Like most things you can buy, there are a number of retailers with instruments "on the market." There is a huge range in the quality of instruments out there - it is important to understand that what you pay for is kind of what you get. A cheap instrument is made of cheap materials - it is very likely it won't play well or isn't going to last long. However, unlike buying some other items for bargain prices, a "bargain" instrument can have a severely negative effect on your child's learning!  If their instrument doesn't work properly, they will struggle constantly - even worse, they may think that they sound bad because they are bad at their instrument when in reality they just have a bad instrument. We want to do everything we can to prevent a negative experience for your child! Below is information on how to obtain a quality instrument for your child - some instruments can be obtained from the school while others cannot. Please review the information carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Most importantly, please contact us ASAP if you need assistance getting your child the instrument they need. We are more than happy to help when we can so they can have a positive musical experience! 

Note - this information is geared towards parents of 6th grade students who are just starting band. However, most of it applies to new 7th/8th grade students as well - please contact us if you aren't sure what to get for your child. 

IF YOUR CHILD PLAYS FLUTE, CLARINET, ALTO SAXOPHONE, TRUMPET, OR TROMBONE

Your child will need 3-4 items:

We recommend obtaining an instrument through a rent-to-own program. These programs are great for getting a quality instrument for your child for an affordable monthly fee and they often cover any repairs you may need. As your child progresses in band, these programs also allow you to upgrade them to a more advanced model of their instrument. Many music stores offer these programs - most of our students obtain their instrument through Willis Music. You can contact Willis Music by calling 513-931-6780 or using the link HERE. Please place and pay for your child’s order by September 12th. This will help ensure your child receives their instrument and materials in the delivery on Tuesday, September 16th. Please let us know if you will need more time to make arrangements - we can help ensure your child has an instrument to borrow in the meantime so they don't fall behind. 

If you already own an instrument, please make sure it has been inspected by us or a qualified music professional. We want to ensure it is in good working order before your child begins to use it. A damaged instrument can quickly lead to frustration! If you have an instrument that has passed an inspection, they should not bring it to school until our first day with instruments (Sept. 16). Additionally, please make sure you order the band book (Essential Elements, Book 1) and a care kit. Clarinets and saxophones will also need to order reeds.

Please be VERY careful if you intend to buy an instrument outright. Most instruments you will find online/in shops that only cost a couple hundred dollars are not quality instruments. Again, a poor instrument leads to frustration for your child!

IF YOUR CHILD SELECTED PERCUSSION

If your child chooses percussion, they will need several items:

In 6th grade, your child will need to rent a xylo kit from Willis Music. Other music stores may stock similar items so if you choose to use a different vendor, we recommend checking with us first to make sure they get everything they need. You can contact Willis Music by calling 513-931-6780 or using the link HERE. Please place and pay for your child’s order by September 12th. This will help ensure your child receives their instrument and materials in the delivery on Tuesday, September 16th. Please let us know if you will need more time to make arrangements - we can help ensure your child has an instrument to borrow in the meantime so they don't fall behind. 

IF YOUR CHILD SELECTED FRENCH HORN, BARITONE, OR TUBA

Your child will need to order 2 items:

The rental fee is $100/year and the care kit/book is $30. You can also order a music stand for at home for $21 (this is optional). Please sent the completed order form and payment to school (cash or checks made out to BCS). New forms are available for download at the bottom of this page. 

You will also need to login to ParentSquare to sign your child's rental form. 

Please place and pay for your child’s order by September 12th. This will help ensure your child receives their instrument and materials in the delivery on Tuesday, September 16th. Please let us know if you will need more time to make arrangements - we can help ensure your child has an instrument to borrow in the meantime so they don't fall behind. 

If you have any questions or need help ordering, please contact us.