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:
Wentworth Music:
https://www.wentworthmusic.ca/school-bandorchestral/ Tapestry Music: https://www.tapestrymusic.com/t-rentalprogram.aspx |
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 |
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:
Trumpet/French Horn/Euphonium/Baritone/Tuba:
Trombone:
Percussion:
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Clarinet/Saxophone:
*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:
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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:
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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:
*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!
- 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!