Helpful Information

Instruments

It is the responsibility of the student to provide the instrument used in band class during the school year. Many parents will choose to purchase the instrument for their child. Purchasing an instrument gives the student a sense of ownership, which helps to increase their need to practice and maintain their instrument. Parents considering purchasing an instrument should speak to the director about quality brands before doing so. If you choose to rent there are many instrument rental stores in the area. The Director can assist in this process.

Each Band student will be provided a locker and combination lock in the instrument storage room attached to the Band room (B 11). This locker is to safely secure each instrument through the school day. There is absolutely no food allowed in the locker. These lockers are for instruments only. It is expected that the room and lockers will be maintained in a clean and orderly manner. Any violation of this may result in the loss of locker privileges.

Large instruments such as Tubas and Baritone Saxophones can be provided by the school. Please see the Director with any questions.

Instrument repairs will be required from times to time. Even with meticulous care, maintenance may be necessary to keep the instrument in top playing condition. Repairs should be made by a certified musical instrument repair technician. Many Music stores provide excellent repair services. If the need for repairs arises please email Mr. Fasoli for information.

Music

Sheet music is the center of the band curriculum. Music is purchased by the school and maintained in a constantly growing music catalogue. Each selection contains enough originals for one band of standard size. At times copies may be necessary to provide music for sections of the band that have more instruments than standard. Unless copies are absolutely necessary, copyright law prohibits the mass copying of music selections. EACH STUDENT THEREFORE WILL HAVE AN ORIGINAL COPY OF THE MUSIC. Music must be kept in as near perfect condition as possible. Each student will be given a vinyl music folder for their copies. Writing and notes on the music MUST BE MADE IN PENCIL ONLY. Any loss or damage to music may result in the student being required to replace the entire song as most selections do offer individual copies of the music.

Supplies

Once you have an instrument, the next thing to do is make sure you have the supplies you need. When you buy/rent a new instrument most of these supplies will be included. Anything not included can be purchased at any of the local music stores.

Please make sure you have the following supplies at all times: ALL STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE A PENCIL FOR CLASS.

  • FLUTE: A silver polish cloth or soft cloth. A cleaning rod.
  • CLARINET: At least 4 working reeds at all times. Generally HS students are playing on 3, 3 ½ or 4 strength reeds. A cleaning swab.
  • SAXOPHONE: At least 4 working reeds at all times. Generally HS students are playing on 2 ½ or 3 strength reeds.
  • TRUMPET, FRENCH HORN, BARITONE, TUBA: One bottle of valve oil. A container of tuning slide grease.
  • TROMBONE: One container of slide cream or slide oil.
  • PERCUSSION: A pair of concert snare drum sticks size 2B or SD1.