I am the person you are looking for!
Hey Carnation!
I am so glad that your son has decided on band! Woo hoo!
I am a band person although I will be teaching Elementary Music for the next few years.
In addition to that, my principal instrument is Trombone. I have been playing since 1989! I just graduated in May, but I have been teaching private trombone, euphonium/baritone, and tuba lessons for 4 years. So I have tons of practical experience specializing in brass.
Since the band director(s) think his sound is pretty good on both, there are some physical and personality questions that should now come into play. First of all, will your child get braces? Braces are more difficult for playing trumpet than for playing trombone simply because the trumpet mouthpiece is much smaller. Is your child super outgoing? Trumpet and trombone get to play the melody, but the trumpet get is more often and sometimes can have more solos which can put kids on the spot. A shy kid might not be as successful whereas more outgoing kids are just right for that.
Are his lips full, thin, bottom lip full? Fuller lips can be a problem for trumpet (not always) but are sort of desirable for trombone. Also, thin lips are NOT desirable for trombone, but are okay for trumpet.
You should also realize that whatever beginner horn a child plays on will need to eventually be upgraded. For instance, if they ask you to rent/purchase a cornet, you will need to get him a trumpet for his second year (they won't force you to, but that is most people's professional recommendation). And for trombone, you get the beginner model, but at least by 8th grade the child needs a horn with an F attachment or "trigger". This is why it is important to do a rent to own program if you can so that when you are done with the beginner horn, you take it in to trade up and the previously paid amount is counted towards the new horn.
Phew! That was a lot of info! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. You should be really happy to have your kid in band. Band kids are usually the most well-behaved and academically sucessful students in the school, not to mention that you have an instant group of friends who you have something in common with!
dzsaigirl
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