BAND

On this page, you will find information about how to get an instrument for your student, and what extra materials are needed.

Please ask Mr. Calderon (jcalderon@crschools.us) if you have any questions!

Part 1: How to Get an Instrument for Band

Preferred Option #1: Rent through a local music store

- Everything included, simple and easy (see options farther down on this page)

Preferred Option #2: Rent through RCCBA

- Specifically for students with financial need AND students who play larger instruments, such as:
  - Cello, Double Bass, Tenor Saxophone, French Horn, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion*
- Read more on our rental application form: https://forms.gle/qchJXgNA8Kg9i7B8A

Can I purchase from my neighbor, or another private source?

- This is risky--anyone could sell you a cheap, low-quality instrument that hurts your student as they try to learn. Ask Mr. Calderon for help identifying quality instruments.

Can I purchase on Amazon, Ebay, etc.?

- Not from these sites! These instruments are usually low quality and will hurt your student as they try to learn. If you really want to buy online, Sweetwater below is a trusted online source. However, a local physical store in Cedar Rapids provides easier service!

Where to Get Instruments

Book that Everyone Needs

The required class book: "Standard of Excellence, Book 1"

Make sure to get the ight version for your child's insturment (example: "for Trumpet" or "for Flute"

Families with Percussion Students:

You will need to rent or purchase your own practice kit from a music store. Please read all info at the bottom of this page.

If you are a returning student (7th/8th grade) and you already purchased these items in the past, you can use the same items again this year.

West Music (Local)

One option for a local store

1398 Twixt Town Rd, Marion, IA

Offers Both Band & Orchestra Rentals

CLICK FOR RENTAL WEBSITE

Rent-to-Own Plan: $20 to $88 per month*

(Based on Instrument Choice)

Sweetwater.com (online)

Best online choice. Avoid Amazon/ebay

www.sweetwater.com/instrument-rentals/

Offers Both Band & Orchestra Rentals*

(with optional upgrades available & 1-month trials)

CLICK FOR RENTAL WEBSITE

Rent-to-Own Plan: $20 to $60 per month

(Based on Instrument Choice)

Rent from RCCBA

alternative choice to rent directly from school

forms.gle/wP4Dzh47yRCVyiBB8

For students with financial need AND students who play larger instruments

CLICK FOR FORM

Cost: One-time fee of $75 per school year.

Families that qualify for reduced lunch: $45 per school year

Families that qualify for free lunch: $0 per school year

Does Not Include:

— Method Book (required for class)

— Most of the additional materials listed below

— Accident Protection (paid out of pocket)

Part 2: Extra equipment needed

These items need to be purchased for your student's instrument to work. Some of these supplies are needing replacement regularly (like reeds), and some can be used for month to years after (valve oil).

See instructions below based on where you are getting your instrument:

If you are renting your instrument from West Music or Sweetwater.com:

These items may be included with your rental, so please check with your store before purchasing them on your own.
If they aren't included, the store will probably have them available, or you can use the purchase links below.

If you are renting your instrument from RCCBA:

Saxophone: Your rental includes a neckstrap and the instrument only. Please purchase the other items on the list.
Percussion: You will need to rent or purchase your own practice kit from a music store. Please read all info at the bottom of this page.
All other instruments: Your rental includes the instrument only. Please purchase the other items on the list.

If you are a returning student (7th/8th grade) and you already purchased these items in the past, you can use the same items again this year.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Calderon at jcalderon@crschools.us.

FLUTES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Finger and Thumb port
- (optional—only necessary for smaller hands)

CLARINETS

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Clarinet reeds, strength 2.5 (Rico Royal brand)
- I also recommend getting a Reed guard to help reeds last longer
Thumb rest for comfort (highly recommended)

ALTO/TENOR SAXOPHONES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Alto (or Tenor) Saxophone reeds, strength 2.5 (Rico Royal brand)
Reed guard to help reeds last longer
Cleaning pull-through swab

TRUMPETS

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Valve Oil (Monster, or Hetman brand)

HORNS (aka French Horn)

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Rotary Valve Oil (Hetman brand)

TROMBONES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Trombone Slide Cream or Lubercant
- Recommended:
  - Slide-o-mix Trombone Slide Lubricant
  - Yamaha Trombone Slide Lubricant

BARITONES & TUBAS

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Valve Oil (Monster, or Hetman brand)

PERCUSSION

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Percussion Kit (Bell Kit) from Music Store

Where to get a Percussion Kit:

Renting is the best and smartest choice—it’s cost-effective, and most companies offer rent-to-own plans (so your payments go towards buying the kit over time)

The best deal I was able to find is at West Music (local).

You can either visit their store in Marion, or rent online at rent.westmusic.com/

Search our school “Cedar Rapids Roosevelt Middle School”, then select “Bell Kit.”

IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING PERCUSSION

Please Read (Very Important)

Why do Percussion students need percussion kits?

Just like all other students in Band, percussionists need to practice at home too. However, since most percussion instruments are too expensive for music stores to rent out, and too expensive for families to purchase for home practice—Percussion Kits (also known as Bell Kits) were invented!

Percussion Kits are quieter and more affordable than full-sized percussion instruments, allowing percussion students to practice at home.

What about during school?

During the school day, student don't need to bring their percussion kits. RCCBA will provide all full-size percussion instruments for student use during classes, rehearsals, and performances.

This prevents the need for families to purchase or transport costly and cumbersome instruments, ensuring equitable access to the full range of percussion equipment.

(↓ ALSO SEE, CRCSD Percussion Usage Fee Policy below ↓)

CRCSD Percussion Usage Fee Policy (LINK TO POLICY)

Due to the significant cost of purchasing and maintaining percussion equipment, the Cedar Rapids Community School District assesses an annual percussion usage fee for all percussion students. Individual percussion instruments range in value from approximately $500 to over $10,000, making them among the most expensive assets in our music programs.

This fee directly supports:

Routine maintenance and necessary repairs to district-owned percussion instruments.
Replacement and procurement of percussion instruments as they reach the end of their serviceable life.
Purchase of essential accessories (e.g., mallets, beaters, and specialized sticks) required for performance on specific instruments.

Each CRCSD school provides all large percussion instruments for student use during classes, rehearsals, and performances. This prevents the need for families to purchase or transport costly and cumbersome instruments, ensuring equitable access to the full range of percussion equipment. Accessories such as mallets, which can average $40 per pair, are also supplied by the school as part of this fee, reducing additional out-of-pocket expenses for families.

The Percussion Usage Fee is essential in maintaining the quality, safety, and longevity of the district’s instrument inventory. By contributing to the collective care of these instruments, families help ensure that all percussion students have reliable access to high-quality equipment and equitable musical opportunities.

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