INstrument Selection Night Information

Our final Instrument Selection Night for 6th Grade Band will be June 20 at 6:30 pm in the CMS Bandroom. 

​Please park in the back parking lot behind the football field and next to the bandroom.  Do not try to enter through the front of the school due to construction on campus.  

Please DO NOT purchase or rent an instrument until you have attended an Instrument Selection Night and are sure band will be on your schedule!

Once you have been matched with your instrument...

You can buy or rent instruments at several local music stores or online.  It is important to purchase a reputable brand from a reputable instrument dealer to insure your student the most success on the instrument and the least amount of time sending the instrument to the repair shop.  It is almost ALWAYS better to buy a quality used instrument or rent one then to buy a brand new instrument “cheap”.  Locally we have the Music and Arts stores (formally Alison’s World of Music on Airline Highway and Zeagler’s Music on Florida Blvd).  Music and Arts rentals are also now online at www.musicarts.com/rentals/ 

If you decide to purchase, especially if you prefer to shop online, please contact Ms. Codina for specific recommendations

WHAT TO AVOID:

• Colorful plastic instruments
• Amazon.com for the instrument (supplies are good)
• Instruments sold at places other than reputable music stores
• A BRAND NEW instrument that is less than $400... if it sounds too good to be true, it is!

Supplies

• Pencils (Please bring 2 packs of pencils to school to be left in class) 
• Korg TM-50 or TM-60 Metronome/Tuner Combo Contact Microphone
• Folding Music Stand (for at home practice)
• CMS Band Book (student will receive this once band fee is paid)
• Label all instrument cases with the student’s name​

Read on for more information about each instrument...

Flute
(brands to look for: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Pearl, Haynes)

1. Cleaning swab for the inside of the instrument (an old cut up t-shirt works great)
2. Polishing cloth for the outside of the instrument (ex., a silver polishing cloth)
3. Plastic Tuning Rod

Clarinet
(brands to look for: Buffet, Yamaha, LeBlanc, Selmer)

1. Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ - 3-4 boxes should last the year if well taken care of.  *6th Graders should buy 1 box of size 2, they will step up to size 2 ½ quickly.  Reed quality and strength GREATLY effect pitch and tone, please stick to the recommended brands ONLY for best results! 
2. Cleaning kit – Should include: cork grease, a drop cloth for the inside of the instrument, mouthpiece brush

Alto Saxophone
(brands to look for: Selmer, Yamaha, Conn, Keilwerth)

1. Reeds: Vandoren 2 ½ – 3-4 boxes should last the year if well take care of.  Reed quality and strength GREATLY effect pitch and tone, please stick to the recommended brands ONLY for best results! 
2. Padded neckstrap
3. Cleaning kit – Should include: cork grease, cloth for the outside of the instrument, mouthpiece brush

 

Trumpet 
(brands to look for: Bach, Yamaha, Getzen, King, Conn)

1. Mouthpiece – Size 7C or 5C
2. Cleaning kit – Should include: polishing cloth for the outside of the instrument, mouthpiece brush, valve casing brush, and snake brush (may also include slide grease and valve oil).
3. Valve oil 
4. Tuning side grease 

Trombone 
(brands to look for: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, Getzen, King)

1. Mouthpiece – Size 6 ½ AL or 12C (small shank)
2. Cleaning kit with: Mouthpiece brush, snake brush,  cleaning cloth
3. Slide oil -OR- Slide-o-Mix (the best)
4. Tuning side grease 

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NOTE:  If you are able to get a trombone with an “F-Attachment” - these are great!  It allows the student to reach the furthest potions just by hitting a trigger.  These are expensive and not expected, but wonderful to have!  You can often find these used for a great price.


Percussion
(Bell kits with snare practice pad, brands to look for: Ludwig, Pearl, Yamaha, Vic Firth)

1. Vic Firth SD1 General Snare Sticks – Purchase a few pairs, these get misplaced often!
2. Drum practice pad (Remo tunable practice pad is recommended but there are many brands available)
3. Bell kit (sometimes called “educational kit” or “glockenspiel” – at least a “25 note” size, “30 note” or larger is recommended

Have instruments by
​August 12th!
 
Important Fees
$35 Band Fee Due ASAP.  Can be paid online through OSP or here on this website.
 
$20 Band Polos and opt. $25 Band Sweatshirt Orders Due August 23rd.  Can be paid online here on this website.
 
Contact Info 
Katie Codina, Band Director
[email protected]
www.cmsmustangband.com
Text @cmband6 to 81010 for free updates
 
Kayla Lafleur, Band Booster President
[email protected]

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Once you have your instrument:

Youtube is an amazing resource!
 
First look up videos on how to assemble your instrument safely.  Then, look up “how to play the flute”, “beginner flute lesson”, “flute embouchure” and you will find many helpful videos to get you started!


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