Step-up (advanced/professional) instruments can help your child take their music performance to the next level. Beginner instruments are just that – they help your child begin. However, like your child has probably outgrown their first bicycle, there’s a good chance they have outgrown their beginning band instrument.
Improved Tone – Think of tone as the engine of a car. Step-up instruments play with incredible tone and resonance unlike what is possible on a beginner instrument. This is due to the use of exceptional materials and craftsmanship.
Improved Response – As your child advances in band, the music they play will become increasingly demanding as far as technique and intonation. Step-up instruments allow them to progress unhindered due to their quick response, improved extreme ranges and excellent intonation.
Additional Keys/Tubing – Many woodwind instruments have additional keys that are used in intermediate and advanced music. Many brass instruments have thicker metal (double walled). Trombones have an F attachment. French horns, baritones and tubas have additional valves.
Going back to the bike analogy, these features are like the difference between riding a bike with training wheels and flying down the road freely. The level of speed, performance and enjoyment of playing a step-up instrument can not be overestimated.
If you bought your child’s beginner instrument outright, that’s just fine! Woodwind players will want a marching instrument, and beginner instruments are perfect for that. Step-up woodwind instruments should never be subjected to outdoor elements, so your child will need that beginner instrument for marching. If your child plays a brass instrument, you can resell your child’s beginning horn to a future band student and put that money toward the step-up instrument.
If you have been renting an instrument from a local music store, many stores offer the option to return the instrument and have some (or all) of those payments applied to the better quality instrument. It’s also possible to pay off the current instrument if it’s almost paid for (to use for marching band or resell) and then negotiate a substantial discount on the step-up instrument.
Yes, quality instruments hold their value well and can be resold down the road as needed. However, we hope your child will be a lifelong musician and keep their instrument to play in community bands and possibly pass on to your grandchildren!
Regardless of whether your child continues to play after high school, this is an investment in your child’s music education and it is priceless.
You’re not just investing in the instrument.
You are investing in the experience.
You are investing in the love of music.
You are investing in memories.
You are investing in your child expressing themselves.
You are investing in your child learning discipline, work ethic.
You are investing in your child being part of a team, a family.
You are investing in your child committing and seeing results.
You are investing in your child’s success.
You are investing in your child.
The following step-up instruments are approved for use in the JVHS Cluster
Flute - Yamaha YFL-482H, Yamaha YFL-587H, or Miyazawa Series 102 or higher.
Clarinet - Buffet R-13, Buffet R-13 Prestige, Buffet Festival, Yamaha YCL-CSVR (with a Vandoren M13 Lyre mouthpiece and Vandoren M/O series ligature)
Alto Saxophone - Yamaha YAS-875EX, Selmer Paris Series II Model 52, or Selmer Paris Series III Model 62 (with a Vandoren AL3 mouthpiece and Vandoren M/O series ligature)
Trumpet - Bach Strad 180-37S or Yamaha Xeno YTS-8335S (either with Bach 3C mouthpiece)
Trombone - Bach Strad 42BO or Conn 88HO (either with Bach 5G mouthpiece)
There are other options in addition to those listed above. Before you buy, be sure to contact a band director if you are interested in a model not listed above.
Oboe, Bassoon, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, or Tuba Players interested in purchasing an instrument should schedule a time to visit with a band director about options. Percussionists interested in marimbas or drum sets should visit with Mr. Chris Nguyen, Bridgeland HS Percussion Director.