Many students are undertaking the challenge of learning a new instrument. Some are even choosing to learn multiple new instruments.

Junior Olivia Neuzil began playing the alto saxophone in seventh grade. Since then, she has learned the bari saxophone, tuba, trombone, bass trombone, cello, bassoon, French horn, and oboe. The desire to play each unique part in different pieces of music is Neuzil’s motivation behind learning numerous musical instruments.

“When you listen to music, there’s always that cool part by some instrument,” Neuzil said. “I want to be able to just pick one up and play the part.”  

On the flipside, some students are picking up their first concert band instrument. Junior Annika Sutter decided to join band second semester of her junior year. Although this is her first band experience, Sutter isn’t a newbie to the instrumental world. After viewing Dodie Clark on Youtube, Sutter decided to teach herself the ukulele. Her love for the instrument caused her to choose band and the clarinet when scheduling issues arose.

“My family owns many instruments,” Sutter said. “I’ve always wanted to play clarinet like my mom and my sister.”

Due to increased interest, Band Director Mark Philgreen created a Jazz II. Many students, such as sophomore Matthew Salas, chose to join Jazz II.

Ever since fifth grade, Salas has played the trumpet in band. He began his instrumental journey by learning piano but dropped it to focus on the trumpet.

In fifth grade, Salas approached band teacher Robyn Wulfkuhle about wanting to play the trombone. “She recommended that I should play the trumpet,” Salas said. “Well, let’s just say I was super short at that time and probably couldn’t reach many slide positions.”

Overall, many of these musicians list the same challenges: mouth placement and getting used to the mouthpiece, reading the different clefs, and finger placements.

Senior Tristan Voelker helped three new clarinet players by giving them lessons and tips. “One time, I couldn’t, for some reason, play the note B,” junior Grace Reiss said. “I tried and tried! I just remember celebrating so much when I finally made a noise and everyone becoming so happy when we improved.”    

Learning a new instrument can be a difficult task, but many of the students choosing to test out their musical abilities say it’s beneficial and fun to be a part of.  

“To new people, I say go for it,” Neuzil said. “If you enjoy it, others will enjoy it and laugh along with you if you mess up. As long as you keep trying, you are contributing to the band, which is something bigger than any one person! It’s all about making music together!”