Instrument Brand and Supply Recommendations

Our representatives at Gadsden Music will always supply trustworthy and high quality brands through their rental program. Should students be ready to upgrade or purchase their own instrument to use through High School and beyond, the following are brands that I recommend. 

Before purchasing any instrument, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring it to my attention so that I can ensure you are not purchasing an ISO (Instrument Shaped Object). If it seems like it is too good to be true, it usually is... These instruments may not be able to be repaired at local music stores due to not being of a high enough quality to stand the repair processes. This can potentially put families out even more money, as soon as a few weeks after purchasing these "rip off" instruments.

All CHS Band students need our method book for the class: 

Habits of Successful Musician (8th-12th Grade)

Optional, but strongly recommended to accompany instrument: Folding Music Stand, personal tuner

*denotes instruments that may be rented through Coosa High School. Please check with Mr. McDonald for availability.

Instrument           Brand                                                                                     {Alternate Brand}

Flute Yamaha/Gemeinhardt                                                                                 Jupiter, Selmer

Clarinet       Yamaha, Selmer, Buffet($$)                                                                 Leblanc,Bundy, Jupiter

*Bass Clarinet Rent Instrument through school  

Alto Sax       Yamaha, Selmer                                                                                           Cannonball, Bundy

Tenor Sax Yamaha, Selmer                                                                                                      Cannonball, Bundy

Baritone Sax Yamaha, Selmer                                                                                                  Cannonball, Bundy

Trumpet     Yamaha or Bach                                                                                                             Jupiter, King

*French Horn  Yamaha, Conn                                                                                 Holton

*Trombone Yamaha or Bach   ,                   Conn, King, S.E. Shires

*Baritone/Euphonium Yamaha, Bach                                                                                   Jupiter, Adams 

*Tuba Rent Instrument through school

Percussion: Yamaha, Pearl, Ludwig, Innovative Percussion, Vic Firth

Optional upgrades after Gadsden Music percussion package:

Practice pads: Evans RealFeel, VicFirth HEAVY HITTER pad, Xymox, Vater.

Concert Percussion sticks: Vic Firth SD1 and SD2 snare sticks

Concert Percussion mallets: Innovative Percussion F10 bell mallets, yarn mallets.

All of the above instruments and equipment are recommended. Again, should you choose to purchase or rent an instrument outside of Gadsden Music Company, PLEASE consult with me first, to ensure that it is a quality instrument that will not set you back even more money in the future. This will also help in resell value, should you end up selling the instrument down the road (more bang for your buck.)