I've been playing flute for 1 year, and i'm thinking about switching to bassoon. I just want to try something new, and the bassoon seems like a really cool instrument and I love the way it sounds. I'm not sure if my school has a bassoon, but I'm nervous about asking my middle school band teacher for one! If anybody has any tips on how to ask, I'd be grateful. I'm first chair flute, and he probably isn't going to want me to switch, but o well! Any tips on bassoon in general are welcome too.

I switched from clarinet to bassoon, but i've heard that switching from flute to bassoon isn't super difficult either. Don't be afraid to ask you band teacher. I didn't know what my band teacher what my band teacher was thinking when i asked to switch. Chances are, your director might like having a bassoon in band.

Try by asking them if you could just learn an instrument in your spare time. I have switched between three different instruments in three different until I finally decided that the bassoon was my calling. I'm now playing the tenor sax, and it's really enjoyable too. It all depends on the director, I suppose... Chances are, if they are in fact a flexible music director, they should let you experiment with a different instrument if you wish. I had a little difficulty switching from bassoon to flute embouchure, but patience is all that can really help. Good luck ! The bassoon is really quite a character of sorts in any ensemble, and I'm sure that every bassoonist (that plays multiple instruments) can agree that there is no other instrument quite like the bassoon.

Thanks!

Once in high school, in a fit of teenage angst, I decided I was sick of carrying around that heavy bassoon and switched to flute for one year. The experiment did not last after I graduated, although I did enjoy the ability to shove my flute case into my backpack (actually we didn't carry backpacks then but you get the idea) and just go. I assure you, lugging that bassoon around is not the most fun thing, so be sure you are really set on this before asking your director.

Carrying a bassoon round is no big deal if you have a modern backpack style case, although some offer very little protection to the instrument. Just try carting a contra bassoon round for a bit in a hard case & you won't complain about the bassoon again.

Ian

I think the point is that it's for you to decide what instrument(s) you want to learn; and your teachers should be encouraging you to try new things. Even if you are no longer able to play the flute in your ensemble, there will more than likely be plenty of others willing to move in; while bassoonists are rare and valuable people!
If you feel drawn to the bassoon then you should definitely do whatever you can to get your hands on one and give it a go. I've played recorder, oboe, flute, and now bassoon; and for me the bassoon is in a class of its own for character and personality.

I switched from oboe to a bassoon in 6th grade and all you have to do is ask... knowing most band directors they will be happy to have a bassoonist.... my opinion is to keep up the flute... its a good instrument and it is always good to know more than one instrument... i really wanted to be in the marching band so i learned sax... i know switching from bassoon to a different instrument is not the same as switching to it but when ever i go back in forth in class between to the two it is extremely easy to switch back because they are two totally different instruments.... if you are a band geek like me switch keep up the flute but play bassoon in class and flute outside of class.... the private lessons are cheaper!

~Lexa

Ok, thanks everybody. I asked my band teacher, and he was delighted to have a bassoonist! I will continue playing flute outside of class though. I'm excited to start!

Congratulations, happy bassooning!