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Rentals
Rentals
Horner MS uses Allegro Music, Sweetwater Music, and C&L Music for all instrument rentals.
These organizations have a "pure" rental model AND a "rent-to-own" model. Pure rentals are month to month payments and the rent to own model means that a portion of your rental fee goes towards buying the instrument. If you choose the rent to own model, the amount that goes towards your first instrument can also be applied to a step-up or new instrument down the road as well.
Allegro Music Rental Information
https://www.allegromusic.net/instrument-rentals
C&L Music Information
https://www.calmusicinc.com/instruments/
Sweetwater Music Rental Information
https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/735113-horner-middle-school/
Don't be shy, make sure to compare prices!
Buy Used
Buy Used
musicgoround.com or reverb.com are good sources for used instrument purchases. I like purchasing from this organization because each instrument is checked by a repair technician before being shipped out. Avoid Ebay and Craigslist.
A few things to keep in mind:
instruments get jostled when shipped, instruments may need adjustments upon arrival
these used instruments will not look brand new because they are not brand new
if an instrument is marked "AS IS", then the instrument is meant to be used for parts and is most likely not playable, do NOT purchase
Buy New
Buy New
Some families prefer to purchase new for a variety of reasons. I've included links below so you will have the option to price compare from a variety of sources.
Allegro Music is an instrument dealer, so you can call their number at: 510-793-3500 to inquire about the price they can get for you as well.
Required Accessories
Required Accessories
Neck Strap:
Most saxophones come with a neck strap, but in case yours did not OR it is lost at any point, you can purchase one here. If you would like to get more of a harness style for your young musician I would suggest to look at this one (designed to evenly distribute weight, check the sizing) or this one (classic harness style, distributes weight across shoulders).
Reeds:
For beginners I suggest getting a box of 10 Rico (orange box) or Rico Royal (light blue box) size 2.5
Once students advance and they start focusing on improving sound and intonation, go to Vandoren reeds (dark blue box) either size 2.5 or 3. These are industry standard but a little more expensive. Both students in Concert Band and Symphonic Band play on these!
Swab:
These are use to clean out the instrument. If a student routinely swabs their instrument every time they play, they reduce the chance of moisture and sugars/organic material from human mouths injuring the pads. This saves money in the long run as the instruments will need to go to the shop fewer times.
Note: Woodwind instruments do have to be repaired more often than their brass or percussion counterparts due to the posts/springs/pads/screws that can come undone or need to be re-adjusted. This is considered normal wear and tear!
Tuner/Metronome for home and school practice (phone apps are great for this too)
Wire Music Stand for home practice (this prevents physical injury over time): Wire Stand
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