Resources

Recommended Equipment

The instrument and mouthpiece a student plays with often has a major effect on their ability to play well. Students playing on a cheaply made instrument ordered off the internet are going to have more maintenance issues over the long run, and they are going to have a harder time playing well. An instrument can only be two of the following three: Good, New, and Inexpensive... You can get an instrument that is good and inexpensive, but it won't be new.

We understand not everyone can afford a new instrument. In many cases, an investment in a good mouthpiece is a major step as well.

Below are some recommended instrument brands and mouthpieces. If you have any questions, please ask one of the directors. An instrument is a major investment, and we want to make sure you make the best decision.

Note: Links are included for online purchase, but we do encourage families to check local retailers like Christy Music. It is important to have a local music store in town, so we try to give them business as much as we can. With that said, if purchasing a new instrument, different stores are dealers for different brands, so they may be able to get you a good deal (for example, Lafayette Music is a Yamaha dealer, and their prices on new Yamahas are unmatched, and you wouldn't need to travel to Lafayette). The main retailers we use for winds are Christy Music, Music & Arts (Woodwind and Brasswind), and Lafayette Music. For percussion, we use Christy Music, Steve Weiss Music, and Lone Star Percussion.

Flute

Recommended brands: Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Selmer, Pearl, Miyazawa (professional),

  • More than many other instruments, it is important to try different brands if possible to see what your personal preference is. If buying an intermediate or professional model flute, ask an instrument dealer to set up a try-out session.


If looking at investing in a professional flute, please get in touch with Mr. Stearman first. There are companies that will send a couple different models for you to try before making a decision. Don't have buyer's remorse on a large purchase like this.

Clarinet

Recommended brands: Buffet, Yamaha, Backun

  • Buffet is really among the best options for most people

Recommended mouthpiece: Van Doren M15 ($99)

Recommended ligature: Rovner Dark ($29)

Recommended reeds: Van Doren Traditional (Blue Box) or D'addario Reserve (white box). AVOID Rico, Juno, and PLEASE do not buy cheap reeds off the internet.

  • Legere reeds ($30) are also an option. They are plastic and last a longer time than traditional reeds. Some players swear by them, some despise them.

NOTE: Professor Victor Drescher of Southeastern has a business, "Drescher Music" where he sells and rents quality used clarinets. In most cases, he is one of the best deals around because you know every instrument he sells he has checked and it is in good playing condition. Look for his page on Facebook and contact him for more info.

Saxophone

Recommended brands: Yamaha, Selmer

  • There are some more boutique brands out there on the more professional end. If you are interested in any of those, just ask!

Recommended mouthpieces: NOTE- These are pricy, but they are absolutely worth it if you can afford it. They make a huge difference!

Recommended ligature:

Recommended reeds: Van Doren Traditional (Blue Box) or D'addario Reserve (white box). AVOID Rico, Juno, and PLEASE do not buy cheap reeds off the internet.

  • Legere reeds are also an option. They are plastic and last a longer time than traditional reeds. Some players swear by them, some despise them. We typically recommend them for marching season because they won't dry out between long period without playing.

Trumpet

Recommended brands:

  • Bach, Yamaha, King, Conn. An inexpensive option may be to buy a used Yamaha Xeno from a drum corps.

Recommended mouthpieces:

  • Bach 3C (most recommended)

  • Bach 5C (second most recommended)

Don't be confused by mouthpieces that say 3C or 5C but are not Bach. These aren't worth your money.


Horn

Most horns are school owned, but students serious about continuing their study, whether they aspire to make the All-State band or they want to play in college may want to invest in a quality horn. All students should get their own mouthpiece.

Recommended brands:

  • Holton, Yamaha, C.G. Conn

Recommended mouthpieces:


Trombone

Recommended brands:

  • King, Yamaha, Conn

Recommended mouthpieces:


Euphonium

Most euphoniums and all baritones are school-owned, but students serious about continuing their study, whether they aspire to make the All-State band or they want to play in college may want to invest in a quality horn. All students should get their own mouthpiece.

Recommended brands:

  • Yamaha, King, Conn

Recommended mouthpieces:


Tuba

Most tubas and all sousaphones are school-owned, but students serious about continuing their study, whether they aspire to make the All-State band or they want to play in college may want to invest in a quality horn. All students should get their own mouthpiece.

Recommended brands:

  • Yamaha, King, Conn, Eastman

Recommended mouthpieces:


Percussion

Percussion is different in that pretty much all the instruments are owned by the school. We have a school set of mallets for keyboard instruments. During marching season, those on snare and tenors will purchase many pairs of marching sticks.

  • Again, we strongly recommend you purchase these through Christy Music. They may be slightly more expensive than buying online, but if you tell them what sticks you're using during the season, she will keep them stocked so when you need to rush and grab a pair before a game or competition, you can run to Christy real quick after school. You can't do that with Amazon or Steve Weiss.

All percussionists must have a pair of concert snare sticks. Each brand has their "general" stick.