Getting Started
Contents
Beginning Band Newsletter: August Edition
Beginning Band Program Newsletter - Invite and Welcome 23.pdfObtaining a Band Instrument
All students need a traditional band instrument to participate in the band program. There are a few ways in which the students may obtain an instrument.
Rent to Own Program - Please find the information below.
Already Have an Instrument? If a student already posses a traditional band instrument, they are welcome to use it. However, it would be a great idea to bring it to the Open House/Rental Night for the band teachers to make sure it is in working condition and the student has the necessary items needed to begin.
Purchasing a new or used instrument? Please use this reference guide on reliable brands to invest in: Approved Instrument list and reference guide There are a lot of good deals out there. However, over the years, I have seen very cheap instruments purchased from non-music store websites that seem like a good deal but are not well made causing the student much frustration and often leading them to quitting or frequent repairs. Oftentimes, the repairmen do not want to touch these instruments because they are hard to get parts for or are not worth the cost to fix. It is often a good idea to purchase a used quality instrument over a new cheaply made instrument.
Open House and Instrument Rental Night
Tuesday, September 5th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Our school's instrument vendors are Rynhart Music and Robert M. Sides Family Music. Rynhart Music provides us with instrumental rentals through Sides Music. Rynhart Music will be present at the Open House Night on Thursday, September 1st at Memorial Elementary School. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have and get the rental process started. This event runs from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. If for some reason you cannot make it, please contact Mr. Marmo to help!
Please find Mr. Rynhart's contact information below. He is happy to assist you in getting an instrument through the rent to own program. A small deposit will be needed to purchase an instrument. It is the initial payment of $31.95.
Brett Rynhart
570-204-2458
You may also complete the rent to own program online at: RMSides rent to own program
The rental night will run as follows:
The first 15 minutes: Students get to experience the instrument try-out kits and which instrument might fit them best. Mr. Marmo and Mr. Kostiuk will be around to answer any questions you may have.
Following the first 15 minute session, you will move to another room to meet with the rental company to discuss their plans. You can also fill out the rental information at: RMSides rent to own program
Concert Band Instrument Types
Band instruments consists of three families of instruments. Below are the instruments your student can choose to learn:
Woodwinds
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone
Brass
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba - Students who choose to play the Tuba will be issued a school instrument. One to take home and one to play at school. This is at no cost to the parent other than supplies such as a method book, music stand, slide grease, and valve oil.
Total Percussion: Mallets and Drums
Students who choose percussion or drums learn to play mallet instruments as well.
This allows students to develop more skills, gives them a greater appreciation for music, increases literacy in music, develops their ear, allows for more engagement and opportunities to perform. It also serves the band program to a greater extent allowing for a higher quality program. Students that play total percussion typically stick with the program throughout their entire school career.
Instrument Fitting Guide - Not sure what instrument is for you?
Please take a look at the "Instrument Fitting Guide" here: Instrument Fitting Guide. It is pretty accurate at narrowing down which instruments the student would be most successful/natural at based on their facial features. Of course, the instrument they are interested in is the most important thing.
At the Open House/Rental Night, students will have the opportunity to try mouthpieces for each wind and brass instrument. We have a fantastic product called the “instrument try-out kit” that gives the students the opportunity to experience creating their first sound and find which instrument feels most natural. The mouthpieces will be cleaned and sanitized between each session.
Use the following video below to help you decide. You can skip through to find the instrument you are looking for.
Helpful Instrument Selection Guide
beginner_instrument_recommendations_(1).pdf