Instrument Families:
Percussion - Steel Drums, Cymbals, Bells, Snare Drum, Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, Timpani, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Marimba, Chimes, and Accessories
Brass - Cornet, Trumpet, French Horn, Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba
Woodwind - Flute, Clarinet (Soprano), Bass Clarinet, Contra Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, and Baritone Saxophone
How They're Played & Instrument Care:
String instruments are played by moving a bow across four strings and sounds are changed by moving finger positions on the fingerboard. Care for instruments by wiping fingerboard, loosening bow when storing, vacuuming case, and using a polishing cloth on wood.
Brass instruments are played by buzzing lips on a metal mouthpiece and blowing a strong air stream through the instrument. Care for instrument by flushing with water once a week, oiling valves, greasing slides, disassembling instrument once a month and flushing with soapy water (brass cleaning brush recommended) & letting instrument dry before reassembling (re-oil valves & re-grease slides), and vacuuming case regularly.
Woodwind instruments are played by blowing air across/through a reed (across a tone hole for flutes/piccolos) beginners use side 2 or 2.5 reeds and intermediate/advanced players use size 3 and 4. Care for instrument by polishing regularly, washing mouthpiece (mouthpiece brush recommended), swabbing instrument (cloth on string) after each use, and vacuuming case regularly.
Percussionists must play all the instruments in the family. They must read letter notation and percussion notation; instruments are hit with mallets or beaters. Care for instruments by storing mallets and sticks after each use, dusting as necessary, and cleaning drum heads with mild, soapy water.
Rental of School-Owned Instruments:
The school has a limited number of school-owned instruments that can be rented for $20.00 for the year. Contracts are available from one of the music teachers. You can view a sample contract on the forms page, but an original must be submitted with payment. Submittal of the contract does not guarantee an instrument is available. Please read the contract carefully. Instruments should not be played by anyone except for the student in the instrumental class. Practice is required in order to keep the instrument. There is no refund after 30 days. Damages for repairs will be assessed as necessary and can range from $15.00 for minor dents or key repairs to $100.00 plus for major damages. Replacement costs will be billed for lost instruments. Students must keep their instrument clean and in good working condition whether it is a school or private instrument and are taught how to do so in class. Individual lockers are assigned to Jazz and Advanced Band students and compartments are assigned to Beginning Band students.
School-owned instruments are offered to Intermediate Band, Advanced Band and Jazz Band students first. Remaining instruments are offered to Beginning Band students by lottery as necessary. Beginners give their top three choices, whether renting from the school or a music store, so there is proper instrumentation in the ensemble. The school has rental instruments (brass, percussion, and woodwind) that are offered to advanced ensembles first.
Instrument Rental from Local Music Stores:
Rental information from local music stores is available in the music rooms and is distributed to all beginning instrumentalists. You can also check the yellow pages or the links on this site for information on rental or rent-to-own programs. Most stores have a variety of pricing plans based on the instrument rented and its condition (i.e.: used, like new, or new). Here are some questions we suggest you ask when renting from a music store:
1.Is this a student model instrument (lighter weight) and how old is it?
2.Does the rental come with a maintenance plan (repairs as needed) or is that extra?
3.Is there a required deposit and if so, how is it to be paid?
4.Are credit cards required (automatic billing) or do you send a monthly invoice?
5.If I decide to buy the instrument during the rental, what is the cost/savings?
6.What is the required rental period or can I cancel the contract at anytime?
7.Do you offer rental-only or rent-to-own programs?
8.Acceptable quality brands include: Selmer/Bundy/Bach, Conn/King, Vito,
Schroeter (string), Scherl & Roth (string), Yamaha, Ludwig, Remo, Pearl, CB700.
9.What kind of mouthpiece comes with the instrument (brass/wind) - basic
or step-up?
10. Do you sell insurance should the instrument be lost or stolen?
11. Do you include start-up supplies appropriate for the instrument?
12. Does it come with a hard shell case?
13. Does it come with Essential Elements 2000 Band Method Book?
Method Books
All band students must purchase an Essential Elements 2000 Band Method Book for $8.00. Percussionists may purchase their Band Method Book for $15.00.
