Russo Music visits us weekly to pick-up and drop-off instrument repairs, as well as any accessories you order online now or throughout the year (reeds, neck straps, stands etc.).
FULL OR HALF YEAR? INSURANCE? WHAT HAPPENS IN JUNE?
I recommend a full school-year lease, but you certainly may select the 5-month lease if you like.
Consider the insurance (LPP) if you are concerned about theft or serious damage (you know your student best!). Routine repairs are included under the regular lease, but the LPP is a very reasonable price for peace of mind.
The "down payment" covers whatever initial period you select (school-year or 5-month), so the monthly rate will not kick in until after that time.
With a full school-year rental, come summer you will have the one-time option to pay for the next school year in advance at a reduced rate (as compared to the monthly rate), which also allows you to keep the instrument over the summer at no additional cost.
BOOK:
5th & 6th graders use "Sound Innovations Book 1"
7th & 8th graders use "Sound Innovations Book 2"
REEDS: Oboes, clarinets, and saxophones come with one reed, but I recommend purchasing extra reeds.
OBOE: a single extra reed is plenty (New students will be happy with a medium-soft oboe reed, and older students should check their current reeds -- they probably have a medium oboe reed)
CLARINET AND SAXOPHONE: please consider at least a 3-pack. New students will be happy with strength 2 clarinet/saxophone reeds, and older students should check their current reeds -- they probably have strength 2.5 or 3 clarinet/saxophone reeds).
STANDS: I recommend a folding music stand if you do not have one or do not have another place for your musician to comfortably prop his or her book up at eye level.