Instrument Rental or Purchase

We are fortunate to have several excellent music vendors in our area, all of whom provide quality instruments and repair services.  It is important that students and their parents select instrument from the recommended list.  Beginning student level instruments vary widely in terms of quality.  We want all of our students to have every opportunity for their best success playing their instrument.  An instrument of poor quality can be frustrating and difficult to play.  Students have trouble playing well, and don’t realize that it’s not their fault, it’s because of the instrument!  

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Saxophone Types

There are several different types of saxophones:  Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone.  Alto sax is the most common beginner saxophone. Speak to a director about switching to a saxophone.

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Recommended Saxophone Brands

A critical component to your child's success as a musician is the quality of his/her instrument.  Unfortunately, all brands are not created equal!  Below is a list of instrument brands we have found to be of consistently high quality.  We encourage you not to compromise your child's opportunity for success.

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Yamaha, Selmer, Yanigasawa, Conn, Vito, Keilwerth, Jupiter, Olds, P. Mauriat

 

No such list can be all-inclusive. The directors are happy to look at other instruments upon request.

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Saxophone Features

When picking a student instrument, look for the following features:

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Required music items include:

• Folding music stand

• Book (see Recommended Instruments for the appropriate grade level book)

• Lyre and flip folders: used for marching band and/or All Island Band Night

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Saxophone Accessories

• Mouthpiece:  Talk to your band directors about recommended mouth pieces.  They may differ between jazz and concert band.  

• Cleaning swab

• Neo-Tech neck strap (optional), recommended if your child is small.

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