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5 instrument essentials to start the family band

By ebell

You’ve made the wildest, and most wholesome decision of your life: you’re going to start a family band. And why not? We’re all spending monstrous amounts of time at home with the fam these days. Why not turn some of that…pent up psychological energy into music? It’s easier, and more affordable, than you might think. Nor does it have to break the bank. Hre are five items that might get you and yours on your way to Partridge Family (or Kings of Leon, or Avett Brothers) style glory.

Unless you’re an Allman Brothers jam-style band, you’ll want a good microphone stand at the center of your set-up for things like lyrics. A sturdy investment from Hola! Music, 40 to 63 inches in height, it has a telescoping boom that lets you accommodate shorter singers and sitting singers, too. Locked legs means nobody’s gonna “accidentally” kick it down in the event of a band meltdown.
$0 from Amazon

A snare drum might seem like a bad investment—that’s a lot of surface area for little hands to bang—but it’s actually often the first percussion instrument budding musicians learn to play. Essential for powerful downbeat staccato rhythm, with an easy tripod set-up and a rubber practice pad to muffle sound until your bandmate (sister/brother/great aunt) masters that Phil Collins snare sound.
$0 from Amazon

Ukuleles make great additions to a band in need of some high-tone but substantial string sounds. This Tenor Ukulele from Hola! Music is made with Aquila Nylgut strings, stronger than plastic, meaning learning hands are less likely to damage them. Ultra-lightweight with a colorful strap so your ukuele-ist can go hands-free for a brief tambourine solo.
$123 from Amazon $130 from Walmart

More of an investment than a snare drum, the Mendini by Cecilio 3-Piece Kids Drum Set is good for a family band with its own mini-Keith Moon. The kit comes with mounted bass drum, Tom drum, snare drum, and cymbal, plus drumsticks and a padded drum throne (aka stool) with adjustable height, so your budding beats master can sit comfortably while learning to twirl the sticks.
$0 from Amazon

A flute might not seem obvious for a family band, but it’s easy and fun, and perfect for that Jethro Tull vibe. This Closed Hole Student C Flute from Mendini by Cecilio is a high-quality student-grade instrument, delivering a clean, rich sound. And since it’s easy to assemble and maintain, your budding flautist can focus on more important things, like mastering the solos from Aqualung.
$130 from Amazon $111 from Walmart

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A lot of us have a lot more family time these days, and a family band just might be the ideal way to fill the awkward (tired, frustrated) silence. It doesn’t have to be a huge investment either.  Instruments like these combine value with durability, so you can experiment, trade around, and figure out your family sound. Outfit your crew with non-committal, fun instruments like these and you’re on your way. Just make sure the mic stand is adjustable, so if your nine-year-old covers lead vocals, you can adjust the mic for your own epic solo.

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