You can pick from flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion (bells and snare drum), violin, viola, and cello. Listen to the instruments to hear what they sound like!
Other band or orchestra instruments are subject to Ms. Krohn's approval.
Instruction is NOT given on the following instruments since they are not used in school bands or orchestras:
piano, guitar, accordion, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, bugle, or recorder.
Please click on the supply list here to view the supplies needed for class.
In addition to the instrument listed on the supply sheet, the following materials will be needed:
Basic supplies
Sturdy protective case
Nametag (on outside of the case, some stores provide it for free)
Pencil (can be stored in instrument case)
Music folder (stores may provide it or you can purchase a regular folder)
Music Stand – (For home practice only. Do not bring to school.)
MCPS provides ONE method book for free to beginning/level 1 students. Students in advanced/level 2 will continue using the same book from last year and are responsible for having their own copy.
Band students - Essential Elements for Band, book one (published by Hal Leonard)
String Students - Essential Elements for Strings, book one (published by Hal Leonard)
Renting a high-quality instrument is always better than purchasing a cheaply made instrument.
Local music stores are a great place to begin renting an instrument. I recommend renting from a store that does their own repairs so that they can help you quickly if there is a problem with your instrument.
Stores parents have used in the past. All locations listed have a repair space on site. (This is in no way an endorsement of any of these stores. There are many more stores listed in the Yellow Pages.)
Bethesda Violins (violin & viola only)-(301)-272-1209, www.bethesdaviolins.com
Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center - (301) 946-8808, www.wmcworld.com
Gailes Violin Shop- (strings only) (301) 474-4300 www.gailesviolin.com
L & L Music Wind Shop - (band instruments only) (301) 948-7273, www.llmusicshop.com
Lashof Violins - (violin, viola, cello only) (301) 330-2606, www.lashofviolins.com
Music & Arts Centers - (301) 881-6440, www.musicarts.com
Potter’s Violin - (strings only) (301) 652-7070 www.potterviolins.com
Sweetwater - (800) 222-4700 https://www.sweetwater.com
Victor Litz Music Center - (301) 948-7478, www.victorlitz.com
Before you purchase, please talk to me! I am happy to provide recommendations. Be careful! If a deal on an instrument sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Please let me know so I can assist you. You can send a note to the school or an email to see if your student qualifies for a loan from MCPS. There is a limited supply of instruments available. Anyone who qualifies for an instrument loan is financially responsible for repairs on MCPS instruments.
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion
Violin
Viola
Cello