BaileyBeginning Band

Absolutely! Here is a list of instruments along with recommended brands. Using an older instrument, or one of lesser quality can lead to a great deal of frustration for a beginner. Certain brands are particularly suited for beginning band students and are an excellent value for your money. PLEASE BE AWARE that the price of the instrument usually reflects the quality of the instrument. Although it may appear that you are saving initially, repair bills add up quickly and the student's musical progress will be significantly reduced. It is highly recommended that your rental/purchase be made through a reputable music store (LOOK under MUSIC STORES in the yellow pages), NOT a discount warehouse, a department store, a pawn shop, a second-hand music instrument store, or online UNLESS the site is affiliated with a reputable music company and repairs can be done locally. You and your child are making a financial commitment to his/her instrumental music education. The student has a much better opportunity to succeed with a high-quality, newer instrument. Also, BEWARE of the mouthpieces that are usually sold with beginning band instruments. It is very important to have a mouthpiece of the highest quality. Care kits for the instruments are great IF they include the following recommended accessories.

Flutes: Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, YamahaAccessories: cleaning rod (should be in case), polishing cloth, a small piece of cotton cloth to use with the cleaning rod OR a flute swab

Clarinets: Buffet, Jupiter, YamahaRecommended Mouthpieces: Vandoren B45 w/Rovner ligature, OR Premiere by Hite w/Rovner ligature, OR Fobes Debut w/Rovner ligatureRecommended Reeds: Vandoren strength 2 1/2Accessories: cloth or silk swab NOT a cheap foam swab, cork grease, La Voz reed guard that has ventilation grooves, mouthpiece cap, mouthpiece or teeth cushion, thumb saver

Trumpets: Bach, King, YamahaRecommended Mouthpiece: 5CAccessories: mouthpiece brush, polishing cloth, plastic-coated snake, valve oil (Blue Juice), tuning slide grease

Trombones: Bach, Conn, King, YamahaRecommended Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2 ALAccessories: mouthpiece brush, small spray bottle for water that fits in case, plastic-coated snake, tuning slide grease, "Superslick Slide Cream" WITH bottle of "Silicone" OR "Slide-O-Mix," polishing cloth (NEVER USE SLIDE OIL!)

Bells & Snare Drum Kits: Pearl or LudwigShould include 5"x14" snare drum, 2 1/2 octave bells, practice pad, Vic Firth General SD1 sticks, mallets, backpack carrying bag with rolling cart, mallet/stick bag (PLEASE LABEL all bags and parts with your child's name.)

Does the brand of instrument matter?

CONTENTS

Does the brand of instrument matter?

Should we rent or buy?

What supplies do we need?

What do we need to know when choosing a vendor?

FYI

Summer Band Program

April 2014

11900 Bailey Road, Cornelius, NC 28031 http://www.baileymiddleschoolbands.org

Everything you need to know about getting an instrument…

http://www.baileymiddleschoolbands.org

FYI

The band classes at Bailey are approximately 80 minutes long. Students have band every other day.

The instrument on which the student begins is the instrument he/she will play all through the band programs with CMS unless the director gives permission for a student to change to a similar but larger, school-owned instrument such as bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, F horn, baritone, or tuba.

Each student is responsible for practicing his/her instrument daily. It counts toward his/her grade.

Quarterly band grades are the same as academic grades. They are based on class improvement, participation, practicing/homework, and tests/quizzes.

Each student is financially responsible for furnishing an instrument in excellent working condition. Students must maintain and care for the instruments and mouthpiece/reeds with regular repair and cleaning.

Students must always have enough accessories for class and practice, especially reeds and valve oil.

Your child will perform in two concerts this year - once in November or December and then again in May. Awards are presented at the spring concert.

What else does my child need to be successful?

Your child cannot play well without good posture to promote a good air supply which in turn promotes a good tone quality. To have good posture, your child needs the following in a practice area:

• a chair with a straight back• a folding music stand (available at any music store)• a luggage tag on his/her instrument case that includes name and phone number• pencils to keep in his/her case to mark music• a rag or garbage can for brass players to empty spit

Your child also needs a place to practice that is just for him/her! It should be a comfortable place where he/she has room to sit or stand while playing. It should also be a place free of distractions where your child can concentrate for 20-30 minutes each practice session.

What do I need to know when choosing a vendor?

• Are band rental instruments new?• What brands are available for rental?• What kind of mouthpiece comes with the instrument, especially the clarinet?• What is the training level of the repair technician and how frequently does the company provide service on the instrument?• Are loaner instruments (during repairs) provided at no charge?• Is the maintenance and replacement program included in the rental fee?• What quality of repair service is provided?• Is staff always available to handle repairs?• What do other parents with older band students say about the vendor?• Does the vendor have any complaints on file with the Better Business Bureau?

PLEASE NOTE: PARENTS MAY CHOOSE ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT VENDOR THEY PREFER BUT BUYER BEWARE.

Should we rent or buy?

Renting:• Best for students who are unsure if they will remain in band for more than one year.• Advantages: low initial cost, flexible options, free repairs, can usually return the instrument at any time without further obligation• Disadvantages: highest cost over long periods, instrument remains property of company, cannot guarantee quality or brand of instrument

Rent-to-Own:• Best for students who are sure they will be in band for at least 3 years but do not have the financial resources to purchase.• Advantages: medium initial cost, new instrument, at end of contract instrument is your property, free repairs, sometimes includes bonus accessories or services• Disadvantages: medium cost over long periods due to interest on payments, usually unable to rent-to-own a used instrument

Purchase New• Best for students with the financial resources to purchase an instrument and who expect to be in band for more than one year.• Advantages: lowest cost over long period, total flexibility in choosing brand and/or quality of instrument, may sell for a portion of price when finished• Disadvantages: highest initial cost, repairs are responsibility of owner

Choosing a Vendor: Renting VS. Buying

R.PETERSEN@cms.k12.nc.us Ms. Ruth Petersen, Director