Supplies for Beginning Band

Joining band is an exciting time, however it can feel overwhelming when you see all the options in front of you.

Below you will find a list of trusted instrument brands, as well as the supplies you will need for the first day of band. Please note this list of instrument brands is not a complete list - there are many trusted brands out there, however this is a good place to start.

Any sales representatives at a music-specific store will be able to help guide you toward a good quality instrument. We partner with Eckroth Music, located in Roseville, Minnesota. Instruments purchased at a music store will be high quality and will be built to last.

Important: Please do NOT order an instrument from Amazon or a big box store like Target or Walmart. Not every instrument is built the same, and there are brands that instrument repair technicians will not even touch due to the poor quality.

Note that every instrument will need the Essential Elements book 1 for the first lesson.

Flute

Recommended brands: Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Jupiter, Armstrong, Pearl, Sonare, Powell

Supplies: Cleaning rod and cleaning cloth. Polishing cloth optional.

Clarinet

Recommended brands: Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Buffet, LeBlanc

Supplies: Reeds - Rico Royal or VanDoren, strength 2.5; cleaning cloth; cork grease

Alto / Tenor Saxophone

Recommended brands: Yamaha, Selmer, Jupiter, Bundy, Vito

Supplies: Reeds - Rico Royal or VanDoren, strength 2.5; cleaning cloth; cork grease

Trumpet

Recommended Brands: Yamaha, Getzen, Bach, Conn, Holton

Supplies: Cleaning Snake, Valve Oil, Slide Grease, Mouthpiece Brush

French Horn

Recommended Brands: Yamaha, Holton, Conn

Supplies: Rotary Valve Oil, Slide Grease, Cleaning Snake, Mouthpiece Brush

Trombone

Recommended Brands: Yamaha, Getzen, Bach, Holton, Conn, King, Bach

Supplies: Slide Cream or oil, slide grease, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Baritone

Recommended Brands: Yamaha, Jupiter

Supplies: Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Percussion

Please be sure you have a percussion kit, which includes a bell set and a snare drum. Your first 1-2 years will be primarily focused on snare and bells.

Recommended brands: Yamaha, Ludwig, Pearl, Musser

Supplies:

Snare Drum sticks: Vic Firth SD1, or any other Size 2B sticks

Plastic bell mallets: Ludwig, Vic Firth, or Innovative Percussion are trusted brands.