Acquiring an instrument is always a big question for new band students and their families. Having a high quality instrument is necessary for the success of the student. School provided instruments include percussion, tuba, baritone, low reeds such as bass clarinet and tenor/baritone saxophone, and a few french horns. All other instruments will need to be purchased or rented. Instruments can be purchased or rented in a few ways. First, there are great quality instruments available at our local music stores, such as Gadsden Music Company or Art’s Music. These companies come to the school at the beginning of the school year to offer a rental/sale event, and you can also call or go to the store locations anytime. They offer new and used instruments, and they all are high quality. 

Please be warned of poor quality instruments. You should never attain an instrument from places such as Amazon or Walmart. These so-called “instruments” sound terrible, will break easily, and cannot be repaired. They are made to be disposed of when broken. If the brand name sounds like a magician and comes with white gloves, I would avoid that. High quality instruments from our music stores sound great, are durable and can be repaired, and when taken care of they can last a lifetime. 

You can also acquire an instrument from an individual seller, someone you know, Facebook Marketplace etc.- but be careful to buy a nice quality instrument. If you need more guidance on what is a good quality product, please email us and ask!