FRENCH HORN
The French horn is the also a member of the brass family. Its sound is produced by vibrating lips into a small mouthpiece similar to a trumpet.  Students with good musical ears (such as Honor Choir students) should consider French horn.
 
Physical Characteristics
A slight overbite works fine, but an underbite can severely hinder progress on French Horn.  The French horn’s keys are manipulated with the left hand instead of the right, and the right hand holds up the bell and (around the second semester) is placed inside the bell.
 
Other Considerations
Because of the difficult nature of French horn notes (mentioned above), students should exhibit GREAT ability to match sung or played pitches by humming or singing. Perhaps this is a good instrument choice for students who haveparticipated in piano lessons or honor choir groups.  Shadow Ridge provides French horns for students at a cost of $100 rental for an entire school year.  Private lessons are strongly encouraged for French horn due to the complexity of the instrument.

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