Every child will need their own instrument to use for the year. Perhaps you already have an instrument or can borrow one from a relative or friend. Some people rent an instrument from a music store. Most instruments rentals go for around $20-30/month (sax is more). There are also affordable new and used beginner model instruments for sale online ($120-$600). Percussionists, please look at the supply list for what you need. For those unable to afford their own instrument, we do have a limited supply of school instruments and band books available at no cost for those that need assistance.
Option 1: BUY A NEW INSTRUMENT
You typically get what you pay for with musical instruments. I would recommend avoiding the cheapest instruments on Amazon because they break easy and cause students to get frustrated and quit. Your child is likely to have a better experience and less frustration with a higher quality beginner instrument. With that said, I have three recommendations for instruments that are available on Amazon.
Best Quality: Yamaha brand instruments on Amazon. These instruments sound great, play easily, and are made to last for many years. Because of their quality, they do cost more. ($600-1300)
Best Overall Pick: Jean Paul USA brand instruments on Amazon. They are quality, affordable beginner instruments that typically will last through elementary and middle school. They are an excellent combination of quality and affordability. ($250-600)
Best Affordable Pick: Mendini brand instruments on Amazon. These entry level instruments usually play fine and typically last for a couple years. They are good for getting your child started. ($120-400)
Here are links to the instruments I would recommend starting with.
Percussionists will need a 8” Remo practice pad, and a pair of Vic Firth 5A drum sticks.
BUYING A USED INSTRUMENT
In terms of price and quality of instrument, buying a used instrument is often the best option. You can often get a higher quality used instrument for the price of a lesser quality new instrument. JKEAA Music Store in Riverside often has quality name brand used instruments for sale. Reverb.com is an online option. Some quality brand names to look for when buying used include: Yamaha, Armstrong, Gemeindhardt, Selmer, Bundy, Jupiter, Vito, Cannonball, Bach, King, Conn, and Olds.
Instrument rentals from music stores typically range in price from $20 to $50 per month, depending on the instrument and if you rent a new or used instrument. Prices vary by instrument. Some stores offer a rent to own plan. Also, some stores only require a two month commitment. Below are some local stores that rent instruments. Contact them for more information about what they offer. Click on the underlined links below for more information.
Sweetwater Online Rentals (Excellent prices. Name brand instruments. Instruments delivered to your home for free)
musicarts.com Online Rentals (Excellent prices. Name brand instruments. Instruments delivered to your home or school)
Beaumont Music Centre in Beaumont. Good prices and local service.
Bertrand's Music in Menifee and Temecula. Local. A little pricier than the online options.
If renting or buying is not financially possible, Mr. Fults has a limited supply of school instruments available at no cost for those families who need assistance.