Instruments & Equipment

Instruments

Students that play any of the following instruments can audition provided seat(s) are available. If your instrument is not listed here, please contact us.

  • Piccolo
  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • English Horn
  • Bassoon
  • Clarinet
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Alto Saxophone
  • Tenor Saxophone
  • Baritone Saxophone
  • Trumpet /Cornet
  • Trombone
  • Bass Trombone
  • French Horn
  • Euphonium/Baritone
  • Tuba
  • Timpani
  • Percussion

Required equipment

Members must bring their own instrument for rehearsals and performances (except percussionists). See details below.

Depending on the requirements of the music, the director may require members to obtain (purchase or borrow) additional auxiliary equipment. Example might include Harmon mutes for trumpets, cartwheel mallets for timpani, etc. MPWS will provide notice at the beginning of each semester if additional accessories will be required and recommends that members purchase these accessories whenever possible. Only accessories for the member’s instrument will be required. At no time will the purchase of additional instruments be required.

“Professional” level instruments, while not required, are highly recommended.  Composers of the advanced music that MPWS performs assume that musicians playing their parts have high-grade equipment (F-attachment trombones, Split-E Key and low B foot for flutes, wooden clarinets, etc.).  In addition to not sounding quite as good, “Student” level instruments have fewer keys and built in compensations that can make playing this music more difficult.  If you have questions about your particular instrument, or are considering a new one, please contact us and we will be happy to give you some ideas.

Required equipment in addition to instruments

  • Flute/Piccolo – None
  • Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Bassoon – Extra reeds
  • Trumpet – Metal Straight Mute, Cup Mute
  • Trombone/Bass Trombone – Straight Mute (Metal Preferred)
  • French Horn – Straight Mute
  • Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba – None
  • Percussion – Stick bag including a minimum of one pair of mallets/sticks from each line. The more the better!
    1. General, Staccato, and/or Legato Timpani Mallets
    2. Drum Sticks suitable for concert music (generally heavier than those used for drum set)
    3. Yarn/Synthetic Vibraphone/Marimba mallets
    4. Xylophone mallets
    5. Bell Mallets (not brass)
    6. Triangle Beater
    7. Bell kit and practice pads for home practice

MPWS-owned Instruments

Mission Peak Wind Symphony owns the following wind instruments for our members’ use and will require players to “double” as the music requires.

  • Piccolo (2)
  • English Horn
  • Eb Clarinet
  • Alto Clarinet
  • Contrabass Clarinet
  • Contrabassoon
  • Soprano Saxophone
  • Baritone Saxophone
  • Flugalhorn
  • Cornet (6)
  • Tuba