Doerre Band Recommended Step-Up Instrument

• Beginner model instruments are great for the first year of band; however, there comes a point when students can be held back by the quality of their equipment. A step-up instrument is a higher-level—often professional—model instrument for advanced band students who play flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone.  While we recommend step-up instruments for advanced students, this should not discourage anyone who might be interested in them.

• Finding the right step-up instrument is a careful process. New and used professional models of instruments are widely available. Some possible places include local music stores such as Music and Arts.  Often it is better to buy a used model in good condition of very high quality rather than a new model of lower quality.

• We encourage you to reach out to us and your private lesson teacher to help you through this process. You can also contact the high school band directors as they might have former students who are looking to sell their professional model instruments.

Benefits of Step-Up Instruments (click link)

Doerre Band Recommended Step-Up Instruments

• • Flute

    • Miyazawa Series 102 or higher

    • Yamaha YFL-482H

    • Yamaha – YFL-584HCT

    • Yamaha YFL-587H

    • There are several additional brands that are good step-up instruments for flute – check with a band director or private lesson teacher to get further information

  • Clarinet

    • Buffet R-13

  • Alto Saxophone

    • Yamaha YAS-875EX

    • Selmer Paris Series II Model 52

    • Selmer Paris Series III Model 62 

    • ***All should be played with a Vandoren AL3 mouthpiece and Vandoren M/O series ligature

  • Trumpet

    • Bach Stradivarius 180-37S

    • This should be purchased with one of the Bach 5C,3C,3B mouthpiece

  • Trombone

    • Bach Strad 42BO

    • Shires TBQ30R

    • Yamaha Xeno, YSL-882O

    • ***Any of these should be purchased with a Bach 5G Large Bore mouthpiece