Purchasing an Instrument
New
The brand of a new instrument can vary a great deal in sound quality, feel and ease of playing, and especially build quality and durability.
There are some established brands that make durable and reliable flutes that are easier to play and sound better, and hold their value for many decades if well cared for. Brands like Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Bach, and Selmer are great examples of long-standing reliable and high quality instrument brands.
There are relatively new instrument brands that specialize in inexpensive instruments that are often less durable and can even be impossible to fully repair. The repair cost may even surpass the initial value of the instrument. They can also be difficult to play, and will likely not sound as beautiful or feel as comfortable to play.
Traditionally, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones are naturally gold (sometimes silver), flutes are silver, and clarinets are black. Inexpensive instruments that are unusual colors are most often of low quality and reliability, and use the colors to attract sales.
USED
Condition is always a primary concern when buying a used instrument, and can be very difficult to judge without a physical inspection or playing test done by an experienced player. If, as a beginner, you plan to use a used instrument, I recommend that you bring it to the band director or an instrument repair technician at a local music store to inspect the instrument. It may need adjustment, maintenance, repair, or replacement before being played, especially if it has not been used in years, or has been stored improperly.
Purchasing a Percussion Kit
Although percussionists do not need to carry and care for a single instrument the way that woodwind and brass players do, they will need to bring their own drumsticks and mallets to every lesson and rehearsal, and they will need certain instruments and materials for practicing and completing recording assignments at home, as well as use at the Methuen Band Jamboree. All percussionists need:
Here's a link to an Amazon page as an example. You certainly don't have to purchase this exact one, but this has all of the components I listed, and comes in a case with wheels. They also have a lower cost option that does not include the snare drum. If you are looking to save some money, that might be a good option, but would only be able to practice using the practice pad instead of the full snare drum. That's up to you.
New
- Higher Initial Cost
- Potentially Lower End Cost
- Brands and Models Vary Greatly
- You will still need to purchase the Essential Elements for Band Book, and a Collapsible Music Stand (more information below)
The brand of a new instrument can vary a great deal in sound quality, feel and ease of playing, and especially build quality and durability.
There are some established brands that make durable and reliable flutes that are easier to play and sound better, and hold their value for many decades if well cared for. Brands like Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Bach, and Selmer are great examples of long-standing reliable and high quality instrument brands.
There are relatively new instrument brands that specialize in inexpensive instruments that are often less durable and can even be impossible to fully repair. The repair cost may even surpass the initial value of the instrument. They can also be difficult to play, and will likely not sound as beautiful or feel as comfortable to play.
Traditionally, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones are naturally gold (sometimes silver), flutes are silver, and clarinets are black. Inexpensive instruments that are unusual colors are most often of low quality and reliability, and use the colors to attract sales.
USED
- high quality brands at lowest cost
- condition is important
- may require professional maintenance or repair before use
Condition is always a primary concern when buying a used instrument, and can be very difficult to judge without a physical inspection or playing test done by an experienced player. If, as a beginner, you plan to use a used instrument, I recommend that you bring it to the band director or an instrument repair technician at a local music store to inspect the instrument. It may need adjustment, maintenance, repair, or replacement before being played, especially if it has not been used in years, or has been stored improperly.
Purchasing a Percussion Kit
Although percussionists do not need to carry and care for a single instrument the way that woodwind and brass players do, they will need to bring their own drumsticks and mallets to every lesson and rehearsal, and they will need certain instruments and materials for practicing and completing recording assignments at home, as well as use at the Methuen Band Jamboree. All percussionists need:
- Drumsticks
- Drumsticks vary greatly in how they feel and sound. Not all drum sticks are suited to a concert band style of music. Ask your band director if you have questions about purchasing drumsticks.
- Hard Rubber or Plastic Bell Mallets
- Snare drum and stand
- Practice Pad
- This allows the student to practice snare drum technique without disturbing family members.
- Orchestral Bells and stand
Here's a link to an Amazon page as an example. You certainly don't have to purchase this exact one, but this has all of the components I listed, and comes in a case with wheels. They also have a lower cost option that does not include the snare drum. If you are looking to save some money, that might be a good option, but would only be able to practice using the practice pad instead of the full snare drum. That's up to you.
