Woodwind Instruments
Flute |
When to start: | Tuition is available from years 4-5. Arm length and hand size is important . The shape of a pupil's lips can is of great importance. Some pupils find it very difficult, if not impossible to produce notes. Teachers will test for suitability. |
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| Running costs | Very little - ocassional maintenance and pad replacement | |
| Hire costs: | Flutes can be hired from HMS for £13 per month | |
| Purchase Price: | Flutes can be bought from HMS from £205 for a basic student instrument | |
| General: | There is a wide range of music available for this instrument. There are many performance opportunities to play in wind bands and orchestras |
Oboe |
When to start: | Tuition is available from years 4-5. Arm length and hand size is important |
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| Running costs | Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £8 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement | |
| Hire costs: | Oboes are lent free by HMS for the first year of learning through The Endangered Species Scheme | |
| Purchase Price: | New Oboes start at about £700, contact HMS for a discounted price | |
| General: | This is a great instrument to play, you will always be in demand and there are some great parts to play in orchestras and wind bands. | |
Clarinet |
When to start: | Tuition is available from years 4-5. Arm length and hand size is important |
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| Running costs: | Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £1 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement | |
| Hire costs: | Clarinets can be hired from HMS for £15 per month | |
| Purchase Price: | Clarinets can be bought from HMS from £217 for a basic student instrument | |
| General: | There is a wide range of music available for this instrument. There are many performance opportunities to play in wind bands, jazz groups and orchestras | |
Saxophone |
When to start: | Tuition is available from years 4-5. Hand size is important |
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| Running costs | Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £1.50 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement | |
| Hire costs: | Alto Saxophones can be hired from HMS for £20 per month | |
| Purchase Price | Alto Saxophones can be bought from HMS from £275 for a basic student instrument | |
| General: | These instruments are very versatile, they give the student the opportunity to play in a wide array of ensembles such as wind bands, jazz groups and pop bands | |
Bassoon |
When to start: | Tuition is available from year 6 onwards. Hand and arm size are contributory factors |
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| Running costs | Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £6 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement | |
| Hire costs: | Bassoons are lent free by HMS for the first year of learning through The Endangered Species Scheme | |
| Purchase Price: | Bassoons can be bought from approximately £2000, contact HMS for a discounted price | |
| General: | Bassoonists are in very short supply, so there will be no shortage of opportunities to play in wind bands and orchestras. | |
