Supplies

I often have parents contact me with questions about what to purchase for their child's instrument. Below are recommended items, with a link provided to the product on Amazon for details. Please feel free to purchase from any reputable dealer!

FLUTE

 Cleaning Swab  made by Hodge.  These are much easier to use than the traditional "thread the needle" cleaning rods that come with the instruments. 

 Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

CLARINET

Reeds – All clarinetists should play on the blue box Royal brand reeds, size 2.5

Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week.

Cleaning Swab: You should be cleaning your instrument each time you play! Not all rentals come with a swab. 

Rico Reed Guard IV – These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage. The cases the reeds come in do not protect them from warping.  Be sure and select the item for Clarinet/ Alto Saxophone.

Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush your mouthpiece inside and outside once each week with soap and water.  Be very careful not to scratch or chip your mouthpiece while cleaning it.

Rovner Dark Ligature – If you lose your ligature or would like to upgrade, this is a great choice.

Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

ALTO SAXOPHONE

Reeds – All saxophonists should play on the blue box Royal brand reeds, size 2.5

Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week. 

Swab – You should be cleaning your instrument each time you play! Not all rentals come with a swab. 

Rico Reed Guard IV – These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage. The cases the reeds come in do not protect them from warping.  Be sure and select the item for Clarinet/ Alto Saxophone.

Rovner Dark Ligature – If you lose your ligature or would like to upgrade, this is a great choice.

Neck Strap - The neck strap that comes with the rentals is not padded and is often a deterrent for students.  Protec makes great ones in a variety of sizes; 20' "Junior", 22" and 24" 

Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture. 

TRUMPET

Valve Oil – Monster original valve oil is a great choice, but there are lot of options out there!

Slide Grease –  Monster  or  Superslick 

Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water.  

Snake Brush – use this to clean out the inside of the pipes. 

Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture. 

Mouthpiece: Everyone's instrument will come with a mouthpiece. If you would like to upgrade, a great choice is the Bach Size 3C.

TROMBONE/ BARITONE

Slide Lubricant – Yamaha makes lubricant that is very easy to use, and it is highly recommended.

Spray Bottle – as you use your slide, you will need to “cut” the Yamaha lubricant with water.

Slide Grease –  Monster  or  Superslick  or  Venture grease  are all fine.  

Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water.

Snake Brush – use this to clean out the inside of the pipes.  This must be done under water.

Mouthpiece: Everyone's instrument will come with a mouthpiece.

Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

SNARE DRUM/ KEYBOARD PERCUSSION

Medium Poly mallets – these are good general purpose mallets for xylophone and bells.  

Vic Firth 5B snare drum sticks are the only sticks that percussionists should be using on snare drum in concert band.

Practice Pad – keep a Remo practice pad at home so you can practice without having to bring your drum back and forth to school.  Any size is fine.

Stick Bag or this Stick Bag This will help students keep their items together and organized.

Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.