Elementary Band & Orchestra Programs
A Vendor Program for the Douglas County School District (DCSD), providing Elementary Band & Orchestra Instruction
Getting An Instrument
Students will need to have an instrument and a book, as well as maintenance and care-related items for their instrument.
The following is more detailed information on what is needed.
Renting An Instrument
Renting an instrument is a good option for beginning students. Many local music stores offer monthly rental programs that are inexpensive ($20 - $100), depending on the choice of instrument. Typically, instrument rental programs are on a rent-to-own basis, where a percentage of your payment is applied towards the final purchase of the instrument. If a student shows strong interest and wants to upgrade to a higher-quality instrument (or a full-size instrument for orchestra students), rental money can be transferred to the purchase of a different instrument.
Many beginning instrument models are designed to be sturdy and produce decent sound at a lower up-front cost. As students progress, intermediate and professional instruments become appealing for many reasons, but of course, they come at a much higher cost.
Why Renting is Best for Beginners
• Minimal Upfront Cost: Avoid paying hundreds or thousands of dollars upfront.
• Low Monthly Fees: Renting typically costs a fraction of the purchase price.
• No Loss If Quitting: Return the instrument at any time if interests change.
• Rent-to-Own Equity: Many shops credit rental payments toward eventual ownership.
• Easy Instrument Switching: Swap from one instrument to another if your student decides to switch.
• Built-In Protection: Most plans cover accidental damage and normal wear and tear.
Using an Instrument You Already Own
If you're planning on using an instrument that's been around in the family - Dad's old trumpet, for example, that's terrific. Do expect that such an instrument may need some maintenance to be in good working condition and consider having it checked out.
Purchasing a New Instrument
Buying an instrument is an option - keep in mind, like anything else, there are good instruments and not-so-good instruments available. A good rule of thumb is that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Very inexpensive instruments tend not to work very well and may lead to a frustrated child.
Special Note for String Instruments:
String instruments (unlike woodwinds, brass and percussion) are available in what are called "fractional" sizes to fit a students physical proportions as they grow. Proper sizing is crucial for young string students to develop technique, comfort, and confidence. A correctly sized instrument promotes a natural position, preventing strain and frustration. Please verify the appropriate size for your student before purchasing!
Additional Instrument-related Class Materials
In addition to the instrument, there are a few needed items that are specific to each instrument. Your student should bring these to every class meeting:
All Students Need:
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Instrument Care Supplies
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Lesson Book: Sound Innovations (See below for details)
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A Pencil
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Folding Music Stand
Woodwind Instrument Supplies Needed:
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Flute: soft clean cloth, such as a handkerchief.
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Oboe: 3-4 "soft" or "medium soft" oboe reeds*, cork grease and a "swab."
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Clarinet: 4 "medium soft" clarinet reeds*, cork grease and a "swab."
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Saxophone: 4 "medium soft" saxophone reeds*, cork grease, either a "swab" or a "pad saver," and a neckstrap.
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Bassoon: 3-4 "soft" or "medium soft" bassoon reeds*, cork grease, swab, and a seat strap.
Brass Instrument Supplies Needed:
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Trumpet: valve oil and tuning slide grease
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French horn: valve oil and tuning slide grease
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Trombone: slide oil or slide spray and tuning slide grease
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Euphonium/Baritone: valve oil and tuning slide grease
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Tuba: valve oil and tuning slide grease
Percussion Instrument Supplies Needed:
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Percussion: please have a drum kit with bells for class. This should include snare drum sticks and bell mallets.
String Instrument Supplies Needed:
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Violin: shoulder rest or "purple" sponge, rosin, and a soft cloth. A full set of extra strings is highly recommended.
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Viola: shoulder rest or "purple" sponge, rosin, and a soft cloth. Extra strings on the higher two pitches are highly recommended (A and D).
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Cello: rock stop or cello board, rosin, and a soft cloth.
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String Bass: rock stop, bass rosin, and a soft cloth.
*Please note that reeds don't last very long, especially at the very beginning stages.
Students should always have more than one reed available, which will mean either stocking up in advance or getting more reeds several times through the year. It is possible that we can have reeds delivered directly to the school for your convenience.
Lesson Books
These books are specific to the instrument you play, so for example, if you play clarinet, you’d want to get the clarinet version of the book. You may purchase these books on your own at a music store (call first to make sure they have the book - Golden Music and Music & Arts will be stocking the books). These books are also available on Amazon.com.
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Beginning Band students will be using Sound Innovations for Concert Band, book 1.
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Intermediate Band students will be using Sound Innovations for Concert Band, book 2. (Check with the instructor before purchasing book 2.)
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Beginning Orchestra students will be using Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, book 1.
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Intermediate Orchestra students will be using Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, book 2. (Check with the instructor before purchasing book 2.)
A pencil
Pencils need to be used during rehearsals and need to be kept with the instrument or music.
Folding Music Stand
A music stand for home AND SCHOOL practice. These are usually included with the instrument rental.
Posture and holding position are such important parts of learning to play an instrument. Having a stand to use at home is important.