Instruments

Instrument Security
		At the beginning of the year, each student will be asked to write his/her name, instrument, and instrument model and serial number on a security list. This list will be used to identify any lost and/or found instruments. Parents are encouraged to obtain insurance for their child's instrument. Fairfax County Public Schools will not replace lost or stolen instruments.
	Storage Room
		An instrument storage room, located within room 1520, is available for students to keep their instruments during the school day. Students using the room must reserve a locker at the beginning of the year by arrangement with Mr. Helm.
	The following items should NOT be stored in the instrument storage room:

		Low brass mouthpieces
		Expensive mouthpieces
		Mouthpieces of shared instruments
		Music folders
		Sheet music or music books
		Drum sticks and drum pads
		Binders
		Backpacks
		Lunches
		Anything else that is not an instrument or instrument case
	The storage room is locked whenever a teacher is not present. As stated in Chapter 3, "Daily Classroom Rules," students are not to enter the instrument storage room without permission from the teacher. Students found entering the room without permission will receive an after-school detention. Furthermore, a principal referral will be issued to any student found handling another student's instrument without permission or found in a suspicious situation in the instrument storage room.

Instrument Requirements
	Flutes
		A cleaning rod
		Handkerchief for cleaning
		Recommended: Pad paper may be needed
	Oboes
		At least five reeds on hand at all times
		A reed watering well-A camera film case works well!
		A cleaning swab or turkey feather
	Clarinets
		At least five reeds on hand at all times. Make sure you know which strength you need!
		•	Beginners: 2 or 2-1/2
		•	Cadet & Concert Bands: 2-1/2 or 3
		•	Symphonic Bands: 3 or harder-check with your teacher!
		A cleaning swab
		Cork grease
	Saxophones
		At least five reeds on hand at all times. Make sure you know which strength you need!
		•	Beginners: 2 or 2-1/2
		•	Cadet & Concert Bands: 2-1/2 or 3
		•	Symphonic Bands: 3 or harder-check with your teacher!
	Bassoons
		At least five reeds on hand at all times. Check with your teacher to find out the proper strength.
		A seat strap.
	Trumpets
		A valve cleaning brush
		At least one bottle of valve oil
		Recommended: Slide grease; use sparingly; one tube will last a long, long time!
	French Horns
		Valve oil
		Recommended: Slide grease. Use sparingly; one tube will last a long, long time!
	Trombones
		Slide oil or cream
		A small spray bottle for water
	Baritones
		Valve oil
		Recommended: Slide grease; use sparingly; one tube will last a long, long time!
	Tubas
		Valve oil
		Recommended: Slide grease. Use sparingly; one tube will last a long, long time!
	Percussion
		At least four pairs of drumsticks are needed.
		Vic Firth SD1 General recommended.
		Make sure that all drumsticks are clearly marked with the student's name.

School Instruments
	Most instruments in the band are available for rent at local music stores. The school has a limited number of instruments that are difficult or impossible to rent at these stores. A limited number of bass clarinets, oboes, bassoons, tenor saxophones, baritone saxophones, french horns, euphoniums and tubas are available for rent through the school. These instruments are usually shared with other students, each student being assigned a personal mouthpiece. Arrangements for home practice must be made between students assigned to an instrument.
	Those students who are eligible for free or reduced cost lunch may be able to rent an instrument through Fairfax County Public Schools at a reduced cost. These instrument rentals are subject to eligibility requirements and availability. Students should see their band teacher for details.
	Percussion Fee :: There is an annual fee charged to percussion students for the use of the school's percussion equipment. This does not replace the need for students to come to class with their own sticks and percussion instruments.

Other Recommended Items
		Music Stand :: For home practice, foldable/portable stands come in a variety of models. Heavy-duty music stands are also available at many music stores.
		Metronome :: This is a device that plays a steady beat at a number of given tempos. Electronic metronomes are the most reliable.
		Electronic Tuner :: This is a device that tells the student the exact pitch that is being played. Students can learn to play in tune with the help of an electronic tuner. Pocket-sized models are recommended.

Step-up Model Instruments
	Most student model instruments are designed for durability, but many advancing students choose to purchase an upgraded instrument. Step-up models are crafted to play with better tone, better intonation (playing in tune), and better valve/key action. They tend to be a bit more delicate than beginner models, and students should strongly consider keeping their original instruments for situations, such as marching band, where durability is needed. Parents should consult Mr. Helm or Mr. Burke for details on various models. A number of music stores should be contacted, since prices on instruments vary greatly from store to store.