08/26/25

Dear Silver Sands Middle School Band Families,

To ensure every student is prepared for success, here is a detailed checklist of the required instrument and supplies. Please read this guide carefully, as it also addresses some of the most common questions we've received.

Instruments and Rentals

The quality of your student's instrument is critical. A high-quality instrument from a reputable brand will ensure proper intonation and durability. Please, do not purchase low-cost instruments from online retailers like Amazon. They are often made with substandard materials and can break easily, leading to frustration and higher repair costs in the long run. I have literally had a student with an Amazon horn they got over the weekend that already has pieces falling off.

• Where to Get an Instrument: We highly recommend renting or purchasing from local retailers such as Total Entertainment, Music Shack, or Music & Arts. These stores provide quality, student-level instruments and offer insurance and repair services. A monthly rental fee of around $30 is a great value for your student's education.

• School Rentals: The school has a limited number of larger, more expensive instruments for rent. These include the

• Tuba, Baritone/Euphonium, and French Horn. If your student is assigned one of these instruments, a rental agreement form will be sent home with them this week. It is important to note that these school-rented instruments do not come with a mouthpiece. Those mouthpieces must be purchased separately.

• Trombone and Euphonium Mouthpieces: For your reference, the mouthpiece for a trombone and euphonium are the same (a small shank Bach or Blessing 5g).

Instrument-Specific Checklist & Care Kits

Every student needs an instrument and a care kit to keep it in excellent working condition.

Instrument

Suggested Brands

Required Care Kit & Supplies

Flute

Yamaha, Gemeinhardt 

Care Kit with cleaning rod and swab cloth 

Oboe

Fox, Yamaha 

3 reeds (medium strength, no plastic), reed holder, Care Kit 

Bassoon

Fox/Renard, Schreiber 

3 reeds (medium soft strength, no plastic), reed well, reed holder, Care Kit 

Clarinet

Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer Signet 

VanDoren B45 or M13 Mouthpiece, Rovner or BG Standard Ligature, 4 VanDoren Reeds (2.5-3 strength), 4-Reed Reed Holder, Care Kit 

Saxophone

Selmer, Yamaha 

Selmer CS-80 C-Double Star (or C-Star) Mouthpiece, 4 VanDoren Reeds (2.5-3 strength), 4-Reed Reed Holder, Care Kit 

Trumpet

Yamaha, Bach (No Holton) 

Bach 3c Mouthpiece, Care Kit 

French Horn

Holton, Conn 

Giardinelli C10 or Holton Farkas MDC Mouthpiece, Care Kit 

Trombone

Bach, Yamaha 

Bach or Blessing 5g Mouthpiece, Small Water Sprayer, Care Kit 

Baritone/Euphonium

Yamaha 

Bach or Blessing 5g Mouthpiece, Care Kit 

Tuba

Yamaha, King 

Conn Helleberg or Bach 18 Mouthpiece, Care Kit 

Percussion

Pearl, Ludwig, Yamaha 

Beginners: Drum & Bell combo kit (bells, snare drum, stands, mallets, sticks), Med. Yarn Mallets.

Intermediate/Advanced: Snare drum kit (for home), snare sticks, medium hard yarn mallets, timpani mallets, stick bag. 

Note on Reeds: While you may be tempted to "bargain hunt" for supplies, please avoid doing so for reeds and mouthpieces. An incorrect brand or strength can seriously hinder your student's progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When can my student take their instrument home? Please allow me to inspect and ensure that the students have good habits and routines before they experiment at home. We want to avoid any potential damages to the instrument and a good foundation is a good way to start. We should be good to take instruments home on Friday for the long weekend.

• Will you email me personally with updates? I have 270 students I see every day. Mass communication is the best way for me to communicate with all parties and avoid duplicating work. If you do have a unique situation or question please reach out but be patient as I try to keep with letters and program planning/instruction simultaneously :)

• Locker Assignment: Every student will be issued a locker to store their instrument and supplies for the year. It does not cost extra for a locker.

• Where can I find important information? Tell your band family friends that the gradebook is our go-to for information!

Mr. Powell

Silver Sands Middle School Band Director <- Website link

Stetson B.M.E. 2009

(386) 322-7550 x75064