The use of a good quality instrument that is in good playing condition is vital to the success of every beginning band student. Be warned that you truly do get what you pay for when it comes to musical instruments. If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Much like your family automobile, a quality beginning band instrument must be durable, dependable, and able to be serviced for routine maintenance and unexpected accidents. You purchase your car and have it serviced by those who specialize in automobiles. Likewise, you should purchase or rent your child’s beginning band instrument from a retailer who specializes in musical instruments. Wholesale discount stores do not specialize in the sale of quality instruments nor do they offer service and repair on the instruments they sell. Music & Arts Center, Music & More, and Sam Ash are examples of retailers in this area that specialize in musical instruments.
Appropriate beginning band instruments are available from many sources:
- Buying outright. If you're sure your child will like playing music and will want to stay with THAT INSTRUMENT, you could purchase one outright. However instruments that are appropriate for school band use are not inexpensive, and it's difficult to tell which model will be right for the long term until the student has played at least a few months.
- Renting. Renting gives the child (and parents) time to see how s/he likes playing music, consider whether their chosen instrument is the best fit, and consider what type of instrument is right for the longer term. The band director knows and usually advises beginners' parents where they can rent a quality instrument, considering not just the cost and quality of the insturments rented, but also the condition they are kept in and the support the company provides to keep the instruments playing properly. Rent paid is usually applicable to the later purchase of an instrument. This is the most popular way to get a student started in music.
- Buy (or borrow) a used one. When a good used instrument can be gotten at a low enough price, it might make sense to take a chance on the student and buy it outright. But always check first with the band director to assure the instrument you're considering is the appropriate quality and will play in tune with the band. Then take it to an instrument repair shop to see what it will take to put it in playing condition. Instruments that have been sitting up for a year or more virtually always need some work done in order to play properly, typically at a cost of $100-400.
- Internet. Although the Internet is considered a dangerous place to buy a musical instrument, someone who knows what they're doing and is careful can sometimes find a bargain. By some estimates 90-95% of instruments sold on the Internet are foreign off-brands and inappropriate for school band use; indeed many directors say they are the students' and director's worst nightmare. However appropriate instruments can occasionally be found on eBay and other Internet sites, sometimes at good prices. Once again, confirm that it is a correct brand and model and either check its condition carefully or anticipate repair costs as part of your purchase price.
Below is a list of the acceptable instrument brands and models for beginners at SVMS:
FLUTE: Gemeinhardt 2SP
Yamaha FYL221S
Jupiter Capital Edition CEF- 510
Jupiter Capital Edition CEF- 551
All flute players also need a metal cleaning rod, a silk or handkerchief cleaning cloth, and a folding music stand.
CLARINET: Yamaha YCL250
Buffet B10
Buffet B12
Jupiter Capital Edition CEC – 630
MOUTHPIECE - Vandoren B45
All clarinet players also need a handkerchief style silk or cotton swab, a reed case, 1 box of size 2 ½ Vandoren reeds, and a folding music stand.
TRUMPET: Bach TR300H
Yamaha YTR2335
Jupiter Capital Edition CEB - 660L
MOUTHPIECE - 5C
All trumpet players also need valve oil, tuning slide grease, a cleaning snake, a mouthpiece brush, a washcloth or dish towel, and a folding music stand.
TROMBONE: Bach TB300
Yamaha YSL354
Jupiter Capital Edition CEB - 630L
MOUTHPIECE – 6 ½ AL
All trombone players also need slide oil, tuning slide grease, a cleaning snake, a mouthpiece brush, a washcloth or dish towel, and a folding music stand.
