Future Band Parents

 

            Each year Clinton School offers a Beginning Band program. The program is open to students from grades 4 thru 8. This letter should answer many of the questions that arise at this time.

 

Question: Where do the instruments come from?

            Each student provides their own instrument. Clinton School will loan out several of the less popular instruments like baritones, sousaphones and trombones. The more common instruments can be found locally at “Morgenroth Music Center”, “Electronic Sound and Percussion”, “Access Music”, “Music Medic”, “Outlaw Music”, in various second hand stores, or thru catalogs (I have several of these to loan).

 

Question: How much will this cost?

            It is every bit as important for a beginner to have a well adjusted, easy playing instrument, as it is a professional. This doesn’t mean a beginner needs a professional instrument. A beginner will have more trouble making music with a worn out, leaking instrument than a pro.

            New instrument prices depend on the type of instrument, the make and the model. In general I recommend that students purchase Yamaha brand instruments. The list below should give you an idea of instrument costs.

                       

Trumpet/Cornets                            $180-$500

                        Clarinets                                           $175-$450

                        Flutes                                                 $170-$450

                        Alto Saxophones                           $500-$1200

                        Trombones                                       $200-$500

                        Drum sets                                          $250-$1000

 

            Whether the instrument is purchased or rented make sure it has been factory reconditioned or at least checked out by a skilled repairperson. “Hand-me-down” instruments should be checked also even if they played well when they went into storage. Old pads and corks can leak, slides and valves can rust. Beginning Band students are learning a new skill, a new language, and need all the help we can give them.

            Students will also need to purchase the “Essential Elements 2000” Book 1 for their specific instrument.

           

            If you have any questions please phone me before or after school at 825-3113. My E-mail address is davids@blackfoot.net.

           

            Beginning Band will meet every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon and start on September 8th.