Should I choose band or orchestra?

Question

I'm choosing electives and I don't know which to pick. Help!!

Answer 1

Depends on what you play.

Orchestral music is more classical. Band music is more pop. Ask other students who are already in each one and see if they like the teachers. That makes a difference too.

Answer 2

I chose orchestra. There is a lot of patience and self control that goes into making music, regardless of what instrument you choose. I preferred orchestra because I prefer the sounds of stringed instrument as compared to those that are played in a band. Playing in orchestra also opens your opportunities up to learn other instruments. If you can play ONE stringed instrument, you can pretty much play them all (Piano included). I began on a Viola (in 6th grade) and by the time I'd stopped playing (when I was a sophomore in high school - I moved and the school I moved to didn't have an orchestra program), I was able to play a Violin and Cello as well.

It's really all your choice, though. Just ask yourself which sound you prefer - the strings or the other. :)

Answer 3

This really depends on what instrument you are most attracted to. It also depends on what kind of activities you like. If you are drawn to Violin, Viola, Cello, or String Bass, then Orchestra is the path you want to take

If you prefer Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Saxaphone, Oboe, Basoon, or percussion, (this is just an example of the instruments. Many schools offer more) then you should check out Band.

If you are interested in Marching Band, Football Games, and Parades, then this would influence your decision as well. If you prefer your extra curricular activities to be indoors and slightly quieter, then you should really talk to your Orchestra teacher.

What you really need to do of course, is to go to both teachers and ask to try out the instruments. Many students who have no idea of what they would really like to do, manage to make better decisions if they actually get to "try before they buy!" You will get a chance to meet both directors this way as well, and that may influence your decision in another way.

Keep in mind that whatever you choose, you will have to carry home. You will have to meet all of the performance obligations of that organization, and you will have to spend a certain amount of time with that instrument on a daily basis. Another place that will sometimes allow you to try out instruments before you pick one is your local music store. Be sure to go when it's not too busy and be sure to take a parent along if you feel they won't take you seriously any other way.

You also probably have freinds that already play instruments. Ask to try them, but don't be put off if they won't let you. Most students who play reed instruments (clarinet, saxaphone, basoon, oboe) don't like to share a mouthpiece with another student. The Band director has a sterilizing solution that takes care of that problem.

Other factors to take into consideration:

1. Will the school lend you an instrument or will you have to rent or buy one?

2. How expensive is the care and upkeep of the instrument you prefer?
(Brass instruments only require a mouthpiece and some slide oil, while Stringed instruments get much more expensive the bigger they get. Oboe and Bassoon reeds (double reeds) are much more expensive than clarinet or saxaphone reeds.

3. Where are you going to practice and how much sound can they tolerate? It may be pure joy to drive brothers and sisters crazy with your new form of "Homework" but if you have a grandparent living with you or any other noise restriction, you may want to choose a quieter instrument to play at home.

4. Do you already have an instrument at the house? Many homes have instruments available that students don't mind playing. Other student want a brand new instrument of their very own. Sometimes an immediate family member has one that you can borrow or even obtain permanantly. This allows you time to second guess your commitment. Once your parents spend anywhere from two to two thousand dollars on an instrument, they rarely let you change your mind. Rent to own is also an option, but you will often find that the instruments that are "rent to own" are more expensive and if you decide not to own, you lose all of that money.

Did I mention that you will have to carry it back and forth to school every day that you have class? This can be a really serious issue and is often the number one reason that a student falls out of love with their perfect choice at the beginning of the year. Hope this helps and feel free to contact me if you need more information. I am a retired Army Bandsman who currently teaches Orchestra (as well as guitar, Concert Choir, and Recorder) so if nobody else has the answers you need, I may be able to help.

Answer 4

Definetely Orchestra! I played viola and then the string bass. They were a lot of fun and don't hurt like band instruments do. But then I moved to where I live now, and all they have is a Band, so I just don't do anything because Orch. and Band were rivals.

Answer 5

Like some people have said...it does depend on the instrument you choose to pursue...I've played the trumpet and french horn for over 6 years now...and it has been amazing. I've gotten to participate in Jazz band with trumpet as well as concert band and symphonic band. Then with french horn I was also in concert band and symphonic winds, AS WELL as full orchestra. It would be great and wise to choose and instrument that can be in either, and participate in full symphony's. But of course this all also depends on your school. Mine had 2 jazz bands, concert band, and Symphonic winds, with certain people being able to participate in Orchestra as well...Trumpet has let me do all of them and much more...well I hope you make a nice choice.

Answer 6

you should do band because:

it makes your lips stronger (unless you do percussion)
you don't get callusses on your fingers from the strings
band music sounds cooler
band is just more awesomer overall.

you should also play b flat clarinet, because it's the awesomest instrument ever. and I am the best clarinet player in the world, so that makes me the most awesomest person ever. right?

and also: you might not want to be a band geek, but you REALLY do not want to be an orchadork.

ok no seriously: just pick whatever instrument you want to play, I think band is easier actually, because you don't have to always tune your strings and stuff like that. I mean you have to tune, but it's not as...idk...confusing? also the cases tend to run smaller with band instruments (especially flute!) so you wouldn't have to lug a big case everywhere with you.

Answer 7

Both, because music pwns. It depends what you play, actually...Just be glad that you're at a big enough school to have an orchestra.

Also remember that the main focus of orchestras are strings, and that they don't have saxophones.

Answer 8

I suggest you don't choose any of them! I mean if you want to join one then join one. But if you have to I'm sorry. :(
I'm in Orchestra and I play the volin, and everytime I play my back hurts and its pretty hard. I have never been in band but it seems so hard! I mean you gotta blow until you face turns red! But if I was you I would join Orchestra.

Answer 9

Gurl, choose band. I'm in the band at my school & I play the clarinet.

Answer 10

I chosen band, and that i remorseful approximately it. I performed flute for extra or less 4 years. i think of that violin could be plenty extra exciting, and that i like the sound of it extra suited. in my opinion, the solo belongings you're able to do on a violin is plenty cooler than what you're able to do on a flute.