as they walk together. The University of Michigan Drumline has over 340 instruments total, including 106 woodwinds, 34 percussions and 202 brass instruments.
Playing in a marching band and in a typical school/concert band is pretty different. In the first one, you are either standing up, or playing from inside the drum set.
One thing that makes it so different is the fact that in a marching band, you’re supposed to be playing as you’re marching. The size and weight of your instrument can also play a part in determining what is the easiest instrument to play.
Difficulty identifying the easiest instruments to play in a marching band? Who is the question really asking anyways, as it’s assumed that there are no easy instruments to play in a typical band.
Easiest Instruments to Play in a Marching Band
Playing in a marching band can be easy for some people, but it’s not for everyone. Some players may find it difficult and don’t have the same opinion as you. Some people find it difficult to learn the instrument and how to hold it correctly. It can also be quite tough when you play while marching around or standing for a long time.
Firstly, and just like what happens to a typical band. You should know that marching bands are made up of three groups of instruments; brass, woodwind and percussion. You’ll need to know what instrument to choose from the range of instruments we offer, and if you’re not sure of your style yet, it’s important that your chosen instrument matches your needs for a difficult or easy start.
Based on our research, the easiest instruments fall under each instrument category:
1. Clarinet
The clarinet, originating around the years of 1607-1608, has undergone many changes since its inception, developing from a similar instrument called the calzoni or chalumeau. Since there was only one size that could play different musical keys on this original instrument, it created the need for various reeds to be built with different lengths and thicknesses. New innovations have made instruments much more flexible and able to change key without any major modifications.
Composers typically write for their preferred instrument because it’s what they’ve been practicing most. Advances in the mechanics of instruments helped makers develop these instruments even further. Military bands, which have a much wider range of playable notes and pitches, played the natural successor to the lower-pitched clarinets – B-flat clarinets.
17th and 18th century Europeans, are left with a couple of options – either explicitly spec out the dimensions for each instrument (which was typically done in advance) or adhere to convention (and use the same sizes as were in widespread use)
2. Saxophone
Saxophones come in a few different types; the baritone sax, tenor sax, and alto sax are most often used in marching bands. The saxophone is relatively new to music, it was invented in 1846 by Belgian Antoine-Joseph (Adolphe) Sax. He wanted to improve on the existing bass clarinet.
3. Trumpet
Trumpets have been around forever, and they’ve gone through a lot of changes since then. The use of horns as a form of warning can be traced back to ancient civilizations. For example, in many cases horns were used to warn of impending danger.
4. Cymbals
Percussion instruments can vary in whether or not they are pitched. For example, your standard cymbal. Some of them have a range of tunings but others, such as the crash cymbal used for marching bands, do not contain any tuning at all.
5. Bass Drum
The bass drum is a powerful instrument, being the largest and lowest-pitched in the percussion family. In some instances, it can measure more than two and a half feet in diameter and weigh anything from 15 to 45 kilograms before adding a harness onto it.
What Marching Band Instrument Should I Play
It’s a good idea to choose a more beginner-friendly program, especially if you’re just starting out. We recommend these 5 options that are both easy to handle and efficient.
If you’re experienced, you’ll be able to choose the instrument that suits your skills and physical attributes best. The more comfortable a guitar feels for you to play, the more time you can spend practising before playing in public.
Playing in bands is a very similar to playing other instruments. Just like the lead guitar has solos, drummers are the ones who keep the rhythm going with their fancy footwork. If you want to be good at what you do, practice makes perfect! Your instructor will help you prepare by teaching you the basics and the different ways to play each instrument while marching around in the orchestra pit.
Once you have learned all of the stuff from this course, the hardest decision will probably be choosing which instrument to play. Take some time to think and choose one that you feel most comfortable playing with.
It’s worth it to try out the marching band, even if you’ve never played an instrument before. You may end up loving it and thinking of it as your favorite. After all, there are many different types to try from drums to electric violins. Just make sure you do some research before making a decision, in order to get the best one for you.
Get Counseling When in Doubt
If you’re experiencing trouble figuring out which instrument to pick in the marching band, find someone who’s experienced in both and they can help you figure things out.
This can be really helpful for people who don’t know a lot about the instruments they want to play and haven’t had much experience up until now.
These days, many people like taking a ukulele lesson or two. Learning how to play the instrument can be pretty fun and the teachers can teach you a lot about how to play it, as well as which instruments to buy for playing in a marching band.
FAQ for Easiest Marching Band Instruments
What instruments are used in a marching band?
The marching band is a form of entertainment that has been around for centuries. It is a type of performance where musicians, dancers, and other performers march in time to the music.
The instruments used in the marching band are mainly percussion instruments, such as drums, cymbals and snares. Brass instruments are also used in the marching band, such as trumpets and trombones. The most common instruments found in marching bands are the trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, baritone horn, snare drum, tenor drum and bass drum.
What are the advantages of playing an marching band instruments?
Playing an instrument can be a great way to express oneself, make friends, and increase cognitive skills. It can also help with mental health. Some people believe that playing an instrument is not for everyone but in reality it has many benefits for both the player and those around them.
How do I choose the marching band instruments for me?
Choosing the right instrument for you is a daunting task. However, it can be made easier by following some simple guidelines.
First, think about your personality and what you want to do with the instrument. For example, if you want to play in an orchestra or a marching band, then consider instruments that are commonly used in those settings. If you want to play at home or just for fun, then there are many other choices available to you.
Next, think about how much time and money you have available to practice your instrument each day. If you only have a few minutes each day, then buying a more expensive instrument may not be worth it because it will take a long time before it can be played well enough to justify the purchase price. On the other hand if you have lots of free time and money available then go ahead and buy an expensive instrument because it will sound better than cheaper models sooner rather than later.
What is the best age to start an marching band instrument?
The best age to start an instrument is really based on the individual. Some people are natural musicians and can pick up an instrument at a much younger age than others. If you are not sure about when to start, you should try it out and see if it is something you enjoy.
What are the costs of playing a marching band instrument?
Marching band instruments are not cheap. They can cost anywhere from $300 to $5000.
The price of a marching band instrument depends on the type of instrument and the quality. For example, drums are usually cheaper than tubas because they are made out of less expensive materials.
How long is a typical season for a marching band?
The typical season for a marching band is usually from September to November. This time period is the time when most marching bands perform at football games, parades, and competitions.