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 marketing materials 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. I do not recommend buying 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. You may also need to invest in a tune up with the repair shop, but after that it will be a great instrument with great cost savings.
A good new instrument intended for beginners will be $1,000 or more depending on the instrument. Buying new will save money over 3 years rental, but many parents are unsure of a 3 year commitment and by far most families are renting for the 1st year. Most music rental stores have options to buy out the rental early for a discount, if you determine your child is in band for the long run.
Please see the recommended instrument page for more information.
All 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 or sticks, 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. If you expect your child to practice at home, don't skimp here, get the stand.
Part of our band uniform, worn for all concerts, is the District 96 Band shirt. Shirts are free and will be distributed before the first concert.