Frequently Asked Questions

Translate with Google Chrome Extension // Traducir con la extensión de Google Chrome 

Signing up for band

Who is Quinlan & Fabish? 

(630-654-4111) www.qandf.com Q&F is our local music store who we recommend. They offer a rent-to-own instrument program. For your convenience, they will be present at Rental Night. The total cost of each instrument is determined by the brand and whether students are renting new or used instruments. Families will have the opportunity to speak about the cost difference between new and used instruments with Quinlan & Fabish music store employees. Rental payments are the same regardless but used instruments will take fewer months to finish paying off.

What if my student wants to drop band before the rental is paid off? 

Instruments are rent to own and it takes between two and three years to pay them off. If at any point your child decides not to continue and you are still renting- you simply return the instrument and the payments stop.

How much does band cost? 

• CCSD93 charges a $25 yearly fee for participation due in the fall

• Quinlan & Fabish music store has one time payment to cover the introductory 4 month rental period (Sept/Oct/Nov/December) 

• Starting in January, Q & F charges a monthly rental fee

  • Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion: $39 per month

  • Alto Saxophone: $53 per month

  • Euphonium: $63 per month

• Students will need a music stand ($30), band book ($14) and few instrument specific items

Can’t attend rental night?

 If you cannot attend rental night, please email Mrs.Savino so she can put your child on the band roster for 5th grade. Then visit the Quinlan & Fabish music store website and place your order or place your order over the phone. Se habla español.

Concerned about cost?

 We have a limited number of school-owned instruments available. Students who receive free meals through the National School Lunch Program will be eligible for a school-owned instrument. This is a lower cost option. Instruments are first-come first-served. Please email Mrs. Savino savinoc@ccsd93.com.

What it's like in band

What if I don't know anything about music? 

We do not expect any student or family to have any prior experience in playing an instrument!

How much practicing is required?  

Parents are asked to facilitate and remind students to practice 3 to 4 days per week. The ideal practice routine for everyone is 20 minutes per practice day. We recommend short, but regular practice sessions.

Does band conflict with school clubs, orchestra, or after school activities? 

No! Band is during and before the school day. We have little to no conflict with any other activities. No conflicts with orchestra. 

If you currently play this in orchestra...consider adding this in band...

• Violin --> Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, or Percussion

• Viola --> Anything (nothing matches you!)

• Cello or Bass --> Trombone or Euphonium/Baritone

What if my child has braces? 

Again, no problem! Mr. Savino played trombone with braces for 4 years growing up. There are products that students can wear over their braces that allow them to play their instrument easily. 

How can I help my student succeed? 

The first month or so you may hear some “strange” sounds coming from your child’s instrument.  This is normal!  It takes awhile for students to learn fingerings, read music, and have proper breath control.  Make positive comments. Ask them to show you what they are working on and what they have improved on. If you have concerns or questions, your band director is ALWAYS eager and willing to help!

Rental Questions

What if we want to switch instruments right away?

Another plus to renting is if your child has an instrument delivered and it is not a good fit or they are really regretting their choice, the instrument can be switched without stopping and starting a new contract. The money you have put towards an instrument is under your name and the balance of a different instrument if a change is needed.

What about repairs covered during renting?

 Quinlan and Fabish also includes a maintenance and repair warranty in the monthly rental fee. Representatives visit our schools once a week and all instruments that are being rented can be sent in for free repairs.

The students are learning and small things will go wrong with their instruments. Directors can take care of many minor repairs at school. However, somebody will get something stuck too tight or close a case in an awkward way that bends some keys or someone will drop something and dent it or crack a mouthpiece. It is so helpful when they are just learning to have all repairs taken care of for free and without parents having to drive instruments to and from a repair shop.

Many families will choose to begin their search online and look for a deal. You should absolutely feel free to do that and look around. Please remember the adage is true, “you get what you pay for.” A quality instrument is crucial for successful learning.  I strongly recommend you keep our  Instrument Choices website as a guide for brand names.