Supplies
All Band and Drumline students are required to bring their instrument in working order, their music, a pencil, and a positive attitude to every rehearsal.
The following standards for instrument care are designed to protect the investment made in your student’s instrument.
Instruments are stored in the band room during the school day. They should be dropped off by the student in the morning and picked up every day after school.
Every instrument case should be clearly labeled with the student’s name as well as a home phone number
Music should never be stored in the case. It will damage the instrument.
Reed instruments are expected to have 3-5 working reeds in their case at all times, as well as a swab and cork grease. Instruments should be swabbed out after every use to protect the pads. The reed should be taken off the mouthpiece and placed in a protective case so that it does not grow mildew or get damaged. Corks should be greased regularly so that they do not rip apart. Saxophones need to put the endcap into the body of their instrument so that the octave bridge key does not get bent or broken.
Flutes are expected to have a cleaning cloth and cleaning rod in their case. Flutes need to be cleaned out after each use to protect the pads. A polishing cloth for the outer body of the instrument is optional.
Brass instruments are expected to have tuning slide grease, valve or slide oil, and a cleaning cloth in their case. The cleaning cloth is for wiping off dirty valves and slides and should be separate from a cloth you might want to use for polishing. Valves should be cleaned and oiled at home so that class time is not wasted. Valves should be oiled every few days. Tuning slides should be cleaned and greased every 1-2 weeks so that they don’t get stuck. About once every 6 months, brass instruments should be thoroughly cleaned.
Percussionists need to treat all percussion instruments with respect. The school has invested thousands of dollars in percussion equipment. Mallets and all other equipment should never be treated as a toy or misused in any way. Never touch the fuzzy end of a mallet because this will make it wear out faster. Only percussionists are allowed to play the percussion instruments.
Each the following items are available for less than $30. This optional list is in priority order. You might want to consult this list when looking for gifts for your student.
1. Folding Music stand: helps student practice with good posture.
2. Books of sheet music, especially those with play-along cds: give students the ability to choose music they would enjoy.
3. Metronome: helps student develop consistent pulse and rhythm.
4. Tuner: helps student improve intonation.
5. Professional classical recording on cd of their instrument: helps student develop a clear idea of what a good tone on their instrument should sound like.
In addition, private lessons are always a way that students can improve on their instrument. Mr. Nam can refer you to a local private teacher.