Student Supplies for NMS Band - 7th, 8th, and Beginner Band
BUYING or RENTING INSTRUMENTS You can buy or rent instruments at several local music stores or online. It is important to purchase a reputable brand from a reputable instrument dealer to insure your student the most success on the instrument and the least amount of time sending the instrument to the repair shop. It is almost ALWAYS better to buy a quality used instrument or rent one then to buy a brand new instrument “cheap”. Locally we have the Music and Arts stores (formally Alison’s World of Music on Airline Highway and Zeagler’s Music on Florida Blvd). Music and Arts rentals are also now online at www.musicarts.com/rentals/
If you decide to purchase, especially if you prefer to shop online, please contact Mr. Gee for specific instrument/website recommendations.
RECOMMENDED INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES Below is a list of each instrument, recommended brands, and the supplies that each instrument requires. Links are provided to give you an example of the product recommended.
WHAT TO AVOID:
Colorful plastic instruments
Amazon
Instruments sold at places other than reputable music stores
BRAND NEW instrument that is less than $400... if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
ALL STUDENTS NEED:
Label all instrument cases with the student’s name
Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ or 3 - 3-4 boxes should last the year if well taken care of. Reed quality and strength GREATLY effect pitch and tone, please stick to the recommended brands ONLY for best results! These can also be ordered on Amazon. *6th Graders should buy 1 box of size 2, they will step up to size 2 ½ quickly.
Cleaning kit – Should include: cork grease, a drop cloth for the inside of the instrument, mouthpiece brush
Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ or 3 - Reed quality and strength GREATLY effect pitch and tone, please stick to the recommended brands ONLY for best results!
Flip Folder (flip folder only, music lyres are not made for the bass clarinet)
Saxophone - (brands to look for: Selmer, Yamaha, Conn, Keilwerth)
Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ or 3 – 3-4 boxes should last the year if well take care of. Reed quality and strength GREATLY effect pitch and tone, please stick to the recommended brands ONLY for best results! *6th Graders should buy 1 box of size 2 or Medium Soft reeds, they will step up to size Medium or 2 ½ quickly.
Reeds: Reed quality and strength GREATLY effect pitch and tone, please stick to the recommended brands ONLY for best results! Tenor Saxophone Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ Bari Saxophone Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½
Mouthpiece – Size 7C (comparable Yamaha Size 11C4) – Size is important and can greatly affect the sound and the ease of playing! Many instruments “come” with a mouthpiece at purchase/rental. Make sure it has a size indicated on it! Advanced players should also have a Size 5C. The brand “Bach” is most recommended.
Cleaning kit – Should include: polishing cloth for the outside of the instrument, mouthpiece brush, valve casing brush, and snake brush (may also include slide grease and valve oil).
Mouthpiece – Holton Farkas Size MDC - Size and brand are important and can greatly affect the sound and the ease of playing!
Cleaning kit – Should include polishing cloth for the outside of the instrument, mouthpiece brush, and snake brush (may also include slide grease and valve oil).
Flip Folder (flip folder only, music lyres are not made for the french horn)
Trombone- (brands to look for: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, Getzen, King)
Mouthpiece – Size 6 ½ AL or 12C (small shank) - Size is important and can greatly affect the sound and the ease of playing! Many instruments “come” with a mouthpiece at purchase/rental. Make sure it has a size indicated on it!
NOTE: If you are able to get a trombone with an “F-Attachment” - these are great! It allows the student to reach the furthest potions just by hitting a trigger. These are expensive and not expected, but wonderful to have! You can often find these used for a great price. Baritone/Euphonium – Instrument rented through school
Mouthpiece – Size 6 ½ AL or 12C (small shank) - Size is important and can greatly affect the sound and the ease of playing! Many instruments “come” with a mouthpiece at purchase/rental. Make sure it has a size indicated on it!
Mouthpiece – Conn Helleberg 7B - Size is important and can greatly affect the sound and the ease of playing! Many instruments “come” with a mouthpiece at purchase/rental. Make sure it has a size indicated on it!