Resources

Equipment

A high quality mouthpiece or headjoint is the first step towards achieving a more mature sound. If your student musician is playing on the mouthpiece they started beginning band, it is probably time for a step up. Recommendations for equipment, as well as where to purchase*, are listed below.

(*The Spartan Band Program does not endorse or recommend any business over another. There are many other qualified music stores that not listed below. If you have any questions, please contact the directors.)

ClarinetQuest

FluteQuest

Music and Arts

Palen Music Center

SaxQuest

Sweetwater Music Center

Clarinet
Fobes Debut
Rovner Dark Ligature
Rovner Versa Ligature
Vandoren Reeds

Saxophone
Hite Premiere
Rovner Dark Ligature
Selmer C*
Vandoren Reeds
Vandoren V16

Trumpet

Bach 1.5C (consult with lesson teacher)

Bach 3C

Bach 5C

Laskey Protege

Pickett 1.5C/27

Pickett 3C/27

Pickett YAS 3/YAS 5

Horn
Holton Farkas MDC
Laskey Protege

Trombone
(be careful when ordering trombone mouthpieces, as the shank size can be different)
Bach 6 ½ AL
Bach 5G
Yamaha 48

Baritone
(be careful when ordering baritone mouthpieces, as the shank size can be different)
Bach 6 ½ AL)
Yamaha 48D, 51D
Schilke 51D

Tuba
Conn Helleberg

Percussion
Innovative IP 200 Mallet
Vic Firth SD1 Snare Drum Stick

Often, the only thing keeping a student from really developing as a player is the instrument. The instruments a student plays on as a beginner are outgrown by high school. An intermediate or advanced instrument is designed with a more mature player in mind, helping them achieve a better tone, better sound in the higher and lower registers, and more ease in technical playing (of course, practicing is still important). There are several suggestions for instruments listed below, but there are obviously others. Be cautious of instruments that are priced very low, seem too good to be true, or are not brands easily recognized by music repair shop, private teacher, or band directors. In these cases, a new instrument can sometimes turn out to be a bigger challenge than they are worth! One of the most important things about purchasing a new instrument is knowing that it plays well. While surprising your student with a new instrument under the tree is a very thoughtful gesture, it may be better to let them try several out before purchasing or renting one.

Flutes
Instruments with open tone holes and/or sterling silver head joints
Yamaha 300
Yamaha 600

Clarinets
Wood instruments
Buffet R-13 (preferred)
Selmer
Yamaha

Alto Sax
La Voix II
P. Mauriat
Selmer 52
Yamaha

Tenor Sax
La Voix II
Selmer 54
Yamaha

Bassoon
Fox 220
Fox 240

Trumpet
Bach Stradivarius Model 25
Bach Stradivarius Model 37
Bach Stradivarius Model 43
Bach Stradivarius Model 72
Yamaha 8335II (Xeno), gold brass, standard, or reverse lead

F Horn
Conn 8D
Conn 9D
Holton 179 (professional)
Holton 379 (intermediate)
Yamaha 569
Yamaha 667
Yamaha 668

Trombone
Bach Stradivarius 42
Conn 88H
Courtois
Shires Q Series
Yamaha 400
Yamaha 640

Tuba
Conn 5J
Yamaha YBB-641

Percussion
Musser M41 Xylophone

Many of the items listed above are available at local music stores or over the internet. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Griffin,Mr. Steck, Mrs.Crepps or your private lesson teacher.

Private Lessons

Probably the best way to for your student to rapidly improve on their instrument (besides practicing), is to take private lessons. A private teacher who has extensive experience on their instrument can provide insight and suggestions that can't be matched in a full band setting. Below are several teachers that are known and recommended by the Francis Howell Central band staff. If your student’s instrument is not listed, please contact Mr. Griffin, Mr. Steck, or Mrs. Crepps to help you find a qualified teacher.

All teachers listed alphabetically. Click on each teacher to email them:

Flutes:

Jalene Huang- 314.610.2054

Ann Libby-314.662.0532

Clarinet:

Becky Hill-314.807.9269

Linda Phipps- 636.236.6200

Oboe/Bassoon:

Chris Koets

Saxophone:

David Aubuchon

Becky Hill-314.807.9269