Joining the Band

Who should Join?

All fourth grade students have an opportunity to select an instrument in the spring before fifth grade and everyone is invited to Join the Band. The students' desire to succeed and the motivation to practice consistently will determine success on an instrument. Students are encouraged to practice as many days as they can per week for 20 to 30 minutes each session in order to learn the skills needed to play their instrument. Home practice is the foundation of our program.

How are Instruments Selected?

Instrument selection is based on the student's personal choice, physical characteristics (jaw structure, lip formation, hand and finger size) and the instruments needed to provide a well-balanced band. Mr. Santori meets with students in March of fourth grade to help them select the instrument they will play in band in fifth grade.

Music Store rental for flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, alto saxophone, or percussion:

These instruments are rented or purchased from a music store unless you already own one. All three music stores come out to our school district each week and have rental plans to make insturments more affordable. These store rented/purchased instruments will be delivered to school in the fall and your the rental payments will begin in September.

Schmitt Music 763-566-4560

Groth Music 952-884-4772

Eckroth Music 651-701-9654

Recommended brands and models for those looking for used instruments:

Trombone: Yamaha YSL354 or YSL 200AD, Bach BTB301,  TB-301 or TB-300, Getzen 451, Jupiter JTB700

Clarinet: Vito 7214 or V7241WC, Yamaha YCL200AD, Jupiter CC-60, 635N or CC-65

Flute: Yamaha 221S or YFL 200AD, Jupiter CF-50, Armstrong 104

Trumpet: Yamaha YTR-2330 or YTR-200AD II, Bach  TR-300H, TR-300H2, TR-300,  Accent TR512L, Getzen 490, Jupiter CTR-60 or 606RL

Xylophone: Majestic X5535DR, Ross 319,  or Musser LM, with Snare Drum or Remo/Ludwig Drum Pad (I prefer the LM model with practice pad.)

Alto Saxophone: Yamaha YAS-23, YAS-26, YAS 200AD, YAS 200ADII, Vito V7141, Selmer AS-500, Jupiter 769GN or CAS-70

District Instrument Rental for French horn, baritone, or tuba:

If your child will play: FRENCH HORN, BARITONE, or TUBA the instrument is rented from the school for a yearly fee of $100. Students who receive reduced Educational Benefits will pay $20, and the fee is waived for students receiving free Educational Benefits.

Family Owned Instruments

It is important that every child's instrument is in good playing condition. Instruments that are old or have been not played for some time often need the attention of a good repair person. Repairs can range from minor adjustments to major overhauls. 

Repair Shops:

Groth Music 952-884-4772

Schmitt Music 763-566-4560

Eckroth Music 651-704-9654

Band for All Instruments

Financial assistance is available through the district's  Band for All program for families who qualify for the Educational Benefits Program. Band for All has helped over 1000 students in District 196 participate in Band. A $20 maintenance fee is required to check out an instrument. A limited number instruments are available. Please contact Mr. Santori if you would like to request a Band for All instrument for your child.

Band for All is always looking for donations of instruments and music stands. If you have an instrument to donate it can be dropped off for Mr. Santori at school. Please make sure that the donor name and address is included in the case so that a donation letter can be sent. Monetary donations to help with repairs are also accepted. Please make checks payable to ISD 196 and write Band for All in the memo line.

Supplies

Supplies such as lesson books, reeds, valve oil and grease are occasionally needed during the school year. Mr. Santori has all of these supplies available for purchase in the band room. 

More Questions?

Feel free to contact Mr. Santori with any questions that you may have. He is also willing to test play instruments that you might already have to make sure that it is in good playing condition for your child.

Mark Santori

Voicemail: 651.683.6969, #82056

mark.santori@district196.org