For Teachers

How to Get an Instrument

Introduction

All students must have an instrument to participate in the instrumental music program (band). There are numerous options available to acquiring an instrument. Hopefully these pages will help clarify your choices. The information presented here is generally my opinion based on many years of work with school bands. Other teachers, parents, and students will have had different experiences and priorities from mine, and their opinions may be different.

Many Options

For those students who have not yet obtained an instrument, there are numerous options available. The most convenient option is to attend a rental evening presented by St. John's Music during the month of September. St. John's Music has a number of different rental and purchase plans. Other options include renting from other music stores (and in some cases the school), purchasing new or used instruments from a music store, or purchasing used instruments privately.

It is recommended that if renting or purchasing an instrument through St. John's Music (or another store), you also purchase insurance against loss or theft. Insurance through a music store is generally inexpensive and the deductible (if any) is generally much less than normal homeowner's insurance. Monthly rentals generally run about $19-$30/month, depending on the instrument. Exact information regarding costs for instruments will be available at the rental night. If you would like to rent from St. John's Music but are unable to attend the rental evening, please see Mr. Brehaut as soon as possible to make other arrangements.

Renting from St. John's Music is by no means mandatory and please feel free to make arrangements elsewhere if you desire. The school deals primarily with St. John's Music because of the high level of quality and service that we receive from them. To further help you with your rental/purchase decisions, please consult the information on the following pages.

If you can find an acceptable instrument elsewhere you will not need to attend the rental presentation from St. John's Music. An acceptable instrument is one that is in good playing and mechanical condition. An inferior or poor instrument is frustrating to play on, and detrimental to the quick success of a young player in the school band program. (For example, Sears does not produce acceptable instruments: they last approximately six months.) If you purchase an instrument from other than a reputable music store please have Mr. Brehaut inspect it as soon as possible. There are great bargains on instruments available, but there are also some terrible instruments too.

Camille J. Lerouge School has purchased a few of the larger, more expensive instruments to avoid excessive rental charges ($80+/month!). These include tubas, French horns, bass clarinets, baritones, and baritone saxophones and are intended for rental to students at reasonable rates. If you need one of these instruments, you do not need to attend the rental night and instead should contact Mr. Brehaut.

Who uses the instrument?

In almost all circumstances, use of an instrument is solely for your child. Students will not have to share their instruments with others, thus enabling them to take it home frequently to practice! Further, other students will not be allowed to borrow or otherwise use an instrument that has been rented to your child. (The only exception to this might possibly arise if an excessive number of students wish to rent the same school instrument. In this case, individual mouthpieces would be issued and arrangements for sharing the rest of the instrument would be made. However, this situation does not often occur.)

Required Equipment

Players playing reed instruments (oboes, clarinets and saxophones) are responsible for reeds. Brass players (trumpets, trombones, tubas, etc.) are responsible for valve/slide oil. Percussion players are expected to purchase sticks and a mallet kit. Current cost is approximately $115. This kit contains a stick bag, and the four main types of mallets required for percussion. These accessories may be purchased through Mr. Brehaut, or at most music stores.

Optional items to increase your investment in an instrument and your child's music education are maintenance kits and music stands. Varying according to each type of instrument, the maintenance kit generally contains specialized cleaning and lubricating items and helps to keep your investment in top playing condition. These kits currently cost $20-$25 for most instruments. Folding music stands also enable proper posture while practicing at home. Costs for stands are about $18.

Rent or Buy?

The first question is usually whether to buy, rent, or rent-to-own your instrument.

Rental: Many companies offer rental programs. For some expensive instruments, Camille J. Lerouge School also has a rental program. For most rental programs, costs will run between $15.00 and $25.00 each month depending on provider, instrument, and quality. Some programs may allow you to use rental fees towards the purchase of an instrument. Some programs may give a discount if you pay for an entire year at once. Insurance may be included or may be an optional fee. See descriptions of service providers for more exact information.

Rent-to-own: Many companies also offer rent-to-own programs. Camille J. Lerouge School does not offer a rent-to-own program. Many rent-to-own programs will often include free products or services such as maintenance kits and free repairs. Rent-to-own programs will usually be between $27.00 and $30.00 for 30-36 months. Early buy-out options are usually available.

Purchasing new retail: Most retail music stores carry some band instruments. When purchasing new, you are assured of obtaining the brand you wish and in excellent initial shape. Although it is always more expensive to buy new, there will be fewer mechanical problems reducing any factors that might limit progress in learning to play. New student instruments generally start at about $650.

Purchasing used retail: Many retail stores also sell used instruments. When purchasing a used instrument, ensure that it has been properly maintained, repaired, and sterilized before use. If possible, have someone test its playability before purchase. Used instruments generally range from $350-$550.

Purchasing privately: There are many instruments available for private purchase. This is the least expensive and also the most risky way of obtaining an instrument. While individuals will often sell instruments at a lower price than a retail store, there is no guarantee that the instrument is playable. Expect that the less you pay for the instrument, the more you will need to pay in repairs and maintenance to maintain it in playing condition. Expect to add at least $40 to any private purchase for cleaning and maintenance before it is ready for use in the band.

The Importance of Brand Name

You get what you pay for. A better instrument will last longer and play better. A cheap, poor instrument may not even last a single year. Choosing a good brand name is as important when buying an instrument as it is with buying any valuable item. The brand name is usually a good indicator of overall quality including how well the instrument will last over time, its ease of play, its tone quality, and the eventual resale value of the instrument. When purchasing an instrument, you may wish to consult the Brand Comparison Chart.

Charts and Tables

Service Providers

Comparison of Instrument Providers

Comparison of Instrument Plans

Comparison of Instrument Brands