Having the right equipment can make a big difference in the success or failure of a music student! Without good reeds, oil, or sticks a student cannot play up to their potential.  In some cases, (lubricants, cleaning supplies) having the necessary supplies can affect the life or death of a musical instrument!

Attached you will find a list of band supplies which 7th & 8th grade students will need throughout the year.  It can be cheaper to purchase supplies through the school, rather than at a music store because we buy in bulk & shop around for the best prices.  However, it can be faster & easier to visit a music store and get the supplies when you need them.  The choice is yours.

Don't let a salesperson talk you into a different brand or strength!  A detailed supply list is included below, please take a copy of the list with you if you decide to visit the music store to be sure you get the right materials. (Additional forms are available in the band room if you are unable to print from this site).  Ward Brodt has a copy of this form on file in the Band & Orchestra Department.  Please ask to see it if you have questions about what supplies to purchase. The supplies will be cheaper if you order them through me---I get a volume discount!

Please be sure to purchase exactly the brands and specifications listed below!

Lesson Books: are used in both band lessons & rehearsals. Students have already received the books and are currently using them!

Please bring a check for the lesson book ASAP.

7th Grade: Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 $7.99                                 8th Grade: Essential Technique 2000 Bk 3.  $7.99

7th and 8th grade Percussion Books include both mallets & drums & are more expensive: $14.99

Music folder: all music must be kept in a separate, heavy-duty folder (not in the instrument case). Cardboard folders will not be provided by the school.

• The best alternative is to purchase a multi pocket portfolio with a flap that keeps everything inside (even when dropped). These can be purchased at any Office Supply store. Examples will be shown in class.

A note about reeds for Clarinets & Saxophones:

Good reeds make ALL the difference in the world when it comes to playing higher notes and producing a beautiful sound. After years of playing, teaching & talking with the experts, I have selected reeds for our MS students that will help them to play well. These are different than the reeds beginners use in 6th Grade. While these reeds are more expensive than the beginner reeds used in 6th grade, they are of better quality, will last longer, and produce a nicer sound.

All saxophone and clarinet players must start the year with a box of good reeds listed on the Supply Sheet. Please be sure that ONLY the reeds listed are what you get---we must have Medium (or number 3) reeds of the brands listed. If you choose to purchase the reeds at a music store, take the Supply Sheet with you and insist on the brand and strength listed----no substitutions! Better yet, order the reeds through school; we order in volume and receive a discount.

A box of reeds will last most students for most of a semester. In our Band Lessons we will learn how to properly care for reeds, “break-in” a good reed, and get a beautiful sound on ALL notes----including those difficult high notes!

If your student has reeds left from 6th grade, save them as “emergency back-ups” or use them during Marching in the spring.