​Instrument Rentals, Accessories & Supplies:

Method Book:

We will be using the Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician as our method book at RMS. Students will use this book as their main method for all three years they are in the Band program. This method has an online support site (https://habitsuniversal.com/) where students can access a digital version of their method with their unique access code as well as videos of professional musicians playing their lines,  accompaniment tracks and clinic videos for each instrument that can be very helpful on instrument maintenance, set up and copying a characteristic sound.

RMS will place a group order for method books this year and the cost will be attached to School Cash Online​ (~$15).

Instrument Rental Information:

Rental Company Websites:

RMS Instrument Rental Agreement Form:
Students wanting to rent from RMS, please speak with Mrs. McDowell to ensure instrument selection is available. Instruments will be prioritized to students who played the previous year, and then on a first come, first serve basis.
Once contacted, Mrs. McDowell will send home the below contract with your student for signatures.
instrument_rental_agreement_school_instrument_2023-2024.pdf
File Size: 218 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Accessories:

Students who require instrument accessories for class participation will be provided with supplies (Reeds/Oil/Cork Grease, etc.) as long as I have the item needed in stock. A charge will be added to School Cash Online under "instrument accessory" along with the amount. 
Flutes:
  • Cleaning rod and cleaning cloth – standard with instrument rental
  • Method Book for their instrument

Trumpet/French Horn/Euphonium/Baritone/Tuba:
  • Valve oil, tuning slide grease – standard with instrument rental
  • Method Book for their instrument

Trombone:
  • Slide oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning rod/snake  - standard with instrument rental
  • Mini spray bottle for water – (1 spray bottle will be supplied, if lost $2 replacements can be purchased)
  • Method Book for their instrument

​Percussion:
  • Orchestral Bell Kit (rent from Wentworth or Tapestry) Kit should include an Orchestral Bell kit and stand, a Practice Pad, a set of rubber ball mallets and a set of 5A Vic Firth wooden tipped drum sticks.
  • Recommended: Stick Bag to carry sticks back and forth to school.
  • Method Book for their instrument
  • A yearly $50 fee to RMS for all Percussionists allows students to use the percussion instruments at RMS and helps cover replacements, repairs and additions as needed. Students will only be asked to bring their  sticks back and forth to school.
​​Clarinet/Saxophone:
  • Cleaning cloth and cork grease – standard with instrument rental - Typically rentals will come with 2 sized 2.0 reeds which will be good for the first ~3 weeks of playing. Students will need to purchase additional reeds sized 2.5 for after that time.
  • Minimum 3 Reeds sized 2.5 (Rico Royal (Not Rico), Vandoren, Juno, are all good reed brands) *Please do not buy flavored/colored reeds, reeds from Amazon as their storage facilities can effect the quality of the cane or plastic reeds (right now). While many pro players use plastic, they are harder for beginners to start on. A reed lifespan is typically 6 weeks if treated well and rotated through, that's why we ask students to have a minimum of 3 reeds at all times. 
  • Method Book for their instrument
  • Teeth Savors - $3 from Mrs. McDowell – can be purchased in class

*Reeds from Mrs. McDowell are $4.00 each and should only be used in emergencies. It’s a good idea to buy a pack of 10 or split a pack with a friend who plays the same instrument and share. At the first sign of a crack, chip or split, a reed is no longer usable and should be thrown out, which is why its important for all reed players to have a minimum of three working reeds they rotate through at all times. 

​Bass:
  • Bass, Amp and patch cord – standard with instrument rental (rent from Wentworth or Tapestry)
  • Method Book for their instrument
  • A yearly $50 fee to RMS allows students to use a school bass, amp and patch cord so you don’t have to bring your extra equipment back and forth to class.
Students are not required to purchase recommended items. They do make great gifts for birthdays or holidays if you are looking for ideas! 
All Instruments: ​
  • Recommended: A Metronome/Tuner is helpful for home practice. Metronome/Tuners can be purchased as apps on Smart Phones, my favorite is called Tonal Energy Tuner, or  at music stores. The Korg TM60 Combo Tuner Metronome with Contact Microphone is what we will be using in class as they pick up individual instruments in a large group setting.

  • Just for Fun: Solo repertoire books for your students instrument at a beginner level. There are various books available at your local music store or online and come in a variety of themes like movie music, pop themes, Disney, holiday tunes, etc. 
Concert Dress Black:
​How an ensemble dresses for concerts is extremely important. A group who comes onto the stage well-dressed shows personal pride, respect for their audience, and gives off an aura of “something special is going to happen.” For all performances, students are required to wear the “uniform” of the professional musician: Concert Dress Black. The overall look is classy and semi-formal, casual attire is not appropriate. Students are free to choose the components of their concert dress blacks within the following guidelines:
  • No jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, or runners that are not fully black.
  • Shirts with long sleeves, collars and/or modest necklines are encouraged
  • If students choose to wear skirts/dresses, they must be knee length or longer and be accompanied with black stockings/leggings. 
  • Fabrics must be muted, nothing too shiny or sparkly
  • All students must wear black socks or stockings (going sans-socks is not appropriate) and fully black shoes.

*This is not intended to “break the bank”, many of these items can be found at local thrift stores. For students needing assistance, a small collection of black clothing is available for emergencies in the Band Room's "Black Box".
If you have appropriate black clothing/shoes you would like to donate to "The Black Box," we would greatly appreciate it!

For JAZZ BAND and CHOIR ensembles, students can coordinate with Mrs. McDowell an accent color piece in the form of a tie or a scarf to go with their concert dress blacks.

MARCHING BAND students will wear the designed parade T-shirt which will be made available for purchase during marching season. Proper footwear of good walking shoes is required for marching band, no sandals allowed for your safety! 
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