Dear Parent,

I am excited about the prospect of working with your child in band this year.  Again, we are offering instruction for the traditional band instruments, including flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, baritone, trombone, tuba, and percussion.  A few of you have already made arrangements for your child’s instrument, and we will start working with those students as soon as possible.  For those that haven’t made arrangements there will be an Instrument Display at Oolitic Middle School  on Monday August 22^th in the Orchestra room.  The folks from Paige’s Music Company will be here to answer any questions you may have concerning renting or buying an instrument. Students will also be required to purchase a method book for $9.  If they have not received a book through a music store, I will place an order soon, and the students can pay me.  Our target date for everyone to have an instrument is August 28th

HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS FOR RENTING OR BUYING AN INSTRUMENT / Pros & Cons;

1. Rent to own from Paige’s Music or another reputable music dealer.
   1. This is an excellent option, but a bit more expensive. ($25-$55/mo.)
   2. Students will receive a quality instrument with maintenance coverage for as long as you are renting the instrument.
   3. If, for some reason your child would like to change instruments, the money invested will go toward a different instrument.
   4. If your child drops out of band, you can return the instrument and are only out the money paid to date.

e.   Arrangements can be made on-line at www.paigesmusic.com. (more info on back).

f.    Paige’s will be in the orchestra room at Oolitic MS on Monday, August 22th from 6:00-7:30. A representative will be here to answer any questions you may have and arrangements can be made to rent or buy an instrument at that time.

2. Purchase a new or used instrument from a dealer, relative, friend, etc.
   1. This would be a less expensive option in the long run, however in many cases we’re talking about a large chunk of money at the outset and no option for maintenance coverage.
   2. If you are planning on using an older instrument that has not been played for a while, please bring the instrument to the band director for a check over, especially if you plan to purchase it.  Many older instruments may require maintenance.  You need to consider this before purchase. It is very frustrating for beginning students to try to learn to play an instrument that doesn’t work properly.
3. Use a school-owned instrument.
   1. The only expense would be for general maintenance items like valve oil, reeds, strings, cleaning supplies, etc. and of course a method book. $9 (percussion books are $15 because they are really 2 books in one)
   2. The instruments will be playable, but not always in great shape.  Some school instruments are in need of cosmetic work.
   3. The school has only certain instruments available.  Students have fewer options. (French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass clarinet, and a few others) Some instruments, like the tuba or bari sax, are so expensive that we would never ask a parent to rent or purchase one.  Therefore, the school will provide one for the student to use.

In my opinion, it is not a good idea to purchase instruments from local discount stores. There has been a recent influx of musical instruments from overseas and they are not always good quality instruments, often don’t play in tune, and are almost impossible to maintain.  Also, be careful when purchasing instruments on-line.  Make sure you are getting a good quality instrument from a reputable manufacturer. (Yamaha, King, Conn, Selmer, Jupiter, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Bach, Holton, Besson, Blessing, Cannonball, Getzen, to name a few)  Feel free to call or e-mail to inquire before making the purchase. I am looking forward to working with your child, and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail (275-7551 OJHS). battagliaf@nlcs.k12.in.us

Sincerely,

Frank Battaglia, Band Director