New Music Store in Gig Harbor:

McLain Music

It is beside Taco Del Mar and Quizno's. They have band instruments and supplies. They also do quick repairs.  It's in town, close, and friendly!

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Need a list of local music stores that sell/rent band instruments, and sell supplies? Here's a list:

Want to calm yourself from a day of stress? Look at the first attachment to see what I do when I need to set my mind at ease.

Kopachuck Middle School

Beginning Band

Greetings!

This past week and next week, all beginning band students will have had an opportunity to make sound on each of the instruments offered in band. During these experiences, each student was trying to make decisions as to which instrument “felt” the best. In addition, I gave recommendations as to whether or not the instrument may have some extra challenges for them according to their teeth, jaw, arm length, and any other factors that may come in to play. In their agendas, students wrote dates when some of the music stores would be in Gig Harbor as a convenience for parents to rent or purchase an instrument or obtain materials. Also in the agenda, we wrote the date we would begin working with instruments in class.

We also discussed what students will need for class and how they may acquire their materials. We talked about the pros and cons associated with each method of getting an instrument. We listed them on the board as below:

1. Ask a friend or relative if they have a band instrument that they may use in beginning band.

Pro- Free instrument!

Con- the instrument may need repair. Depending on the condition of the instrument, that could range from $50.00 to $500.00.

2. Rent an instrument. Most of the local music stores rent instruments. Looking in the yellow pages is a good way to find out who has this service.

Pro- If the instrument is used, it is probably in good playing condition. A new instrument works well from the beginning and will last a long time.

Con: Cost. Each store is different because they offer different rental deals. You will need to find the one that fits you best.

3. Borrow an instrument from school. I have French horns, baritone horns, tuba and drums to loan. The instruments are well used, and in some cases, will need to be shared with other students. If a student wishes to play one of these, they do not need to rent or buy an instrument.

4. If a student is unable to afford an instrument, they are to see me. I have sources that help students who wish to have a band instrument to use, but are not able to rent or buy.

5. Online or catalog: There are good deals out there, but they are often far away and may be a problem to easily deal with because of that distance.

The book students are asked to buy is STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE. I am asking the students to buy the book. It is approximately $6.00. If they cannot buy the book, they are asked to contact me, and I will find help to supply them with a book. The book is specific for each instrument. Be sure to note the name of the instrument on the cover of the book (Flute, Clarinet, Tuba, etc…)

For each instrument, there is a list of supplies.

Flute: Cleaning rag, 3”X 8” (approx.)

Clarinet and Saxophone: 3 number 2 reeds, cleaning swab, cork grease, reed holder

Trumpet, Tuba, French Horn: Valve oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush

Trombone: Tuning slide grease, slide cream or oil, mouthpiece brush

Drums: I would like students to start with a bell kit. Those can be rented from the music store. If they rent a bell kit, they will trade in the bell kit after Thanksgiving for a snare drum. They are not required to start on a bell kit, but it is recommended that they do. Drum sticks, 2B, are my recommendation for drum sticks.

For those students who have an instrument, we will begin working with them the first class day after September 20^th. If the student is not able to get an instrument by then, that’s OK, they will be able to watch and learn from those that have their instrument. I would like them to have an instrument by the last week of September.

If a student has not yet decided on an instrument, they may wait and watch as the class begins to work with the instruments. During class, I will also invite them to play the instruments again to help them with their decision.

I hope this helps a little. Let me know if I can help with anything else.

Soundly,

Warren Hunt

Band Director

Kopachuck Middle School

huntw@peninsula.wednet.edu

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