A musical instrument is an extension of one's voice.
1) New instruments are not always the answer. Oftentimes, pre-owned instruments are of higher quality for a fraction of the cost. All of the instruments I used in college and teaching are pre-owned and have survived the hands of new students.
2) You get what you pay for. If it's inexpensive, it is most likely not a quality instrument. A bad instrument is harder to play in tune, produce a quality tone, and blend with the ensemble. These consequences may frustrate the student to the point of eventually quitting.
3) Many repair shops refuse to work on cheap and poorly made instruments because they cannot guarantee results. With proper care, a good quality student instrument can last throughout high school, college, and beyond.
4) Quality instruments have posses a great resale value. If your child decides to stop performing, a quality instrument can ensure minimal drop in value.
5 Always try before you buy! Music stores will allow you to play their instruments before purchasing. Everyone will have different preferences on sound, feel, and size. Please get a hands on feel before handing over a credit card.
6) Renting is an option, but can become expensive over time. See if the store has a buyback program when the money you spent of renting can be used to purchase the instrument.
7) Students may use the school instruments when they return to school. Veteran students will have priority over the new students; however, I can invite new students to join our program if I have instruments for them to use/try.
8) PLEASE DO NOT BUY ANY SPECIALTY INSTRUMENTS. This includes: oboes, bass clarinets, bassoons, baritone saxophones, french horns, baritones, and tubas. These instruments are extremely delicate and cheap replicas of these instruments will not last over time. The school has a fair amount of these specialty instruments for students use. Please wait until the students have experienced these instruments for a significant amount of time (2+ years).
Flute: Armstrong, Artley, Avanti, Bundy, Carnegie XL (CXL), Emerson, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Olds, Pearl, Selmer, Yamaha
Oboe: Bundy, Carnegie XL (CXL), Fox, Jupiter, Loree, Olds, Renard, Selmer, Yamaha Bassoon: Amati, Bundy, Fox, Jupiter, Olds, Renard, Selmer, Yamaha,
Clarinet: Artley, Buffet, Bundy, Carnegie XL (CXL), Jupiter, LeBlanc, Noblet, Normandy, Olds, Selmer, Vito, Yamaha, Yanagisawa
Bass Clarinet: Bundy, Jupiter, Selmer, Yamaha
Saxophone: Amati, Bundy, Carnegie XL (CXL), Conn, Jupiter, King, Olds, Selmer, Yamaha, Yanagisawa
Trumpet: Bach, Benge, B&S, Carnegie XL (CXL), Conn, Getzen, Holton, Jupiter, Kanstul, King, Olds, Wessex, Yamaha
French Horn: Bach, Carnegie XL (CXL), Conn, Holton, Hoyer, Jupiter, King, Olds, Reynolds, Wessex, Y amaha
Trombone: Bach, Carnegie XL (CXL), Conn, Getzen, Holton, Jupiter, King, Olds, Wessex, Yamaha
Baritone Horn: Bach, Carnegie XL (CXL), Conn, Holton, Jupiter, King, Olds, Reynolds, Wessex, Yamaha
Tuba: Bach, Carnegie XL (CXL), Conn, Holton, Jupiter, King, Olds, Reynolds, Wessex, Yamaha
Percussion: (Snare Drum and Bell Kit): Ludwig-Musser, Pearl, Premier, Vic Firth, Yamaha