Required & Recommended Instrument Supplies

We can only be as good as our equipment. All instruments should be from a reputable manufacturer and should be in good working condition. Please check with Mr. Gowman before making any instrument purchase or rental.

Woodwinds

  • Name tag on case
  • Swab (a new one each year, please)
  • Mouthpiece brush (clarinet & saxophone)
  • Polish cloth (flutes only)
  • Cork grease (when appropriate)
  • PadSaver/Stuff-It (the "Fuzzy Thing"... ask your musician)
  • Reeds: Reed players should purchase a complete box of reeds; there should be at least three good reeds available to the student at all times. Recommended Reed Brands (from top to bottom by preference):
    • Mitchell Lurie (clarinet only)
    • VanDoren
    • LaVoz
    • Rico Royal
  • I strongly recommend upgrade mouthpieces for reed players: the VanDoren B45 for clarinets and the Selmer C* for saxes. These mouthpieces can be purchased at a discounted rate through the school.
  • Just like an automobile, a woodwind instrument will occasionally need a complete tune-up to tighten springs, replace pads, fix key alignment, etc.  All woodwinds will occasionally need minor work, and this does not indicate mistreatment of the instrument.
  • All corks should be in good condition and the instrument should be able to be easily assembled.
  • Most method books and solo literature are provided on loan from the school.

Percussion

  • Sticks: All percussionists need to have two pair of Vic Firth 5A/5AN or 2B/2BN (N=nylon tip) sticks in good condition.
    • Please note that 5A or 2B sticks from another manufacturer may be a different size.
    • Student initials should be marked on the sticks with permanent marker.
  • Practice Pad
  • Most other mallets and percussion accessories are provided by the school.
  • Most method books and solo literature are provided on loan from the school.

Brass

  • Name tag on case
  • Valve Oil (rotor oil for French horns and trombones w/triggers)
  • Slide Grease (Schilke is recommended)
  • Trombones: Slide cream & spray bottle
  • Cleaning "snake", mouthpiece brush, valve brush
  • Instruments should be free of all major dents, all slides should move freely and easily, and valves should move down and up very quickly.
  • The mouthpiece that comes with any brass instrument is typically not of an appropriate size or design for the student to be most successful. Mr. Gowman will make a recommendation if a different mouthpiece would be more appropriate.
  • Most method books and solo literature are provided on loan from the school.