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Recommended Instrument Models and Required Accessories

The instrument brands and models listed below are recommended by myself and the HHS band director. We are familiar with these brands, and we trust their durability, value, and longevity. Whether you choose to rent or buy an instrument is up to you, but please do everything in your power to adhere to the recommendations on this list. In most cases, these instruments will carry your student throughout middle school and high school if they are properly maintained by the student. All local music stores will have the brands that we recommend as well as required accessories. You may also look online at www.wwbw.com.

The following instruments can be rented from the school on a first come, first serve basis with payment through the school. A rental fee of $50/semester applies and must be paid before a rental contract will be issued. Students must purchase their own mouthpiece and accessories. The rental fee covers regular maintenance, but any damages that result from student mishaps are the responsibility of the parent.

• French Horn
• Oboe

• Baritone
• Tuba

*REQUIRED MOUTHPIECES and REEDS 

Your instrument will come with a mouthpiece, BUT the mouthpiece in the case needs to be exchanged for the one listed below.

Reeds are only for clarinet and saxophone players.

• Clarinet - YAMAHA 5C mouthpiece and VANDOREN SIZE 2.5 REEDS
• Saxophone -  YAMAHA 5C mouthpiece and VANDOREN SIZE 2.5 REEDS
• Trumpet - BACH 5C mouthpiece
• French Horn - HOLTON FARKAS MDC mouthpiece
• Trombone - SHILKE 51C4 mouthpiece
• Baritone - SHILKE 51C4 mouthpiece
• Tuba - CONN HELLEBURG or BACH 18 mouthpiece

***INSTRUMENT BRAND CONCERNS***

A word of caution regarding internet instrument purchases:

Many instruments that can be bought online (i.e. Amazon, eBay) that might SEEM like a great financial deal are usually a trap. There is not a single instrument repair shop in GA that will repair them when something goes wrong (and something WILL go wrong) because the metal is weak (cannot be sautered) and parts are not available (and are not interchangeable with parts from reputable brands). Here are some brands that are concerning: Mendini, Majestica, Montana Sky, Simba, Glory, Taylor Swift Series, and more. If a website says things like “band certified,” “educator approved,” or “concert quality,” be very cautious.

If you are looking online for an instrument, PLEASE contact me so that I can help guide you.