Community bands play an important role in Brazilian music education. Often the only point of musical access, they provide free instrumental teaching for thousands of people who cannot afford to pay. One challenge that needs to be continually addressed is the issue of attrition, especially during the first stages of instruction. Considering this issue, this paper presents a pedagogical approach which concentrates on music-making through collective instruction. In conclusion, it is suggested that this approach is an effective way to teach instruments, motivate beginners, and lower the cost of instrumental teaching, making quality instruction available to more people.