THINKING ABOUT UPGRADING YOUR INSTRUMENT?

    For four years now your child has worked to perfect their skills on a musical instrument. As they begin high school you might want to consider purchasing a step-up instrument.  There are several reasons to think about a new instrument.  First is that marching band is hard on instruments.  The daily use in the elements can cause an instrument to show signs of ware much faster than when were just used in concert band.  A new horn would allow your child to use their beginning instrument for marching band and their new step-up instrument for concert band.  Secondly, many beginning level instruments inhibit the student’s ability to produce a more mature sound since student line instruments are generally slightly smaller in construction than intermediate or advanced models.   Most of the instruments your child started on are considered beginning level instruments.  These are generally smaller in bore size (the inside diameter of the tubing)  and utilize cheaper materials.  Step-up instruments are larger in bore and feature additional keys or valves which permit easier playing in the high ranges often found in high school level band music. 

Many intermediate instruments are very similar to advanced or professional models but have only minor cosmetic and/or slight structural differences.  If a child thinks they would like to continue music in college, an advanced instrument would be suggested.  Recently there has been a hybrd instrument developed.  These can be though of best as Intermediate + insruments.  Intermediate instruments which have more professional features without the cost associated with professional instruments.   These instruments are listed in BLUE.  Most intermediate and intermediate + models are good for students who are looking for a good high school instrument.

If a new instrument is not in your budget, perhaps consider purchasing a new mouthpiece.  Many times a new mouthpiece can make wonderful changes in your sound.

Please feel free to speak to any of the directors before you make a new instrument purchase.  We are always willing to inspect and play test any instruments before you purchase it.  Local music stores have some of these instruments in stock.  Shop around for the best prices.  Below you will find our recommended step-up instruments  (intermediate and advanced) and prices are listed as reference only.

FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS:
The following items would be good for any music student!

METRONOME/TUNER
   *  Sabine: MT 9000
   *  Ibanez MU 30
   *  Boss TU 80

 OTHER ITEMS:
INSTRUMENT
 STEP UP MOUTHPIECES
& ACCESORIES
 INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED
FLUTE:
An open hole flute with a sterling silver construction is the best for intonation.  A “B” foot joint is also advisable on  both levels of instruments.  Intermediate instruments generally have sterling silver headpieces while advanced instruments have sterling silver headpiece and body.  All instruments listed here are open hole in construction.		 Piccolo:
Jupiter  301 Series
Jupier 303 Series
Gemeinhardt 4PMH
Gemeinhardt 3SHB  ($1400)

Yamaha YFL 381H  ($1600)

* Powell Sonare SF501 Signature    ($1245)

* Yamaha Allegro Flute

* Conn-Selmer Soloist
Performer Series Flute
  

Gemeinhardt 33SB  ($3500)

Emerson Model 88B    ($2200)

Yamaha YFL 574H  ($2000)




CLARINET:
Intermediate & Advanced  clarinets are made of Grenadilla wood and produce a  more full and resonant sound than beginning level instruments allowing them to play better in tune.

 Portnoy B02 Mouthpiece

   - Rovner 1 R
Clarinet Ligature

Buffet E-12        ($1900)

Yamaha CL 450  ($1100)

* Yamaha Allegro Clarinet

* Conn-Selmer Soloist
Performer Series Flute


 Buffet R-13    ($3500)

Yamaha YCL-CSV
($2,500)




OBOE:
Students may use school owned oboes, but if you are interested in purchasing one, our suggestion is the:
Fox Renard Artist Model 330   ($3,300)




ALTO SAX:
These instruments offer improved construction, keywork and craftmanship for better tone and intonation.  A high “F#” key is usually included.
 Selmer S80 C *   or
Rousseau Mouthpiece

Rovner Ligature for Also Sax
 Yamaha YAS-475    ($1900)
 Selmer Paris Model  62   Series III ($5,000)

Yamaha YAS 82Z      ($3,700)




TENOR SAX:
These instruments offer improved keywork and craftmanship for better tone and intonation.  A high “F#” key is usually included.

Students entering HS will need to purchase a tenor sax mouthpiece and ligature.  We will have them for sale in the spring.  Mouthpiece of choice if not purchasing a step up one will be the Yamaha 5C.
 Selmer S80 C *   or
Rousseau Mouthpiece

Rovner Ligature for Tenor Sax		 Yamaha YTS-475    ($2,300)
 Yamaha YAS 82Z      ($3,400)




TRUMPET:
A silver plated instrument with a medium-large bore provides a good foundation for tone production.  All of these instruments offer both a third valve slide ring and first valve slide saddle for assistance in tuning.  The Bach TR 200 and Bach TR 180 are very similar. Please talk to Mr. Newman if you are interested in any trumpet upgrades.
 * For Mouthpieces See Mr. Newman

Straight Mute:
Dennis Wick or
Yamaha

Stonelined Cup Mute

JoRal Bubble Mute
 Bach:  TR200S   ($1300)

Yamaha:  YTR 4335GS  ($1250)

* Bach Soloist
Performance Series
 Bach: TR180 Stradivarius   ($2300)  with a 37 or 43 bell.

Yamaha Xeno
YTR-8335S
($1850)




FRENCH HORN:
Students may use a school owned F. Horn, but if you are interested in purchasing one, here is our recommendation.

Students entering HS will need to purchase a french horn mouthpiece .  We will have them for sale in the spring. 
Farkas  MDC
 Yamaha YHR567
($3900)

Conn 8D  ($3,500)
 Conn 8D  ($3,900)

Yamaha: YHR 667
($3500)




TROMBONES:
These trombones feature larger bores than beginning instruments allowing the students to produce a darker, warmer sound.  They also include a “F” trigger attachment which is extremely helpful in navagating the faster moving HS music,  The Blessing 88 is a good instrument but those students who wish to continue into college should consider the Bach. 

When purchasing a new mouthpiece, you should let the store know the make and model of your instrument as there are Tenor and Large Shank model of mouthpiece.

 Bach or Benge:
6 1/2 AL Mouthpiece

Dennis Wick Straight Mute      or

Stonelined Straight mute.

 Yamaha:  YSL 448G   ($1500)

Blessing 88 O:   ($1300)


* Bach Soloist
Performance Series
 Bach: 42B  Stradivarius:    ($3000)

Conn 88H   ($2400)

Yamaha YSL 882o ($2200)

Getzen Edwards T350 ($3500)




BARITONES/EUPHONIUM:
Students may use school owned baritones/euphoniums, but if you are interested in purchasing one, suggestions are on the right.

When purchasing a new mouthpiece, you should let the store know the make and model of your instrument as there are Tenor and Large Shank model of mouthpiece.

 Schilke 51D
Yamaha:  YEP 321S  ($3000)

Jupter:  470S  ($2200)
 * Please contact a director for more info.




TUBAS:
Students may use school owned Tubas, but if you are interested in purchasing one, suggestions are on the right.

Students entering HS will need to purchase a tenor sax mouthpiece and ligature.  We will have them for sale in the spring.  Mouthpiece of choice is listed on the right.
 Conn Helleberg Model 120
 St. Petersburg Model 202 Tuba
 * Please contact a director for more info.




PERCUSSION:
Students may use school owned equipment but suggestions for own items would include
 Kratt: Masterkey
Pitch Pipe

Each student must own their own.
 Vic Firth Timpani Mallet

1 Pr. Malletech ORR 45 Bell Mallets

2 Pr. of Yarn Marimba Mallets (See Mr. M)
 *  See Mr. Monroe
If majoring in music you will need:
Triangle
Tambourine
variety of Mallets