Guidelines for obtaining a band instrument and supplies
If you are buying an instrument from an individual, please have it checked over first. There are several local music stores in our area that can help you with this. Sometimes, what may seem like a “great deal” turns out to cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
If you are buying a brand new instrument, purchase it ONLY from a reputable music dealer. This should be a store that sells only musical instruments, offers some type of a lease to own program, and has a repair shop either on site or on contract. We have seen many families who purchase instruments at stores or from online retailers that do not specialize in musical instruments, and these instruments are of very poor quality. In addition, the music dealers that the school uses for instrument repair do not repair these brands of instruments that they personally do not sell. This in turn means that we cannot do minor repairs, and when the instrument breaks, it will not be able to be repaired. It is imperative that your student play on a good quality instrument.
Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill online, Ebay, and Craigslist are great places to shop for used quality instruments at a good price. If you find something online feel free to send me the link so that I may look at what you are purchasing.
Do not allow your student to go ahead and try to play the instrument over the summer on their own. We teach everything that your student needs to know from the very beginning, and we do not want him/her to develop bad habits by just “trying it out”. If your child is taking private lessons from a music teacher that is completely fine.
A used instrument is fine for your child. This is a great way to save a little money but get a good quality instrument. Many students use an instrument that mom/dad/aunt/uncle/older brother or sister used.
If you have a question about an instrument, please ask us before you buy it. We are more than happy to give you information so that you do not spend money needlessly.
Your child’s instrument must be the appropriate color: Flute – silver (nickel); Clarinet – black (with silver keys); Alto Sax – gold/brass; Trumpet – silver or gold/brass; Trombone – silver or gold/brass. Many instruments come in “fun” colors. Please provide your child with the appropriate quality and finish of instruments.
Please check with the music dealer that you are using to see what exactly is included in the rental. If they have different accessories/mouthpieces/sticks/mallets/etc ask them if they can switch those out and roll it into the rental cost.
If you are purchasing supplies outright, shop around for the best price. Prices vary widely between music dealers and websites.
Make sure to purchase the band book when you purchase other supplies.
We have included specific brands of mouthpieces, reeds, oils, etc because we have found these to be good quality at an economical price.
Brands that our instrumental music department recommends: (This is not an all inclusive list – if you are not sure please ask!)
Flute – Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Armstrong, Artley
Clarinet – Buffet, Vito, Artley, Yamaha, Selmer
Alto Saxophone – Yamaha, King, Buffet, Vito, Conn
Trumpet - Yamaha, Conn, Accord, King, Blessing, Holton, Getzen, Bach
Trombone – Yamaha, Conn, Accord, King, Blessing, Holton, Getzen, Bach
Percussion – Ludwig, Ross, Mapex, Yamaha - You must get a bell kit.