Beginner Band Supplies
How to obtain an Instrument
There are several different options when it comes to obtaining an instrument for your child. Depending on the instrument, your child will either need to purchase an instrument from the music store or borrow an instrument from the school district. Instrument accessories may also be needed depending on the instrument.
All students will need their instrument and supplies as soon as possible. Students that are assigned to a school-provided instrument will be responsible for purchasing their own mouthpiece and accessories for their instrument.
If extreme financial complications arise, please contact the band director directly before removing your child from band. Other helpful options do exist to ensure your child gets to be a part of the band.
Option 1: Music Store Instrument Purchase
We use McKay Music Company (The Band House) as our local music store and our go-to provider for band needs. As such, we would greatly prefer and highly recommend utilizing their services. They provide weekly visits to our school for instrument repair and delivery of supplies. They also offer financially competitive rent-to-own programs and purchasing options to our beginning band students and come highly recommended by local professionals. McKay Music (The Band House) is a fantastic, trustworthy company that has proven commitment to our band families.
Option 2: Purchasing a Used Instrument
Purchasing a used instrument through McKay Music, websites, garage sales, etc. for beginning band may also be suitable. If you are interested in pursuing this course of action, we would like to request that you please contact any of the band directors prior purchasing to make sure the instrument is a reputable brand that will provide your child with a good experience. The instrument may also be brought to the school and inspected by the band director for quality and any repairs that might be necessary. If a used instrument is not in good condition, it can potentially make your student have a harder time being successful. Again, please contact us if you choose to pursue this option.
A WORD OF CAUTION…
Please be careful when searching online for new or used instruments. Just like most other things, you get what you pay for; instruments listed at extremely low prices or that come with multiple accessories may not provide a guaranteed positive experience. Cleaning kits, reeds, white gloves, tuners, stands, or vibrantly-colored instruments are some of the “red flags” you should look for. While a low cost on one of these instruments may be attractive, the future costs of repairs and/or replacement may outweigh the initial benefits.
The general rule of thumb is to consult with an SSMS Band Director before any final purchases.
All students will need their instrument and supplies as soon as possible. Students that are assigned to a school-provided instrument will be responsible for purchasing their own mouthpiece and accessories for their instrument.
If extreme financial complications arise, please contact the band director directly before removing your child from band. Other helpful options do exist to ensure your child gets to be a part of the band.
Option 1: Music Store Instrument Purchase
We use McKay Music Company (The Band House) as our local music store and our go-to provider for band needs. As such, we would greatly prefer and highly recommend utilizing their services. They provide weekly visits to our school for instrument repair and delivery of supplies. They also offer financially competitive rent-to-own programs and purchasing options to our beginning band students and come highly recommended by local professionals. McKay Music (The Band House) is a fantastic, trustworthy company that has proven commitment to our band families.
Option 2: Purchasing a Used Instrument
Purchasing a used instrument through McKay Music, websites, garage sales, etc. for beginning band may also be suitable. If you are interested in pursuing this course of action, we would like to request that you please contact any of the band directors prior purchasing to make sure the instrument is a reputable brand that will provide your child with a good experience. The instrument may also be brought to the school and inspected by the band director for quality and any repairs that might be necessary. If a used instrument is not in good condition, it can potentially make your student have a harder time being successful. Again, please contact us if you choose to pursue this option.
A WORD OF CAUTION…
Please be careful when searching online for new or used instruments. Just like most other things, you get what you pay for; instruments listed at extremely low prices or that come with multiple accessories may not provide a guaranteed positive experience. Cleaning kits, reeds, white gloves, tuners, stands, or vibrantly-colored instruments are some of the “red flags” you should look for. While a low cost on one of these instruments may be attractive, the future costs of repairs and/or replacement may outweigh the initial benefits.
The general rule of thumb is to consult with an SSMS Band Director before any final purchases.