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WHAT BAND STUDENTS NEED
WHAT BAND STUDENTS NEED
Your instrument (either a West Music/Sweetwater Rental or an RCCBA Rental)
The required class book, "Standard of Excellence, Book 1"
For Clarinet/Saxophone players, at least 3 working reeds (see supply list)
How to Get an Instrument for Band/Orchestra
How to Get an Instrument for Band/Orchestra
(the cheapest you can find isn’t always the best buy)
Preferred Option #1: Rent through a music store
Preferred Option #1: Rent through a music store
Correct size, reasonably priced, everything included. Simple and easy (resources down the page)
Preferred Option #2: Rent through RCCBA
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
Purchase from a private source
Purchase from a private source
PLEASE ask me for help identifying quality instruments.
Purchase from the internet
Purchase from the internet
Buyer beware! The cheapest isn't the best buy! Ask Mr. Calderon for help identifying quality instruments.
Where to Get Instruments & Supplies
Where to Get Instruments & Supplies
West Music (Local)
West Music (Local)
1398 Twixt Town Rd, Marion, IA
Offers Both Band & Orchestra Rentals
Rent-to-Own Plan: $20 to $88 per month*
(Based on Instrument Choice)
Sweetwater.com (online)
Sweetwater.com (online)
Offers Both Band & Orchestra Rentals*
(with optional upgrades available & 1-month trials)Rent-to-Own Plan: $20 to $60 per month
(Based on Instrument Choice)
Rent from RCCBA
Rent from RCCBA
For students with financial need AND students who play larger instruments
Does Not Include:
— Method Book (required for class)
— Rosin for bows or a tuner for strings
— Accident Protection (paid out of pocket)
Instrument Specific Supply Lists
Instrument Specific Supply Lists
CLARINETS
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
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
TRUMPETS
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Valve Oil (Monster, or Hetman brand)
HORNS (aka French Horn)
HORNS (aka French Horn)
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Rotary Valve Oil (Hetman brand)
TROMBONES
TROMBONES
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Trombone Slide Cream or Lubercant
Recommended:
Slide-o-mix Trombone Slide Lubricant
Yamaha Trombone Slide Lubricant
BARITONES & TUBAS
BARITONES & TUBAS
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Valve Oil (Monster, or Hetman brand)
PERCUSSION
PERCUSSION
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE, BOOK #1
Percussion Kit (Bell Kit) from Music Store
Where to get a Percussion Kit:
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 can find is West Music (local). You can either visit their store in Marion, or rent online at rent.westmusic.com/
IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING PERCUSSION
IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING PERCUSSION
Please Read (Very Important)
Why do Percussion students need percussion kits?
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?
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 ↓)
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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