<p>Which matters more: the instrument that the colleges would prefer or the instrument that the player would prefer?</p>
<p>I chose sax in 6th grade, and I hadn't even thought about college then. (By the way, I still play sax today, primarily alto and bari, with a little bit of soprano.)</p>
<p>trombone...very few girls play and it shocks people when you tell them that you play it</p>
<p>i'm proud to be a flute player... the competition only makes you want to improve and become a better musician... if you're into obscure instruments, just pick up the harp (and piano, though not obscure, like i did). success on an instrument just depends on how much effort you put into it, not who the competition is. this is from a girl who sucked so badly she quit then started again and made all-state twice. don't let getting into college influence your instrument choice. colleges are looking for good bassoon/oboe players (although even these aren't considered "obscure" anymore) as well as good sax players. just make the most of what you do.. good luck :)</p>
<p>Trombone-the easiest instrument to tune while you play</p>
<p>I...have never heard...of a piano in marching band...
It's actually better to start on oboe if you play the oboe. Starting on flute (which really isn't normal for an oboist) or the clarinet is a waste of time...unless you're like an over-achiever or something. It takes precious time away from perfecting the embouchure...clarinetists always seem to bite down on the mouthpiece for high notes and embouchure in general...don't attempt that on an oboe reed. Ever.
If she plays any kind of sax, then she should learn the basics of the flute as well.
Sorry...it's just finally there's a discussion that I actually care about.</p>
<p>Amazing! Other baritone/euphonium players exist!</p>
<p>Of course I'm biased, but I also would suggest something low brass, especially baritone (for marching) or euphonium (for concert). It's more unusual, especially for girls, and you get plenty of good parts, especially in all those British marches. Plus it really isn't that hard to carry it and march; unless you're playing tuba, you shouldn't have much trouble at all, if any.</p>