Frequently Asked Questions About Beginning an Instrument
Q: What if I am unable to attend any of the Beginner Blast-Off presentations, but my student is still interested in playing an instrument?
A: Please email your school's music teacher. If a student is interested in playing an instrument, we will make it happen!
Q: When do I need to fill out the Registration form and Instrument Loan form?
A: We need the completed forms submitted to the school by the end of the fourth week in September. In 2021, the deadline is Monday, September 20, 2021.
Q: What other supplies does my musician need to play an instrument?
A: Supplies are different for every instrument. The district provides the music book Beginner Method Books (Tradition of Excellence for Band, Essential Elements for Orchestra). Please see below for additional supplies or contact your school's music teacher for more information.
Flute:
- Clearning rod (should come with the flute)
- Cleaning cloth
- OR Valentino flute wand
- Music stand
Oboe/Bassoon:
- Cork grease
- Oboe or bassoon specific cleaning swab
- Small empty container for soaking reeds
- Recommended: reed case
- Music Stand
Clarinet/Saxophone:
- Six #2.5 reeds
- Cork grease
- Cleaning swab (no felt)
- Recommended: reed guard (4-reed capacity)
- Music stand
Trumpet/French Horn/Euphonium/Tuba:
- Valve oil
- Rotor oil (French horn only)
- Tuning slide grease
- Mouthpiece brush
- Cleaning snake
- Cleaning cloth
- Music stand
Trombone:
- Slide cream
- Small spray bottle (for water)
- Tuning slide grease
- Mouthpiece brush
- Cleaning snake
- Cleaning cloth
- Music stand
Violin/Viola/Cello:
- Rosin
- Soft cloth (for wiping rosin)
- Extra set of strings
- Sponge shoulder rest (violin/viola only)
- Xeros brand end pin stop (cello only)
- Music stand
Q: Can my student switch to another instrument?
A: We generally recommend students remain on the insstrument they initially selected. If your student is intent on switching instruments, please contact your student's music teacher for further guidance.
Q: When does my musician need to have materials?
A: Please plan to have all required materials by the first Friday in October. For 2021, that date is October 1.
Q: How can I help my student be successful?
A: We encourage parent/guadian involvement to help our young musicians be successful. Here are some things you can do:
- Make sure your musician has all the necessary supplies
- Help your student be prepared with instrument and music book/accessories on their lesson days
- Set a regular practice routine at home (see our Musician's Toolbox page for practice tips [LINK HERE])
- Encourage your student's progress. Learning an instrument can sometimes be frustrating
- Check your student's practice logs for comments and/or assignments
Q: What do I do if I think the instrument is broken?
A: Please contact your student's music teacher as soon as possible if you think your instrument is in need of repair. Please be as specific as you can in identifying/describing the problem.
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Contact Us! Big Flats Center Street Gardner Road Ridge Road Intermediate School