Costs
There are no fees for elementary band participation, however parents must provide instruments and supplies. We recommend renting an instrument the first year.
The cost of rental varies by instrument: Flutes, Clarinets, Trombones and Trumpets are less expensive than Saxophones, Euphoniums and Percussion kits. Most quality music stores that offer a rental program will have costs that are very close. Local stores like Music and Arts, Quinlan and Fabish, and Libertyville Music all have good options. Please check their websites or call for prices.
Beware of low quality instruments with a low purchase price. New instruments in the $50-200 range are NOT good quality, break down easily due to low quality materials, and are unrepairable. They often are bundled with things like "gloves" or a metronome, and make having a certain color their selling point. You can easily find them in online stores that have no expertise with band instruments. Do not buy these instruments.
A good used instrument is going to cost $200 minimum. If you find a good one, these are bargains and they will last a very long time.
A good new instrument intended for beginners will be $1,000 or more depending on the instrument.
Please see the recommended instrument page for more information.
Some instruments will have "consumable" items that have to be replaced. In particular Clarinet, Saxophone and Oboe all have reeds that only last 2-4 weeks tops before needing to be replaced. Other instruments have supplies like oil or cleaning cloths, and you might need to purchase those supplies once a year.
A music stand is a must for all students. A good folding music stand can be purchased for around $20 and should last for the entire time your child is in band.
Part of our band uniform, worn for all concerts, is the District 96 Band polo shirt. Order forms for this shirt will be handed out in the fall. Shirts normally cost $15-20.