Band/Orchestra
Required Materials

Band (All Students)

• • • • A working quality instrument (from a teacher-recommended shop - see flyers below) 

• • Measures of Success, Book 1 (Band Method Book) (Supplied by PGCPS)

  • Pencils (No Pens)

Many of the items below are hyperlinked for your convenience.  If a link does not work, please let me know.

Flute

• • Starter Pack

    • In the starter pack is a cleaning swab and it is one of the most important accessories for the flute because it helps maintain a dry instrument and prevents mold from forming in or around the instrument.

  • Measures of Success, Book 1 (Flute Method Book)

Oboe

• • Reeds (at least 2 recommended): Edmund Nielsen (strength will vary depending on the student)

  • An empty 35mm film canister or old pill bottle

  • Cleaning swab - A cleaning swab is one of the most important accessories for the oboe because it helps maintain a dry instrument and prevents mold from forming in or around the instrument.

  • Music Stand

  • Measures of Success, Book 1 (Oboe Method Book)

Bassoon

• • Reeds (at least 2 recommended): Edmund Nielsen: Black or White (strength will vary depending on student)

  • An empty 35mm film canister or old pill bottle

  • Music Stand

  • Measures of Success, Book 1 (Bassoon Method Book)

Clarinet

• • Clark W. Fobes “Debut” Mouthpiece

  • Vandoren (blue box) or Mitchell Lurie Reeds (Size: 2.5) (Size: 3 if you have played for at least a year)

    • No orange box Rico reeds

  • Bonade Ligature (Inverted)  

  • Reed Case

  • Starter Pack

Alto Saxophone

• • Clark W. Fobes “Debut” Mouthpiece

  • Vandoren (blue box) or Hemke Reeds (size 2.5) (Size: 3 if you have played for at least a year)

    • No orange box Rico reeds

  • Bonade ligature (inverted)

  • Reed case

  • Starter Pack

French Horn

• • Music Stand

Trumpet

• • Valve Oil

  • Starter Pack

Trombone

• • Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2AL Small Shank (preferred) or Giardinelli 6 1/2AL Small Shank

  • Slide-O-Mix

  • Miniature spray water bottle (from Target or Walmart)

  • Starter Pack

  • Music Stand

Baritone/Euphonium

• • Valve Oil

  • Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2AL Small Shank (preferred) or Giardinelli 6 1/2AL Small Shank

  • Music Stand

Tuba

• • Valve Oil

  • Helleburg 120S Mouthpiece

  • Music Stand

Percussion

• • "Percussion Learning Kit" (Music & Arts) OR (Chuck Levins)

  • Evans "Real Feel" Practice Pad (12" - preferred or 6")

  • Music Stand

Orchestra (All Students)

• • A working quality instrument (from a teacher-recommended shop - see flyers below)

  • String Basics, Book 1 (Orchestra Method Book) (Supplied by PGCPS)

  • Pencils (No Pens)

  • Nail Length:  In order to successfully play a string instrument with proper position and technique, fingernails must be maintained and trimmed short.  Fingertips should be able to be placed on a table without the nail touching the table.  This is so that the student is able to place their fingertip on the string of their instrument without the nail impairing intonation and pitch accuracy.

FYI...Since we are all string players, set aside a day/time to visit Gailes' Violin Shop in College Park (must make an appointment in advance).  They deal with all things strings for violin, viola, and cello players. In addition to renting/buying an instrument and getting the required materials from them, they are VERY knowledgeable and will take good care of you.  Please be sure to let them know what school you are coming from and mention my name. 

Many of the items below are hyperlinked for your convenience.  If a link does not work, please let me know.

Violin

• • Everest Shoulder Rest

    • 3/4 - 4/4 (for 3/4 & full size violins)

    • 1/2 - 3/4 (for 1/2 & 3/4 size violins)

  • Violin Rosin (Dark)

  • Extra set of strings (Prelude) (Be sure to select the correct set for your size violin)

  • Cleaning Cloth

  • Music Stand

Viola

• • Everest Shoulder Rest

    • (15" - 16.5" violas only)

  • Everest Shoulder Rest

    • 4/4 (14" violas only)

    • 3/4 (13" violas only)

    • 1/2 (12" violas only)

  • Viola Rosin (Dark)

  • Extra set of strings (Prelude) (Be sure to select the correct set for your size viola)

  • Cleaning Cloth

  • Music Stand

Cello

• • Cello Rosin

  • Cello Stopper

  • Extra set of strings (Prelude) (Be sure to select the correct set for your size cello)

  • Cleaning Cloth

  • Music Stand

Double Bass

• • Bass Rosin (Pop’s)

  • Bass Stopper

  • Cleaning Cloth

  • Music Stand

A few tips...

If the deal for an instrument seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.  "Deals" that you might find on the internet or in a store other than the ones listed below will more than likely not be quality (and you will end up paying more over time). 

Quality, quality, quality.  A used quality instrument is better than a poorly made new instrument. 

When in doubt please communicate with Mr. Dignen.  I want to see each student be successful which largely hinges around quality materials.  I am also empathetic to a family's financial situation and want to help you find the best possible equipment that fits within your budget. 

INSTRUMENTS OF ODD COLOR WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN REHEARSAL OR PERFORMANCE.

Rental Locations

Band Students

• Music & Arts (Bowie): 301-262-5950 (Oxon Hill): 301-686-0406 (Greenbelt) 301-474-1474

• Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center: 301-946-8808

Orchestra Students

• Gailes Violin Shop: 301-474-4300 (Violin, Viola & Cello only)

Recommended repair shops

• Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center: 301-946-8808

• ATEC Music: 301-877-8600

• Music & Arts: 301-686-0406

Orchestra Instruments

• Gailes Violin Shop: 301-474-4300

• Music & Arts: 301-686-0406

Music & Arts
(Rent: All Band & Orchestra Instruments)

Gailes' Violin Shop
(Rent: Violin, Viola, & Cello)
Preferred shop to upgrade all string instruments to step up and professional level.

Chuck Levins: Washington Music Center
(Rent: all band & orchestra instruments)
Preferred shop to upgrade all band instruments to step up and professional level.