The national average is that 40% of instrumental students quit within the first year. At Burr I.S., the average is only 20%. Approximately 90% of students that perform in 5th grade continue into 6th grade. It is recommended that you rent your first year to try it out, then purchase an instrument in the second or third year of playing.
Note: I have to preface advice and brand names with “in my opinion”, which I am legally allowed to give.
Purchasing a musical instrument
In my opinion, you should purchase from a local music store. You will not pay shipping expenses. Also, buy a brand name that has many years of production experience.
Instruments listed as “band director approved” or “highly rated” are based on other peoples opinions that may not necessarily be on the same minimum standard that you want in a quality instrument.
The quality of the materials and construction of the instrument significantly impacts your child's ability to master music effectively. The brand names listed for each instrument are brands that I have found to offer beginning students the best opportunity to play successfully. Often, I have found these brands require less repair and maintenance.
INSTRUMENT LINES
Beginner - Least expensive - For beginner students up to 8th or 9thgrade and beyond. Students that become advanced will need to upgrade to the next level instrument due to the fact that the intermediate line can handle the players embouchure (lips, etc.) strength and air capacity. You can always sell your first instrument when you upgrade. If kept in excellent shape the instrument will have a very good resale value (much better than a car resale). However, you might want to save it for marching band and sell it after High School.
Intermediate – More expensive than beginner level – Higher quality instrument that should make an advanced High School student sound great. However, it might be more cost effective to skip this line and go with the advanced line. Typically a student would get a referral from their band director or private teacher for a brand name and model.
Advanced – Most expensive – For college level and professionals. Typically a student would get a referral from their band director or private teacher for a brand name and model.
INSTRUMENT BRAND NAMES
In my opinion, the following instrument brands are very reputable and will give you years of satisfaction.
Flute: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Selmer
For beginner line flutes – You won’t need a low B key or silver plated, at that price you might as well get an intermediate line flute.
Mr. Nadeau plays on a Yamaha flute
Clarinet: Yamaha, Buffet, Selmer
Clarinets come in wood and plastic. Wood is more expensive, but sounds much better. However, you do not want to do marching band with a wood clarinet, so buying an inexpensive plastic clarinet might be wise.
Mr. Nadeau plays on a Buffet E-11 wood clarinet
E flat (b) Alto Saxophone: Yahama, Conn, Selmer, King
Note: Some octave key mechanisms are placed on the right side of the left hand thumb rest. Students with smaller hands may have difficulty pressing the octave key (using left thumb) and/or might add left hand palm keys as well (which would alter the correct sound). If this is the case, you’ll need to get a saxophone with the octave key located on the left of the left thumb rest.
Mr. Nadeau plays on a Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone
B Flat (b)Trumpet: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, King
Mr. Nadeau plays on a Bach TR200s silver plated trumpet
Trombone: Yamaha, Bach, Conn, King
You would want to get an “F attachment” with an intermediate or an advanced line trombone. Large bore will give you a larger sound, but it costs more.
Mr. Nadeau plays on a Bach Stradivarius trombone with a Thayer valve and lightweight slide.
Euphonium: Dillon, Yamaha, Besson, Jupiter, Bach
Mr. Nadeau plays on a Dillon 967S Compensating Euphonium - Silver Plated with Monel valves.
You would want to get a 4th valve if purchasing a euphonium.
It is recommended that a musician visit several local music stores to begin the process of purchasing an instrument.
Disclaimer by Mr. Nadeau: The following is based on my professional opinion.