INSTRUMENT INFORMATION



2006-2007 INSTRUMENT INFORMATION

Nova Middle School owns a very limited number of band instruments that are available for rent by students for $20.00 for the school year. A rental contract will be sent home with students, and should be read very carefully. Instruments should not be played by anyone except for the student in the band class. Damages for repairs or loss will be assessed as necessary. These damage assessments can range from compensation for minor dent or key repairs to full replacement value in case of theft or loss.

Students must keep their instruments clean (as shown in class) and in good working condition whether it is a school or private instrument. Woodwind players should keep 3 good reeds in their case at all times. School-owned instruments are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Beginners will give their top three choices whether renting from the school or a music store so we have the proper instrumentation in the band. Beginners spend the first week of school learning about and trying each instrument prior to giving their top three choices. This year, Beginners and their parents will attend an Instrument Fitting on August 17 at 6:00pm in the Auditorium.

Any student who uses a school instrument is responsible for its care and safety as if it were their own personal instrument. Any family who rents a school instrument is encouraged to take out an insurance policy, or add it to their homeowner’s insurance policy, for the replacement value of the instrument. In the event that the instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, the family must purchase a replacement instrument of equal quality. Replacement costs vary depending on the instrument from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING YOUR OWN INSTRUMENT

Several local music stores offer excellent instrument rentals and lease programs. It is strongly recommended to rent or purchase an instrument from a vendor who specializes in instrumental music; specifically school band instruments. If you plan to be involved in a Band, it would be very beneficial to have your own quality instrument to use on a daily basis. Most music stores have a variety of pricing plans based on the instrument and the condition (i.e. used, like new, or new). One of the most critical determinants for success on a musical instrument is the quality of the instrument. There is nothing more frustrating or defeating to a child than spending hours playing an instrument that has inherent tuning or mechanical problems. This is one reason why woodwind players should keep 3 good reeds in their cases at all times, and should buy a whole box of 10 reeds at a time. There are many different brands of instruments, some of which perform and hold up much better than others. The quality of the mouthpieces, reeds, and ligatures must also be considered.

Recently, the local warehouse stores (BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s, etc.) have begun to stock musical instruments. While these “off brand” instruments look nice, and work well at first, the quality is not as high as a proven, traditional brand instrument. Most of them have inherent intonation and valve/key challenges. They are poorly made, have zero re-sale value, do NOT play in tune and reputable instrument repair facilities refuse to service or repair them. These off brand instruments MUST be taken care of and cleaned DAILY in order to keep them in decent playing condition. They are not recommended for intermediate or advanced band students. You will not save any money in the long run. Also, please be careful when dealing with e-Bay (see the recommended instrument list below). Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

The following brands ARE NOT recommended:

Jean Baptiste, Winston, Jupiter, Olds, Blessing, First Concert, DEG, any instrument from Brandsmart, Costco, BJ’s, Walmart, Sam's Club, and any other store that doesn’t specialize in school band instruments.

These traditional brands of instruments have a proven track record and ARE recommended:

← Flute/Piccolo: Armstrong, Artley, Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Yamaha

← Oboe: Fox, Selmer, Yamaha

← Bassoon: Fox, Selmer, Shreiber

← Clarinets: Armstrong, Artley, Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, Vito, Yamaha

← Saxophones: Armstrong, Conn, Keilworth, Selmer, Yamaha

← Trumpet/Cornet: Bach, Benge, Conn, Getzen, King, Yamaha

← French Horn (double only): Conn, Holton, King, Yamaha

← Trombone: Bach, Conn, Holton, King, Yamaha

← Euphonium/Baritone: Besson, Conn, King, Yamaha

← Tuba: Conn, King, Yamaha

Here are some questions you can ask when renting or purchasing from a music store. The questions should help you to make informed decisions about renting or purchasing an instrument:

1. Is this a quality student model instrument (lighter weight than professional instruments) and how old is it?

2. Does the rental come with a maintenance plan (repairs as needed) or is that an extra cost?

3. Is there a required deposit and, if so, how is it to be paid?

4. Are credit cards required (automatic billing) or do you send a monthly bill?

5. If I decide to buy the instrument during the rental, what is the cost?

6. What is the required rental period or can I cancel the contract at anytime?

7. Do you offer rent–only or rent-to-own (instrument is yours at end of rental period) programs?

8. What kind of mouthpiece comes with the instrument (for brass or woodwinds) – basic or step-up mouthpiece?

9. Do you sell insurance should the instrument be lost or stolen (some homeowner’s policies will cover this as well)?

10. Do you include start-up supplies appropriate for the instrument (i.e. reeds, cork grease, swab, polishing cloth, valve oil, slide crème, slide oil, mouthpiece brushes, snakes) or are they extra?

If you have any questions feel free to contact Ms. Weiss. We both want the best instrument for your child combined with the best value for your money. All County Music in Tamarac & Pembroke Pines 954-722-3424 and Music Man in West Palm Beach 1-800-785-5367 both deliver service and repair band instruments.

BASIC INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE

Instruments are expensive and delicate and must be cared for on a regular basis. Whether the instrument is school-owned, privately-owned, or rented from a music store, follow these maintenance routines to avoid costly damage:

Percussion: wipe drum heads and keys of mallet instruments with a damp cloth and very mild abrasive, dust all stands regularly, store and cover instruments correctly.

Brass: flush the instrument and mouthpiece with water each week, oil valves and grease slides regularly, disassemble and wash instrument at least once each month (mixture of mild soap, water, and a little vinegar) use snakes and mouthpiece brushes to remove internal grime, vacuum case regularly, polish instrument daily with a polishing cloth. Slide grease should be thinly applied.

Woodwinds: polish the instrument daily with a polishing cloth, rinse out mouthpiece and scrub inside it with mouthpiece brush regularly, swab the inside of the instrument after each use to remove moisture, vacuum case regularly, do not wash the body of the instrument, oil keys only if needed as it attracts dust, grease corks and tenons as needed. Cork grease should be thinly applied.

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