Instrument Recommendations
Instrument Rental or Purchase
As an MISD staff, we cannot recommend music vendors. Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters (misbb.org) has compiled a list of music vendors where you can purchase/rent instruments, accessories and the music book.
​
Rental Purchase Plans
Most area music stores have rental/purchase plans which allow rental payments to apply toward purchase of the instrument. It is recommended that a used instrument be checked by an instrumental teacher. These prices are based on a per month charge.
​
Please read your rental agreement thoroughly.
Craigslist, Ebay, The Attic, Want-Ads, Private Party
If you purchase an instrument through the want-ads or through a friend or relative, please have it safety checked by a member of our staff as to condition and size. REMEMBER: An instrument that is not in good playing condition or is the wrong size may be impossible to play.
​
Instrument Recommendations
A critical component to your child's success as a musician is the quality of their instrument. Unfortunately, all brands are not created equal. We encourage you not to compromise your child's opportunity for success with a lesser quality instrument. We have experienced many instances of a student trying to play an instrument of poor quality or in a state of ill-repair that will not play, and the student thinks that there is something wrong with them! The investment in a quality instrument kept in a good state of repair will ensure that this does not happen.
​
Before purchasing or renting an instrument, please read through the recommended brands, accessories required, and suggestions (such as mouthpieces).
Instrument specific recommendations:
​
Required Music Book
Your child's director will let you know the correct music book for your grade. They can be found at most music vendors or on-line or are sometimes available on Facebooks's FREE MI or Buy Nothing groups. Note they are instrument specific - so make sure to get the specific one for your child's instrument.
​
5th Grade or 6th Grade Beginning Instruments:
Essential Elements 2000, Book 1, (Lautzenheizer, et al)
​
6th Grade
Essential Elements 2000, Book 2, (Lautzenheizer, et al)
​
7th Grade
Essential Techniques for Band, Book 3, (Lautzenheizer, et al)