Beginning Band
Welcome New Band Parents and Students!
Hello beginning band parents, my name is James Baker and I am the band director here at McDade ISD. I am super excited to be teaching your students how to read music and play their shiny new instruments this year! Different instruments will require different materials and everything your student needs to get started is located below. If you have any questions please contact me with the contact information on this site. I can't wait to get everyone started!
Click on the title or photo if your student will be playing Flute, Clarinet, or Saxophone. It will take you to information on how to get an instrument and music for beginning band.
Click on the title or the photo if your student will be playing Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, or Tuba. It will take you to information on instrument brands and music for beginning band.
Click on the title or the photo if your student will be playing percussion. It will take you to information on instrument brands and music for beginning band.
Buying Used Instruments
If you would like to purchase an instrument for your student and you don't want to buy new, you can always buy a good quality used instrument. There are many brands that can hold their value and stay in good working order throughout the student’s school band experience. Some may be broken but can easily be repaired and have a great long life. I can help you find and buy these instruments or send you to stores that have a stock of used instruments. I can also help you find an instrument over craigslist or facebook marketplace and I can even go with you to check out the instrument to make sure its worth getting. Please contact me if you would like to do this.
Please DO NOT go onto Amazon and get the $70 instruments. If an instrument costs less than $400 brand new it has been my experience that they do not last longer 1 year.
Instrument Repairs, Rentals and Used Instruments
These stores have Used instruments as well as instrument repair services
Better Than New Band Repair - Round Rock - 1402 Chisholm Trail Rd C & D, Round Rock, TX 78681 Phone: (512) 388-7774
String and Horn Shop - Bryan - 119 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 779-8548
Strait Music South - Austin - 2428 W. Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 476-6927
Strait Music North - Austin - 13945 N. Highway 183, Austin, TX 78717 Phone: (512) 918-3743
Area Music Stores
These stores can help you with new instruments and supplies
Music and Arts - Round Rock - 2541 S IH-35 Suite 750, Round Rock, TX 78664 Phone: (512) 255-0558
Music and Arts - South Austin - 5207 Brodie Ln Suite 220, Sunset Valley, TX 78745 Phone: (512) 892-0044
Music and Arts - Cedar Park - 11066 Pecan Park Blvd Suite B201 Lakeline Plaza Cedar Park, TX 78613 Phone: (512) 506-8824