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.
Info by Instrument
A range of options.
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.
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.
Intermediate
- Pearl-525BE ($1200)
- Jupiter-611 ($1100)
- Yamaha-362H ($1400)
- Powell-PS505 ($2000)
- Azumi 1, 2, or 3-($1300-1600)
Advanced
- Powell-PS905 ($4500)
- Haynes Q2 ($5000)
- Pearl-795 ($3000)
- Miyazawa-202 ($4500)
- Altus-1107 ($6000)
Speak to a director for more details.
Piccolo
- Jupiter 301 Series
- Jupiter 303 Series
- Gemeinhardt 4PMH
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.
Intermediate
- Buffet E-12 ($1900)
- Yamaha CL 450 ($1100)
- Yamaha Allegro Clarinet
- Conn-Selmer Soloist Performer Series Flute
Advanced
- Buffet R-13 ($3500)
- Yamaha YCL-CSV
($2,500)
Mouthpieces / Accessories
- Portnoy B02 Mouthpiece
- Rovner 1 R Clarinet Ligature
Oboe
Students may use school owned oboes, but if you are interested in purchasing one, our suggestion is the Fox Renard Artist Model 330.
Intermediate
- 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.
Intermediate
- Yamaha YAS-475 ($1900)
Advanced
- Selmer Paris Model 62 Series III ($5,000)
- Yamaha YAS 82Z ($3,700)
Mouthpieces / Accessories
- Selmer S80 C * or
Rousseau Mouthpiece - Rovner Ligature for Also Sax
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.
Intermediate
- Yamaha YTS-475 ($2,300)
Advanced
- Yamaha YAS 82Z ($3,400)
Mouthpieces / Accessories
- Selmer S80 C * or Rousseau Mouthpiece
- Rovner Ligature for Tenor Sax
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.
Intermediate
- Bach: TR200S ($1300)
- Yamaha: YTR 4335GS ($1250)
- Bach Soloist
Performance Series
Advanced
- Bach: TR180 Stradivarius ($2300) with a 37 or 43 bell
- Yamaha Xeno
YTR-8335S ($1850)
Mouthpieces / Accessories
- For mouthpieces see Mr. Newman
- Straight Mute:
Dennis Wick or
Yamaha - Stonelined Cup Mute
- JoRal Bubble Mute
French Horn
Students may use a school owned F. Horn, but if you are interested in purchasing one, here are our recommendations.
Students entering HS will need to purchase a french horn mouthpiece . We will have them for sale in the spring.
Intermediate
- Yamaha YHR567
($3900) - Conn 8D ($3,500)
Advanced
- Conn 8D ($3,900)
- Yamaha: YHR 667
($3500)
Mouthpieces / Accessories
- Farkas MDC
Trombone
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.
Intermediate
- Yamaha: YSL 448G ($1500)
- Blessing 88 O: ($1300)
- Bach Soloist Performance Series
Advanced
- Bach: 42B Stradivarius: ($3000)
- Conn 88H ($2400)
- Yamaha YSL 882o ($2200)
- Getzen Edwards T350 ($3500)
Mouthpieces / Accessories
- Bach or Benge:
6 1/2 AL Mouthpiece - Dennis Wick Straight Mute or Stonelined Straight mute
Baritone / 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.
Intermediate
- Yamaha: YEP 321S ($3000)
- Jupter: 470S ($2200)
Advanced
Speak to a director for more details.
Mouthpieces
- Schilke 51D
Tuba
Students may use school owned Tubas, but if you are interested in purchasing one, suggestions are listed here.
Students entering HS will need to purchase a mouthpiece. We will have them for sale in the spring. Mouthpiece of choice is listed here.
Intermediate
- St. Petersburg Model 202 Tuba
Advanced
Speak to a director for more details.
Mouthpiece
- Conn Helleberg Model 120
Percussion
Students may use school owned equipment but suggestions for own items are listed here.
Accessories
- 1+ pairs of general snare sticks:
Vic Firth SD1 General ($7.25).
Optional addition: 1 pair of Vic Firth SD2 Bolero ($7.25). - 1 stick bag:
Balter MBMB Mallet Bag ($24.95), Vic Firth Standard Drumstick Bag ($16.95) or any other bag that is able to hold a number of sticks and mallets. - 1 drum pad:
Vic Firth Double Sided Practice Pad, 6 inches ($19.95) or equivalent.
Bell Kit Pad and stand will also work from elementary band. - 1 pair of medium marimba mallets:
Innovative Fundamental Seri.es F1.5 ($14.50) or Innovative Soloist Series IP240 Medium ($30.75) - 1 pair of medium xylo/bell mallets:
Malletech Bob Becker BB34 “Becker Bl.ues” ($29.95) or Balter Unwound Series Black Birch 05BB ($15.95) - 1 pair of general timpani mallets:
Vic Firth American Custom Timpani T1 ($24.95) or Liberty I LTM Medium Timpani Mallets ($19.95). - 1 pitch pipe:
Kratt Master Key Pitch Pipe ($18.95) or app. - 1 metronome:
Korg MA-1 Digital Metronome ($18.99) or app on smart phone. - Noise Cancelling Headphones that go over the whole ear, for practice.
In-ear earbuds also work well.
