Materials needed to start band this fall!
Starting band is an exciting time, but it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what supplies are needed.
When purchasing an instrument, please either visit your local music store or if you would like to purchase on used, please send listings to your band director so they can confirm it is a reputable brand.
Do NOT purchase an instrument from Amazon or any big box stores. Amazon sells instruments, however they are not trusted brands and are very low quality, to the point where instrument repair technicians will not be able to fix instruments purchased from big box stores.
You will find all of the supplies needed for your instrument linked below.
Read on to prepare for the 2024-2025 school year in Encore Ensembles!
Essential Elements book 1 - This is essentially our “textbook”, especially in the first year of band. Every student will need a lesson book to play out of. These books will help guide your child to learn how to not only play their instrument, but to read music as well. Click your instrument below to order your lesson book.
All students will need to purchase a music stand to hold their music for practice at home.
Collapsible wire stand - This is nice for transporting the stand back and forth.
Manhasset stand - These are a bit sturdier, and nice to have if you are not transporting the stand back and forth.
Supplies needed for Flute
Cleaning Rod and Cloth - a cleaning rod and cloth is what is used to clean your flute after each use.
Polishing Cloth - a polishing cloth can help keep the flute clean.
Flute Stand - optional - a flute stand is not a required supply for flute, however it can be nice to have. It is a safe way to hold your flute without worrying about it falling.
Supplies needed for Clarinet
Reeds - This is the part that vibrates to create sound on clarinet. We recommend students who are in beginning band start on strength 2.5 reeds. There are a few different brands that we recommend:
Cleaning Swab - This is required to clean the inside of the instrument after each use.
Mouthpiece Cap - This protects the reed when the instrument is together, but not in use.
Mouthpiece Patch - optional - A mouthpiece patch reduces vibrations and makes the instrument more comfortable to play.
Reed Holder - optional - This is a nice way to keep reeds organized and keep track of rotating reeds when practicing and playing.
Clarinet Stand - optional - a clarinet stand is not a required supply, however it can be nice to have. It is a safe way to hold your clarinet while put together without worrying about it falling.
Supplies needed for Alto Saxophone
Reeds - This is the part that vibrates to create sound on the saxophone. We recommend students who are in beginning band start on strength 2.5 reeds. There are a few different brands that we recommend:
Cleaning Swab - This is required to clean the inside of the instrument after each use.
Neck Strap - This is required to hold the saxophone in place while playing it.
Mouthpiece Cap - This protects the reed when the instrument is together, but not in use.
Mouthpiece Patch - optional - A mouthpiece patch reduces vibrations and makes the instrument more comfortable to play.
Reed Holder - optional - This is a nice way to keep reeds organized and keep track of rotating reeds when practicing and playing.
Saxophone Stand - optional - a saxophone stand is not a required supply, however it can be nice to have. It is a safe way to hold your saxophone while put together without worrying about it falling.
Supplies needed for Tenor Saxophone
Reeds - This is the part that vibrates to create sound on the saxophone. We recommend students who are in beginning band start on strength 2.5 reeds. There are a few different brands that we recommend:
Cleaning Swab - This is required to clean the inside of the instrument after each use.
Neck Strap - This is required to hold the saxophone in place while playing it.
Mouthpiece Cap - This protects the reed when the instrument is together, but not in use.
Mouthpiece Patch - optional - A mouthpiece patch reduces vibrations and makes the instrument more comfortable to play.
Reed Holder - optional - This is a nice way to keep reeds organized and keep track of rotating reeds when practicing and playing.
Saxophone Stand - optional - a saxophone stand is not a required supply, however it can be nice to have. It is a safe way to hold your saxophone while put together without worrying about it falling.
Supplies Needed for Trumpet
Valve Oil - This is used for regular maintenance of the trumpet.
Slide Grease - This is used for regular maintenance of the trumpet.
Mouthpiece Brush - This is used for regular maintenance of the trumpet to keep the mouthpiece clean.
Cleaning Snake - This is used for routine cleaning of the instrument.
Polishing Cloth - optional - This is used to keep the outside of the instrument clean.
Trumpet Stand - optional - A trumpet stand is not required, but it can be nice to have. This will hold the instrument up while put together outside of your case without worrying about it falling.
Supplies Needed for French Horn
Rotary Oil - This is used for regular maintenance of the French horn.
Slide Grease - This is used for regular maintenance of the French horn.
Mouthpiece Brush - This is used for regular maintenance of the horn to keep the mouthpiece clean.
Cleaning Snake - This is used for routine cleaning of the instrument.
Polishing Cloth - optional - This is used to keep the outside of the instrument clean.
French Horn Stand - optional - A horn stand is not required, but it can be nice to have. This will hold the instrument up while put together outside of your case without worrying about it falling.
Supplies Needed for Trombone
Slide Cream - This is used for regular maintenance of the trombone. You can also use the slide lubricant linked below.
Slide Lubricant - This is used for regular maintenance of the trombone. You can also use the slide cream linked above.
Slide Grease - This is used for regular maintenance of the trombone.
Mouthpiece Brush - This is used for regular maintenance of the instrument to keep the mouthpiece clean.
Cleaning Snake - This is used for routine cleaning of the instrument.
Polishing Cloth - optional - This is used to keep the outside of the instrument clean.
Trombone Stand - optional - An instrument stand is not required, but it can be nice to have. This will hold the instrument up while put together outside of your case without worrying about it falling.
Supplies Needed for Baritone
Valve Oil - This is used for regular maintenance of the baritone.
Slide Grease - This is used for regular maintenance of the baritone.
Mouthpiece Brush - This is used for regular maintenance of the instrument to keep the mouthpiece clean.
Cleaning Snake - This is used for routine cleaning of the instrument.
Polishing Cloth - optional - This is used to keep the outside of the instrument clean.
Supplies Needed for Percussion
Stick / Mallet Bag - This is nice to have to keep all your sticks and mallets in one spot.
Drum Key - This is used for tuning a snare drum regularly.
Drum Practice Pad - optional - A drum pad is a way to continue regular practice without excess sound. It is designed to work and bounce like a drum head on a snare drum, but it is significantly quieter.
