Instrument Information
School Owned Instruments
Some school owned instruments are available for the summer and school year from the high school. These instruments include Tuba, Bassoon, Oboe, French Horn, Euphonium (Baritone), Bass Clarinet, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone. We also have school owned Sousaphones, Marching Baritones, and Marching Mellophones that are utilized by students during the marching season. Contact the Director of Bands to check out an instrument.
Band Lockers
Students will keep their wind instruments in lockers in the band building during the school day. Lockers will be assigned at the beginning of band camp for students to use throughout the school year. It is the responsibility of the student to keep these lockers cleaned and ensure that only their band instrument and music are stored in these spaces.
Brass
All students should own their wn mouthpiece regardless of whether you use a school owned instrument or not. The mouthpiece can be one of the most important investments in the overall sound of the instrument you play. Here are some brand and model suggestions from our staff:
Trumpet: Back 5C or 3C
Horn: Holton Farkas MC or Yamaha 30
Trombone: Shilke 51D or Bach 5G
Euphonium: Shilke 51D or Bach 5G
Tuba: Conn Hellenberg or Yamaha 18
For brass players, a “BERP” is often helpful in class when doing mouthpiece exercises. Brass players also need to keep a supply of valve oil and slide grease on hand for their instrument.
Woodwinds
All students should own their own mouthpiece regardless of whether you use a school owned instrument or not.The mouthpiece can be one of the most important investments in the overall sound of the instrument you play. Here are some brand and model suggestions from our staff:
Clarinet: Vandoren M30 or B45
Alto Sax: Vandoren AL3 (and ligature)
Tenor Sax: Vandoren TL3 (and ligature)
Bari Sax: Selmer C* or Yamaha 5C
All woodwind players should have at least 3-4 quality reeds with them at all times.
Percussion Handout:
Percussion Required Materials (updated 2/1/23)
Private Lessons
One great way to get a head start on the school year is to continue or begin taking private music lessons on your instrument. Please visit the Private Lessons tab to view teachers in our area for each instrument. Contact Anthony Darnall, Director of Bands for further questions or information.
Instrument Service and Purchase
Summer is a great time to do maintenance, professional cleaning, and/or get repairs on your existing instrument, or to upgrade to a more advanced instrument. To schedule maintenance, cleaning or repairs, visit Music Central.
To upgrade your instrument, talk to Anthony Darnall, Director of Bands, to get recommendations prior to going to Music Central to purchase a step up instrument. When selecting an advanced instrument, it is highly recommended that you go to the store to try different brands and models. If you would like some assistance in choosing an instrument, one of the band directors will be happy to assist.
If you have questions, contact the Director of Bands, Anthony Darnall.