Which orchestral instrument?

[Fonedyou]

Ds is in year 3 and would like to learn an instrument, his school have a little orchestra, he could join. He doesn't know yet what he wants to learn, any tips?

I agree that piano gets complex very quickly. I noticed both DC struggled sight reading piano exam material. However it’s a great starter instrument because it is so easy to get a good sound. I taught both DCs beginner piano using the Faber adventure books. It’s also easy to learn reading music with it. I think the guitar serves the same purpose as a starter instrument. But because I play the piano and have one at home already, it’s a more natural choice for us.

I wouldn’t recommend it as a first instrument though because it’s not got many opportunities for ensemble playing.

Annoying when they first start, as is anything I suppose 😆

If you want to encourage oboe, I'd start with descant recorder first because the finger positions are pretty much the same to begin

While I love seeing all the oboe love here, I do agree with @MurielThrockmorton. I took it up at 12 and progressed very quickly and became very good and played very seriously (Saturday music school at a major London music college level). But then I gave up once I got to University because opportunities for playing became limited very quickly and also I lost contact with the person who made my reeds for me (pre-internet!) and I haven't played it since. Which is mad, given what a huge part of my life and identity it was. And it really isn't a primary-school-aged instrument. You need a lot of puff to make a sound and the double-reed is tricky (and oboeists become quite neurotic about them!).

DD started clarinet in Yr4, I think. Is that an option? Nicer sound more quickly too! And jazz as well as classical options as they progress.

Also, play him the Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra and see what he likes the sound of. It was that that got me interested in playing the oboe at 11/12

Ah yes @HippyKayYay I used to return my staples in a Golden Virginia tin to Anthony someone maybe in the southwest somewhere and get a load of new ones. Later I played on Peter Wiggins reads, he sold through Howarth until quite recently, don't know if he still does, and in the old days you could go to the shop and try them out first just dipping them in a glass of something which was supposed to get rid of the germs. None of that now! I did play mine for a while in an amateur orchestra although I didn't touch it for years, but I've had to give it up due to health issues, I'm learning the flute now, though it doesn't make you feel as special as being an oboist - I was in the top county school's orchestra and it was the main part of my identity too.

DD's many bands are always short of lower brass players, so Tuba or Euphonium !

Cornet is better than trumpet for a little one; they're pretty much identical to play, but the cornet is shorter and so held nearer the body. (The tubing winds round 2.5 times instead of 1.5.)

There is always the chance your DS will try something for a few weeks/months and then lose interest!
Friends daughter abroad won scholarships to attend a privileged school and learnt violin. She was advised to change to viola, as more chance of continued scholarships and more demand in orchestras.

Ideally he'd get to try a few different instruments and see which grabs him. An instrument which has more in an orchestra means more people playing the same line as you which can be helpful. Others like to be more soloistic- wind often have to play on their own. Cello can sometimes be more comfortable as you are not having to lift it up. I would say double bass as that's what I play- always in demand. Cornet/ trumpet a good shout too as very versatile - brass band, jazz, wind band, orchestra. Clarinet and sax similar. Try to get to a concert or watch some of the proms on TV and see what he's drawn too.

Do you have a local music service that lets you try a few different instruments? Both my son's picked their instruments after trying strong, woodwind and brass. They quite liked the harp but that was a no from me as we couldn't transport....

Let him try them out. My son is a horn player, he started at 7 and only wanted to play horn. He's very much a classical musician but can double or triple on trumpet or tenor horn. Trumpet or trombone can play classical, jazz, big band, brass band and so are the most versatile.

This. At such a young age you can start with a string, if they don't like it they can move to wind later. Doesn’t work really work the other way round. I knew lots of string players who also taught themselves sax, guitar etc and performed in bands, but I know no wind player who ever felt confident enough to take up violin or cello at age 13.

I started my DC on violin (their choice) and it’s great as there are little ensembles they can join even in year 1 (when they have no front teeth!). If they are good and want more opportunities they can switch to viola!

I am a flautist and have had loads of opportunities- I was ok as a child but nothing spectacular (g8 at 17). I prefer wind bands/concert orchestras to classical orchestras though. I'd see if your local music centre has a try it out day and go for what really appeals.

I'd choose trumpet personally, lots of tunes, sounds great and not too hard to start.