Your Student has the Option to choose one of these instruments in the Elementary Band

Flute   Clarinet   Alto Saxophone   Trumpet   Trombone   Euphonium   Percussion 

Unlike in orchestra, these instruments are one size and cannot be accommodated to the unique size of the player. During the first two weeks of class we will have an instrument petting zoo to help determine which instrument your student will have the most success on.

Class will be held every Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM 

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

RRPS has a limited number of instruments available. If you are in need of a district instruments please let me know and we can get that process started. They are available and rented out on a case by case basis. There is no garuntee that you will recieve a district owned instrument. 

We suggest that you rent an instrument (rather than buy) during the first year. Instruments come in many sizes to accommodate the size of each child. This money can be applied towards the purchase of the instrument if you choose to own the instrument later in the year. It is recommended that you be wary of internet and pawn shop purchases and avoid boxed instruments available at large discount chain stores. Many of these instruments are poorly constructed and must be modified to be playable (often at a greater cost than the original purchase price). Especially avoid instruments that are painted white, black, or bright rainbow colors. The finish and materials used to make these instruments do not allow the production of a quality sound or the ability for the instrument to be adjusted/repaired when theneed arises. A poor-quality instrument interferes with the individual students’ learning as well as the learning of others in the class. The sources below sell and/or rent instruments that are well constructed. Prices vary. Higher priced instruments will have a more pleasant sound and are easier to play. All three businesses have great customer service and can help guide you in rental or purchase options.

If you intend to purchase, be sure the seller allows you to try an instrument out without the obligation to buy. This gives you the opportunity to get the instrument looked over by a teacher and at least one other qualified string specialist before making a final decision

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT FROM AMAZON, EBAY, SAM’S CLUB, TARGET OR COSTCO.

There are cheap instruments available from these sellers, but they don’t stand the test of time, and most repair shops refuse to work on them because they can’t find parts that fit them, and they can’t guarantee their work. Cecilio, First Act, and Mendini are common brands sold online that music repair shops will not accept.

Baum's Music 

2908 Eubank Blvd.

Albuquerque, NM 87122

(505)292-0707

J Sharp Music 

428 Main Street SW

Los Lunas, NM 

(505)633-6646

Eric Stoneking 

(505)238-1519

Albuquerque Area

(Call for Location)

Everyone 

Wire Music Stand for at home use - This is important for proper practice at home. 

Pencil (Not Pen) For class everyday!

Clarinets 

Either Four 2.5 strength Rico Brand Clarinet reeds

0r 

One Legere Brand 2.25 Strength clarinet Reed 

Silk Swab 

Cork Grease

Alto Saxophone 

Either four 2.5 strength Rico brand alto saxophone reeds 

or 

one legere brand 2.25 strength alto saxophone reed 

Cork Grease

Rico Reeds are made of wood, and last about 2-3 weeks if taken care of properly 

Legere reeds are made of plastic and last about 3 months if taken care of properly 

Legere is more exensive, but they are more durable and resistant to damage commenly made by beginning musicians. 

Trumpet and Euphonium 

Valve oil 

Slide Grease

Trombone 

Yamaha Trombone Slide Lubricant 

Slide Grease 

Percussion 

1 stick bag 

1 bell kit and practice pad/snare drum with stand 

balter Basics Medium Polly mallets - Model #BBB11

Snare Drum Sticks - Vic Firth SD1 General, or equivalent size

Registration will be open (TBD). Please be prepared to pay an $85 registration fee while registering. Student who have not registers and paid by (TBD) will not be eligible to participapte. You can access the registration on the RRPS Fine Arts website. If you are applying for a district-owned isntrument, you much register by the end of the day on (TBD) so the office staff has enough time to fairly consider your application. If you register after this date you may still be considered, we just cannot guarentee an instrument placement. District owned instrument rental fee is $50 for the whole school year. RRPS is dedicated to making music available to all. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns. 

We work diligently to teach the proper wasy to ensure instrument safety. Here are some wasy to help keep your instrument safe: 

• Please fine a safe place in your home away from pets and siblings 

• Don't leave you instrument in the car. The head and cold can damange the instruments 

• Please do not try to tune your students instruments. The strings can break easily. If for some reason you string breaks, we ask tha you buy a replacements string (Please note the instrument size and string needed before purchases) Your teacher can put on the new string on your instrument. 

• if instruments are dropped, they will crack. Please lift and set down gently. 

  • When setting down your instrument make sure it is out of a walkway and away from any place where it may fall if bumped. 

• Please don't allow others to attempt to play the instrument. 

• Always bring concerns or questions to your teacher. 

Each begginer student will receive a method bok and all sheet music from their teacher. All students will be using the Essential Elements book. This book is purchased with the fee money and are the property of the student once issues. If lost, the book must be replaced by the student since it is a necessary part of our cirriculum. 

Consistency is the key to learning any new skill, including a musical instrument. Each class will meet twice a wekk unless notified by a teacher. We will follow the school calendar. If school is closed for any reason, we will not have orchestra class. (example: Parent teacher conferences, holiday, incemenet weather.) 

Studnet will need to arrive at any concert in their concert attire. Our end of the year concert with only Joe Harris Elementary Students will be a white shirt, black pants or long black skirt.balck dress, black socks and black shoes. Please let your teacher know if you have any concerns. For all other concerts students will wear blue jeans and the Elementary band t-shirt that is provided through the fee. 

The primary way I will communicate with parents in through email, this websites in the announcements section and remind(Insert instructions and code here) . I will do my best so send a monthy newsletter with important updates and information about upcomming events, deadlines and other opportunities for students 

Elementary Band is a great way to start a fun adventure and a lifelong love for music. We find our band students continue playing through middle and high school. We have even seen some students receive scholarships for college! In addition to learning musical skills, your student will build friendships that last a lifetime! Studies show that playing an instrument has a positive impact on a students academic performance, creativity, confidence, mental health, problem solving skills and long term memory. They have also found that playing an instrument can help students develop team skills, such as cooperation, listening and working together as an orchestra.

This year:

We will perform on stages, at schools and exciting locations!

We will be creative and express ourselves through music!

We will take field trips!

We will learn new skills!

Thank you for the opportunity to work with your student. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hess 

Damon.hess@rrps.net