For reliability and convenience, we partner with the David French Music Company for instrument rentals. 

Their rent-to-own program guarantees a quality instrument with minimal risk, and leads to your full ownership of the instrument once you've paid the full price of the instrument. 

Their Repair & Replacement Program covers all repairs and maintenance (an incredibly valuable service). 

Note that you can choose to pay off the remainder of your contract at any time even in the last few months) for a discount to match the non-rental price.

Benefits of the rent-to-own program:

• monthly payments towards cost

• full ownership after several years

• new instruments of the best brands and models

• cancel or buy out any time

• free repair & maintenance coverage

• free school delivery & pick-up

Make sure you include the required band method book (Essential Elements Interactive), a collapsible music stand, and cleaning supplies when you place your initial order.

Saxophone and clarinet players will need reeds. Purchasing links and more information are below.

Note that percussion practice kits are particularly good candidates for purchasing used to save money, as their condition is easier to assess and they are typically easier to repair.

New

• Higher Initial Cost

• Potentially Lower End Cost

• Brands and Models Vary Greatly

• You will still need to purchase the Essential Elements for Band Book, and a Collapsible Music Stand (more information below)

You may choose to purchase or obtain an instrument for your beginner instead of renting. Like buying a car, this can be challenging, and involves an element of risk. If done carefully, it is possible to save some money in the long run after a larger up-front investment.

The brand of a new instrument can vary a great deal in sound quality, feel and ease of playing, and especially build quality and durability.

There are some established brands that make durable and reliable flutes that are easier to play and sound better, and hold their value for many decades if well cared for. Brands like Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Bach, and Selmer are great examples of long-standing reliable and high quality instrument brands.

There are relatively new instrument brands that specialize in inexpensive instruments that are often less durable and can even be impossible to fully repair. The repair cost may even surpass the initial value of the instrument. They can also be difficult to play, and will likely not sound as beautiful or feel as comfortable to play.

Traditionally, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones are naturally gold (sometimes silver), flutes are silver, and clarinets are black. Inexpensive instruments that are unusual colors are most often of low quality and reliability, and use the colors to attract sales.

Used

• high quality brands at lowest cost

• condition is important

• may require professional maintenance or repair before use

For a beginner looking to save money by buying their instrument instead of renting, or a more experienced player that is looking to step up to a more advanced instrument, buying a used instrument of a reputable brand and model can be a promising option. This is usually the most complicated option, but can be 

Condition is always a primary concern when buying a used instrument, and can be very difficult to judge without a physical inspection or playing test done by an experienced player. If, as a beginner, you plan to use a used instrument, I recommend that you bring it to the band director or an instrument repair technician at a local music store to inspect the instrument. It may need adjustment, maintenance, repair, or replacement before being played, especially if it has not been used in years, or has been stored improperly.

See more information about purchasing percussion equipment below.

Percussionists need to bring their own drumsticks and mallets to every lesson and rehearsal. They also need certain equipment for practicing and completing recording assignments at home, as well as use at the Methuen Band Jamboree.

Here is a description of all of the things percussionists need, along with links to the items on Amazon as examples.

• Drumsticks are used for playing the snare drum and several other instruments. (Drumsticks on Amazon)

• Hard rubber or plastic mallets are used for playing the Bells/Glockenspiel and other keyed instruments like xylophone. (Mallets on Amazon)

• A practice pad is used for practicing snare drum quietly at home, but with the same feeling and technique as playing a real drum. (Practice Pad on Amazon)

• Orchestral bells/glockenspiel are the most common mallet instruments in school bands. They are organized like a piano keyboard, and are played with the same technique as many other mallet instruments, including xylophone. (Glockenspiel & Stand on Amazon)

• The snare drum is one of the most common and significant percussion instruments in band.  (Snare Drum & Stand on Amazon) 

You can find and purchase all of these items separately, or in a complete percussion practice kit. These kits are offered through David French Music Company's rent-to-own program, or you can purchase a complete percussion practice kit online new or used. They usually come with a convenient case with wheels to make it easy to transport. (Complete Percussion Practice Kit on Amazon)

Reeds are very delicate, and can break often as students get used to working with them. Eventually, reeds can be used for several weeks or more before wearing out and needing to be replaced.

I strongly recommend Rico brand, as they have proven their quality and value over several decades.

The thickness (or strength) of the reed is often labeled with a number. I would recommend a Rico 2.5 for beginners

Reeds can easily be purchased online, in many local music stores, or from the band director in small quantities when necessary.

All clarinet and saxophone players should have more than 1 reed at all times in case they break.

Reeds must always be removed from the instrument and carefully replaced in a plastic reed case when not in use to extend the life of the reed.