Getting an Instrument

We’re so excited you’ve chosen to support your child’s interest in beginning band. Band is an elective course, and your child will have the option of playing flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion (xylophone and snare drum). Scroll through this page for options for providing a band instrument for your child. 


Families have the option of purchasing or renting an instrument from a music store or borrowing a school-owned instrument. Those interested in purchasing or renting can find more information below about acquiring an instrument. 

Please note: Due to extreme pitch problems, lack of durability and repair policies of our local music stores concerning generic/off-brand instruments, we suggest an instrument from our preferred brands list below. A variety of non-music stores and/or websites offer substandard quality instruments, but the pitch problems and lack of repair options can jeopardize your child’s band experience.  Students will be most successful playing on a quality instrument that can be repaired if needed. Instruments do not need to be new. A used instrument in good playing condition is perfectly acceptable.

Preferred Instrument Brands

Flute: Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Yamaha, Prelude, Armstrong, Artley, Blessing, Pearl, Di Zhao

Clarinet: Selmer, Yamaha, Jupiter, Armstrong, Buffet, Bundy, LeBlanc, Noblet

Alto Sax: Selmer, Yamaha, Jupiter, Buffet, Bundy, Cannonball, Antigua

Trumpet: Bach, Yamaha, Selmer, Blessing, Besson, Conn, Getzen, Jupiter, King, Olds, Holton

French Horn:  Conn, Eastman, Holton, King, Yamaha

Trombone: Yamaha, Jupiter, Getzen, Blessing, Bach, Selmer, Conn, King, Olds, Holton

Baritone: Jupiter, Yamaha, King, Blessing, Bach, Conn, Antigua, Holton

Percussion: See materials and supply list for the exact description of what you need.

Where can we rent or purchase an instrument & supplies?

Most music stores offer instrument payment plans of some kind.  Some trusted music stores who sell these preferred brands are listed below.

Rieman Music:

For all your music needs: woodwind, brass, or percussion. We highly trust the brands and service department at Rieman’s.  This local music store has two locations in the Des Moines area:

UpTempo Music

Des Moines area music store with a full service Rent-to-Own program. On line rentals and free delivery available. Plus repair service, books and all supplies.

Sleister Music: 

An Ankeny music store whose mission is to provide band students with "world-class instruments, exacting repairs, and friendly service." They offer a Rent-To-Own option and will deliver free to Waukee students. All needed materials (book, stand, reeds,  valve/slide oil...) are included with their rentals.

The Percussion Source: 

A Central Iowa resource for percussion instruments.

Woodwind & Brasswind:

One of the largest Midwest music retailers.

Taylor Music:

Another instrument and supply resource located in South Dakota.

West Music:

Located in the land of the Iowa Hawkeyes—Coralville, IA.

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Are there school instruments to borrow?

The Waukee School District has a limited number of school owned band instruments available for student loan. 

Complete this SURVEY by August 31st to apply for a school instrument. 

Preference will be given to families who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Please contact your school band teacher for more information.

Can I use an old family-owned instrument?

Often times it is an advantage to use an old family-owned instrument for the initial year(s) of band experience. We prefer that these instruments are one of our recommended brands and we suggest that you take the instrument to a local music store to make sure it is in good working condition. There is nothing more frustrating for a beginner than trying to progress on an instrument that does not work properly.

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Can I buy an instrument from a newspaper ad, garage sale or online auction?

Sometimes you can find good buys from these sources. However, we urge you to use great caution in these kinds of purchases. Many “off-brand” or “problematic” instruments are sold this way.  Your school band teacher can help you with questions you have about specific instruments.

Nothing is more frustrating for your child than trying to learn how to play an instrument that doesn’t work properly or play in tune. Please refer to our list of preferred instrument brands. All brands listed can be serviced by our local music store. Be sure to have the instrument checked over and put into good playing condition before the first day of school.

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