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Just the Facts

Various lists of interest to prospective band or orchestra parents

A glossary of basic terms

Adaptation tests: Tests used to determine which instruments a child is best suited to play, based on physical factors such as length of arms, independence of hands and thickness of lips.

Adjudicators: Judges at band contests.

Aptitude tests: Tests designed to measure a child’s musical strengths and weaknesses.

Band: A common term for concert band.

Band boosters: An organized group of parents that supports the music program financially and through other support activities.

Band director: Often called the “music teacher” at the elementary level, this is the educator responsible for teaching band and orchestra classes.

Beginning band: The entry-level concert band, composed of first-year music students.

Brass: A family of instruments that includes tuba, trombone, trumpet, cornet and French horn.

Chair: The ranking of players within a section, with the “first chair” being the section leader.

Color guard: The flag-waving, nonmusical members of a marching band.

Concert band: A musical ensemble that includes brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.

Curricular: Courses and activities that are part of a school’s regular course of study and for which students receive grades and academic credit.

Extracurricular: Courses and activities that are outside a school’s regular course of study and for which students do not receive grades or academic credit.

Honors band: A band for advanced players within a school, or an invitation-only ensemble composed of top musicians from many schools.

Instrumental music: Music played on instruments (as opposed to choral music, which is sung).

Marching band: A concert band that marches in formation while playing.

Method book: A “how-to” book for beginning musicians, showing how each note is to be played.

Orchestra: A musical ensemble that includes stringed instruments in addition to percussion, brass and woodwind instruments.

Pep band: A small band that plays in the stands at indoor sporting events such as hockey or basketball games.

Percussion: The section of the orchestra that includes all instruments that are played by being struck, such as drums, cymbals and triangles.

Rental night: An event for beginning band students and their parents at which students can try out and rent instruments from the school’s preferred music vendor. Also called “band night” or “display night.”

Road rep: An employee of a music store who regularly visits schools.

Road trip: A band excursion that involves traveling a significant distance.

School music dealer: A music store that provides instruments, music and accessories to school band or orchestra students.

Section: A grouping of like instruments, such as the “trumpet section.”

Step-up: A term describing intermediate-level instruments that are a step above beginners’ models.

Strings: A family of instruments that includes violin, viola, cello and bass.

Summer band camp: A summer camp, usually run by a university music department, where band members can gain playing experience.

Symphonic band: A term used to describe an advanced school concert band.

Wind ensemble: A small, often elite band made up of woodwind and brass instruments only.

Woodwind: The section of the band or orchestra that includes flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons and saxophones.

1. Knowing and working with the band or orchestra director
2. Buying or renting an instrument
3. Helping your child learn
4. Some common misconceptions
5. Glossary of Terms in Instrumental Music
6. Do's and Don'ts of Instrument Care
7. Choosing a Music Store
8. Consider Private Lessons
9. What Else Can I Do?

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