Instrument Hire
Instrument Hire
Because of the generosity of parents and community members over many years, EWPS band has a collection of more than 90 instruments for hire. These are a great resource that helps students start their band experience without parents needing to invest in buying an instrument up front.
Instruments are usually hired by Training Band students, but some of the larger and more expensive instruments can continue to be hired through Intermediate and Senior Bands. When you register for band you should indicate your interest in hiring an instrument.
The following arrangements are in place to ensure that band continues to have high quality instruments available for students over many years.
Instrument Hire Agreement
Please refer here for example of Instrument Hire Agreement.
Hiring Fee
Instruments can be hired by EWPS students who are in band for an annual fee. The Hiring Fee covers:
Use of the instrument by the EWPS band student
Professional servicing of the instrument between each hire
Minor repairs or temporary replacement as set out in the Instrument Hire Agreement
A contribution to replacement and upgrading of EWPS band instruments to make sure there is an ongoing pool of quality instruments for hire.
The Hiring Fee is not refundable, including if the student leaves the EWPS band before the end of the hiring agreement.
See below for Instrument Hire Rates.
Condition Report
A condition report is prepared annually for each piece of equipment as part of the Instrument Hire Agreement. The condition report details any existing damage so that the Band Committee has a record of the state of the instrument at the time it is picked up.
Parents who are hiring instruments are given a copy of the condition report and asked to confirm the condition of the instrument. Most parents will be familiar with this kind of process from renting cars and houses.
Instrument Bond
In addition to the non-refundable hiring fee, each hired instrument requires an Instrument Bond.
The Instrument Bond is paid up front at the time of hiring and will be refunded in full when instruments are returned without damage beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the hiring period. If repairs and maintenance are required because there is damage beyond normal wear and tear, the Instrument Bond will be used to contribute to these costs. For details see the Instrument Hire Agreement.
This ensures that the band can afford to maintain a full set of instruments and minimises the amount of fundraising by parents that is needed for repair of instruments damaged by individuals.
Repairs associated with normal wear and tear on instruments are covered by the servicing component of the hiring fee.
Hire instrument drop off and pick up
Parents are required to confirm the condition of hired instruments at the time of pick up and when dropping off at the end of the year as part of entering into the Instrument Hire Agreement. Therefore instrument pick up and drop off must be done in person at times notified by the Band Managers.
You may also find it useful to look at the Frequently Asked Questions about instrument hire.
Instrument Donation
Epping West band welcomes all donations of good quality new or used band instruments to contribute to our growing school. If you have an instrument that you would like to donate please contact us. Thank you!
EWPS Band Instrument Hire Rates for 2025
To hire an instrument, you need to pay both of:
Hiring Fee, and
Instrument Bond (refundable)
Note that instrument hire fees and bonds are in addition to Band Fees, which are listed on the EWPS Band Google Site (Fees page).
1. Hiring Fee
Instruments can be hired by EWPS students who are in band for the each of following instrument:
Annual Hire Fees (incl. hire fee and annual servicing charge)
Baritone $440.00
Bass clarinet $440.00
Clarinet $330.00
Euphonium $440.00
Flute $330.00
French Horn $440.00
Double French Horn $500.00
Saxophone $440.00
Tenor Saxophone $440.00
Trombone $440.00
Trumpet $440.00
Tuba $330.00
Percussion (hall instruments service fee) $275.00
Bass Guitar (amps service fee) $165.00
Keyboard (amps service fee) $165.00
The Hiring Fee covers:
● Use of the instrument by the EWPS band student
● Essential supplies for specialised instruments (see below)
● One professional servicing of the instrument between each hire
● Minor repairs or temporary replacement as set out in the Instrument Hire Agreement
● A contribution to replacement and upgrading of EWPS band instruments to make sure there is an ongoing pool of quality instruments for hire.
The Hiring Fee is not refundable, including if the student leaves the EWPS band before the end of the hiring agreement.
Essential supplies for specialised instruments - for each student in first year of band
The following instruments require essential supplies which will be included in your first invoice:
Percussion : Mallet Kit $150.00
Bass Guitar : Instrument Cable $28.00
Keyboard : Instrument Cable and Power Adapter $55.00
The essential supplies become the property of the student and do not need to be returned to the band. If students lose or damage their essential supplies, it is the responsibility of the parent to replace them.
2. Instrument Bond
All instruments $200
In addition to the non-refundable hiring fee, each hired instrument requires an Instrument Bond.
The Instrument Bond is paid up front at the time of hiring and will be refunded in full when instruments are returned without damage beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the hiring period. If repairs and maintenance are required because there is damage beyond normal wear and tear, the Instrument Bond will be used to contribute to these costs. For details see the Instrument Hire Agreement.
This ensures that the band can afford to maintain a full set of instruments and minimises the amount of fundraising by parents that is needed for repair of instruments damaged by individuals.
Repairs associated with normal wear and tear on instruments are covered by the servicing component of the hiring fee.
Note: Bass Guitar, Keyboard or Percussion hire fee does not require an Instrument Bond as the fee applies for annual use of hall equipment such as amplifiers and percussion instruments and contributes to service repair or replacement cost of worn instruments.
How to pay
An invoice will be generated for each student who hires an instrument from EWPS Band for 2024. This will set out your fees and the payment schedule.
If you are having trouble meeting the payment schedule set out in the invoice, please contact your Band Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss options.
VERSION 01 December 2023