Step-up Instruments

Your student's starter instrument is designed with the new musician in mind, as it is crafted to be durable in the hands of a beginner. Even if your child only wants to play in the school band, they will likely outgrow that instrument. As your student progresses on their musical journey, they will struggle to master more difficult techniques, and could become dissatisfied. A day will come when they will benefit from an instrument that supports their growing ability. The difference between a beginner instrument and a step up instrument are not usually obvious visually. Here's what you will notice with a step up instrument.

Craftsmanship and quality materials used in construction.
Improved instrument response and richness of sound leads to improved musicianship and musical enjoyment for your student.
The skilled craftsmanship and higher quality material of a 'Step Up' instrument, combined with the skill level of your musician, gives your student the best chance at success.

PLEASE CONTACT THE BAND DIRECTOR WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE!

Instruments and supplies can be purchased from the following retailers:

RETTIG MUSIC MUSIC & ARTS

WOODWIND ACCESSORIES

Reeds have a significant impact on how woodwind instruments sound. Picking the right reed can drastically improve sound, will respond more consistently and last longer that other reeds. Similarly, the ligature (the part that holds the reed on the mouthpiece) can significantly affect sound. Your local music store sells this brand and has them in stock!

Recommended Reeds: Rico Royal (6/7/8), Mitchell Lurie (7,8,HS), Vandoren (8, HS)Strength of Reed: 6th to 8th Grade - 3 Rico Royal, 3 Mitchell Lurie, 3 Vandoren 9th to 10th Grade - 3 Mitchell Lurie, 3 Vandoren 11th to 12th Grade - 3 1/2 (Vandoren V12)
Recommended Ligature: Luyben

FLUTE

Among the differences between beginner and step-up flutes, the biggest is the metal with which they are constructed. Beginner flutes are usually made of nickel silver, a hard and inexpensive metal; it has a bright (some might say harsh) tone, but beginners are more focused on finding the correct note than on the quality of the tone they produce. Step-up flutes (intermediate, performer, and top-line) are made of increasing amounts of solid silver. Solid silver vibrates more freely, creating a fuller, more pleasing tone with more harmonics. Most are also "Open-Hole" Flutes, requiring your finger to cover the hole on the key, very similar to the Clarinet.

Recommended Step-Up Instruments:Gemeinhardt 3S or 3SHBEastman Intermediate modelsAmadeus AF600-B Yamaha 381 Azumi AZ1 or AZ2

CLARINET

Beginner clarinets are almost always made of high-grade plastic. Plastic is appropriate for beginners because it’s durable and quality of the tone is not as important at this stage as learning to play the correct note. In addition, beginner clarinets are small bore, requiring less effort to play but producing a thinner tone. Intermediate, performer, and top-line clarinets provide a darker, fuller sound because they are made of wood; their larger bore creates a bigger sound. The difference in tone between a plastic clarinet and a wood clarinet is considerable and generally quite noticeable. See note about about reeds and ligatures.

Recommended Step-Up Instruments:Buffet models E-11, R-13Yamaha YCL-450, YCL-650
Recommended Mouthpieces:Fobes DebutHite Premiere Vandoren M15

OBOE

Beginner oboes are almost always made of high-grade plastic. Plastic is appropriate for beginners because it’s durable and quality of the tone is not as important at this stage as learning to play the correct note. Intermediate, performer, and top-line oboes provide a darker, fuller sound because they are made of wood. The difference in tone between a plastic oboe and a wood oboe is considerable and generally quite noticeable.

Recommended Step-Up Instruments:Yamaha YOB-441Fox Renard 335
Reeds

ALTO SAXOPHONE

The differences between student, intermediate and professional saxophones include key mechanisms that make the instrument easier to play and extend its range (high F# and G for alto saxes, low A for baritones), better materials, such as annealed brass and ribbed construction that gives the mechanisms more stability and allows the instrument to retain fine adjustments better. Blued steel springs also make the keys respond more quickly without requiring the saxophonist to apply more pressure. An adjustable thumb rest allows the player to find the most comfortable position to hold the sax and more attention to key adjustment and tone hole covering in final assembly help give it a quick and true response. See note about about reeds and ligatures.

Recommended Step-Up Instruments:Selmer SAS280Buffet 400Yamaha YAS-480, YAS-875 EX
Recommended Mouthpieces:Vandoren Optimum (AL3)Selmer C*Yamaha 4C
Neck StrapDon't underestimate the importance of a good neck strap to keep your instrument steady while performing. Neotech Tux Strap

BRASS MOUTHPIECES

Similar to woodwinds, mouthpieces can have a significant impact on tone and response. Below are some general guidelines regarding mouthpiece shape.
Mouthpiece RimWide: Increases endurance.Narrow: Improves flexibility.Round: Improves comfort.Sharp: Increases precision of attack.Mouthpiece CupLarge: Increases volume, control.Small: Relieves fatigue, weakness.Deep: Darkens tone, especially in low register.Shallow: Brightens tone, improves response, especially in high register.Mouthpiece ThroatLarge: Increases blowing freedom, volume, tone; sharpens high register (largest sizes also sharpen low register).Small: Increases resistance, endurance, brilliance; flattens high register.

TRUMPET

Beginner trumpets have small bores (inside size of the tubing), making them easier to play but sacrificing some potential tone. They're typically finished with clear lacquer, allowing the the brass to show through, and include the most basic features. They are designed for early use. Intermediate trumpets are typically slightly larger in bore, allowing bigger, fuller sound production. They are usually finished in silver for a slightly darker tone and more attractive appearance. Valves and slides are typically fitted to closer tolerances, minimizing leakage of air that causes a player to work harder. Mouthpieces tend to be slightly larger and more open, and features like slide rings and triggers allow intonation adjustments.

Recommended Step-Up InstrumentsStradivarius 180Bach TR200Yamaha 4335, 8335 XenoGetzen 590S
Recommended Mouthpieces:Bach 3C

HORN

Quality step-up French Horns will be double horns, sometimes silver plated. These instruments allow students to play with much more flexibility, improving tone and intonation.

Recommended Step-Up InstrumentsConn 6D, 8DHolton H378, H379, FarkasYamaha 567, 667
Recommended Mouthpiece:Holton Farkas - Medium Deep Cup

TROMBONE

Quality step-up trombones should have an "F" attachment and will have a wider bore (the inner width of the slide). Beginner instruments have a narrow bore to facilitate ease of play, however, this can create a thin sound that can get in the way of a more advanced performer. An "F" attachment directs air through additional tubing allowing for performers alternative ways of reaching difficult slide positions.

Recommended Step-Up Instruments:Conn 88HBach Stradivarius 42Yamaha YSL-882O Xeno Series F AttachmentBach TB200 Series F Attachment TromboneYamaha YSL-448G Intermediate Trombone
Recommended Mouthpieces: 6 1/2 AL5 G

EUPHONIUM

While tubas are provided by the school district for each student, it is highly recommended that all players have their own mouthpiece.

Recommended Mouthpieces: 6 1/2 AL5 G

TUBA

While tubas are provided by the school district for each student, it is highly recommended that all players have their own mouthpiece.

Recommended Mouthpieces: 24AWConn Helleberg

PERCUSSION

At the Middle School and High School level, percussion students will become fluent on several percussion instruments. Many of these instruments require different striking mechanisms (Sticks and mallets).

Recommended Equipment Includes:SB3 Stick BagConcert Snare Sticks: IP-LD Concert SticksMarimba Mallets: IP240 (Medium)Xylophone Mallets: IP903 Bell/Xylophone MalletTimpani Mallets: (Medium) GT-3

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