Click on "Woodwind", "Brass" or "Percussion" sub-pages by "Instrument Info" for Accessory pictures and links

Below is the Approved List of instruments for North Kansas City Schools made by the instrumental music staff.

Tab 1- Beginner

Tab 2- Intermediate and Advanced

Tab 3- Additional Percussion information

Parents Guide to Purchasing

a Band Instrument

Basic Information about Woodwind and Brass Instruments

Band instruments are marketed in three grades of quality: (1) beginner, (2) intermediate, and (3) professional models. Examples of truly “intermediate” quality improvements (and worthy of paying more money for) would be such things as a solid silver head joint for a flute or clarinets with a body made of real grenadilla wood rather than plastic (which also is often referred to as “resin” or “composition” material). As far as professional instruments go, price is a good indicator of a truly professional grade instrument. Professional instruments cost from a thousand to several thousands of dollars more than the same instrument in a beginner grade. Most saxophones, trumpets, and trombones do not come in a true “intermediate” grade. The marginal differences between those marketed as “beginner” and those marketed as “intermediate” make very little real difference in their playing response or tone quality. The real difference in instrument quality is noticed when you step up to a “professional” instrument. These are the “tools” that working musicians use to earn a living, and do play considerably better, but, as I mentioned before, can cost thousands of dollars more than the “beginner” grade instrument. Contact the band director if you are considering purchasing a “professional” grade instrument to discuss the pros and cons as they pertain to your specific student. The approved instrument list are ones that are recommended by many successful band programs and reputable instrument dealers.

Regardless of the brand selected:

1. FLUTES should have open holes (“French style”), with hole plugs and an inline “G” key. If you can afford it, it is best if it is solid silver throughout (head joint, body, and foot joint). The more silver there is in a flute, the better its tone and response, however, the more silver there is in a flute, the higher its price. Buy as much solid silver as you can afford. If a flute with a solid silver head joint doesn’t fit your budget, make sure that the entire flute is silver-plated, and not nickel-plated. A low “B” foot joint is an advanced feature that you might consider spending the extra money for, if you are purchasing an all (head joint, body, and foot joint) solid silver flute. It is definitely not worth it for a silver-plated flute, and probably not worth it for one with only a solid silver head joint.

2. CLARINETS should be made of genuine grenadilla wood (i.e., no plastic, “resin”, or “composition” clarinets). The formal title of the common clarinet is the “soprano clarinet” which should help if you run into the issue of soprano vs. bass clarinet while searching.

3. ALTO SAXOPHONE or TENOR SAXOPHONE- The saxophone most commonly used in band is the alto saxophone. The tenor saxophone is a little larger, and is lower pitched, than the alto. The key arrangement, where you place your fingers, and the basic playing technique are the same for all saxophones. If you can play any one type of saxophone, alto or tenor, you should be able to play all types of saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, or bass), provided you can adjust to the size difference. Music for any kind of saxophone can be practiced on the alto because of the commonalities throughout this particular instrument family.

4. TRUMPET vs CORNET- We strongly recommend trumpets. There are bigger selections of them and will be available at any music store. Cornets are easier to hold for very small beginners. However, they are less practical as a long term investment for older students. Playing technique and fingerings (“button” arrangement) are the same for both, therefore if a student can play one, they can also play the other. Even if a student were to start on cornet they probably would want to change to trumpet in the future because it is more versatile and is suited to many more performing opportunities than cornet (marching band, jazz band, brass ensembles, solo work, etc.).

5. An “F attachment” for TROMBONES is a highly recommended (but not required) option sought after by most advanced trombone players. This option almost doubles the price of a beginner trombone, but is a tremendous aid to playing.

6. INSTRUMENTS FOR MARCHING BAND (High School) - We do not expect you to purchase a separate instrument for marching; however, FLUTE, CLARINET, ALTO SAXOPHONE, TRUMPET, or TROMBONE players will often keep their beginner instrument for marching band, OR purchase a well used one for marching band season. If you play CLARINET, we recommend that you hold onto your beginner plastic clarinet, but play with a superior mouthpiece. We do not want you to take your wood clarinet out on the field and possible have it warp due to unexpected weather conditions. Sousaphones (marching tubas), Baritones, and Mellophones (marching french horns) will always be provided by the school for those students in marching band.

Percussion Kits, Sticks, and Mallets

Percussion instruments (drums, xylophone, etc.) and some sticks and mallets are provided by the district for student use. All percussion students are strongly encouraged to get a percussion combination kit so they can practice at home. The percussion kit should stay at home and the student will use school percussion equipment during class and events. The sticks and mallets should travel between school and home. Percussion students should continue purchasing relevant sticks and mallets throughout their time in the band program. A separate list of percussion purchase recommendations is available.

Purchasing from a Music Store

Music stores have a variety of instrument rental plans and buyer options that include one, or more, “rent-to-own” plans. This means that the amount paid in rental fees accumulates over time and eventually the instrument becomes the property of the renter. Inquire about specific details at each music store. Also, ask about a “rental return” instrument, or a good used instrument. The quality of a “rental return” is usually excellent, and the quality of a used one ranges from satisfactory to very good, depending upon the amount you want to spend. Either one will offer an opportunity to save some money. Some music stores will apply the entire amount paid on your child’s first instrument to a better, or “step-up”, instrument when they are ready to advance. When comparing dealer prices, you should always be careful to refer to the same brands, model numbers, and options (larger case, silver-plating, case cover, etc.) As with many other consumer products, some brands of band instruments are always more (or less) expensive than other brands. A comparison of different brands of the same instrument based solely on price may lead to a false comparison of quality.

Accessories

Click on "Woodwind", "Brass" or "Percussion" sub-pages by "Instrument Info" for Accessory pictures and links

Coming Soon: Details on "starter packages" from the local music stores