#47 Word Grids/Semantic Feature Analysis

BY: Raven Longo & Jenny Shirley

WORD GRID FOR BAND INSTRUMENTS
Brass
Instruments

Small
Instruments

Includes
Multiple
Instruments

Large
Instruments

Uses
Reeds

Flute
Clarinet
Alto
Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion

Columns: features, characteristics, or other defining information ! about band

instruments.
Rows: Topic ! Band Instruments
TEXT

Instrument descriptions
Flute
This is a small instrument that plays high pitched notes and plays the tune, or melody, in
most band music. More than any other instrument, it requires a careful match with the
student. Very few students are mediocre flute players most can either play the flute
very well or simply cannot play it at all, due to lip shape. Your band teacher will help
determine if flute is a good choice. It is important for your child to have a strong second
choice if they wish to play the flute.
Clarinet
This instrument is also small. Like the flute, it often plays the tune in band music. It is an
easy instrument to start on, although like all instruments it has its own difficulties later
on. It also requires a constantly replenished supply of reeds, which must be purchased
and are fragile. The clarinet is also an excellent choice if the student wishes to eventually
switch to oboe, bassoon, or saxophone.
Alto saxophone
This instrument is large, heavy, and expensive. It uses reeds, like the clarinet. To
successfully play the sax, a student must have large hands. Although it is rather easy to
play if the student is big enough, it is sometimes a better idea to play for the first year on
the much lighter and less expensive clarinet, and change to sax in junior high school. A
few taller, large-handed students can play the tenor saxophone.

Trumpet/cornet
These two brass instruments are so close to being identical that a choice between them is
not very important. The trumpet is small and high pitched. It sometimes plays the tune,
especially if the tune needs to be loud. The trumpet mouthpiece puts great demand on
face and lip muscles and requires a great deal of practice time. Braces on the teeth make
trumpet playing difficult. If the student is a casual band student, and not diligent in their
practice, the trumpet is not a very good choice. On the other hand, if they want to play the
melody and really be heard, the trumpet is a fine choice.
Trombone/baritone
These two related low brass instruments are really very similar. They use the same
mouthpiece, and can play from the same music. The main difference is that the baritone
has valves (its like a big trumpet) while the trombone has a slide. These instruments with
their low sounds play the very important bass line in band music, like an electric bass in a
rock band. They are both easier to blow than the trumpet. The trombones slide is capable
of some great special effects.
Percussion
Percussion is more than just drums! It includes struck instruments such as the triangle,
cymbals, wood block, claves, as well as melodic instruments such as bells and marimba.
All percussion students start on bells and drum practice pad, and are tested on both drum
rhythms and bell melodies. They begin using actual drums later in the school year.
Percussion requires excellent rhythm skills, and much practice. Students are encouraged
to use a percussion kit.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fisher, D., Brozo, W., Frey, N., & Ivey, G. (2011). 50 instructional routines to develop
content literacy (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.
Puckett, K. (2003, May 23). Content Area Literacy Strategies and Potential Assistive
Technology Applications. Retrieved September 30, 2014, from
http://web.utk.edu/~access/strategies.htm.
Wood, B. (n.d.). Sixth Grade Band Instrument Choices. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
Retrieved from http://www.asdk12.org/music/elementaryschool/6thgradebandand
orchestra/bandinstruments/.
.

Answer Key:

Flute
Clarinet
Alto
Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion

Brass
Instruments

Small
Instruments

Large
Instruments

Uses
Reeds

YES
YES
NO

Includes
Multiple
Instruments
NO
NO
NO

NO
NO
NO

NO
NO
YES

NO
YES
YES

YES
YES
NO

NO
NO
NO

NO
NO
YES

NO
NO
NO

NO
NO
NO