Instruments & Supplies

Instrument Purchase/Rental

Schmitt Music's "Better than Rent" Program

We work closely with Schmitt Music to approve the make and model of each instrument they sell. In addition, while their nearest location is in Fargo, they visit our school each week to pick up and drop off instruments for repair. For questions regarding their "Better Than Rent" program, contact our local representative, Keith Wander.

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Keith Wander

(218) 329-6263

keith.wander@schmittmusic.com

www.schmittmusic.com

To get started with renting an instrument from Schmitt Music, click the link below. Rentals will be delivered to school.

Supplies

Harmony Studios

Please support local business by purchasing oils, reeds, books, and other supplies from Harmony Studios. In addition to supplies, Harmony Studios offers private lessons.

Before visiting, it may be a good idea to call ahead for hours.

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Harmony Studios

(218) 998-4761

827 N Tower Rd

www.harmonystudiosmusic.com

Online Instrument Shopping

While a student’s success in band is greatly tied to practice, his or her instrument can have a profound impact on producing sound. Below are our recommended brands along with the supplies needed should you choose to look elsewhere for an instrument. We strongly encourage you to look for these brands if you choose to shop online.

It may be tempting to purchase instruments with a nice price tag or instruments made out of colorful metals, but those are generally made of lower quality materials and subject to irreparable breaks. For more information about brands to avoid, click here.

If you already own an instrument and would like us to look it over, please contact us using the information at the bottom of this page.

Flute

  • Brands - Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Yamaha
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Cleaning rod
  • Cleaning cloth

Oboe

  • Brands - Yamaha, Buffet
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Cleaning swab
  • Cork grease
  • 3 medium soft reeds
  • Small cup (Mr. McGowan supplies for free)

Clarinet

  • Brands - Yamaha, Selmer
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Cleaning swab
  • Cork grease
  • 1 box of VanDoren strength 2 reeds (2 ½ after one month of playing)

Saxophone

  • Brands - Yamaha, Selmer
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Cleaning swab
  • Cork grease
  • 1 box of VanDoren strength 2 reeds (2 ½ after one month of playing)

Trumpet

  • Brands - Yamaha, Jupiter, Bach, Getzen
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Al Cass FAST valve oil
  • Bach tuning slide grease

French Horn

  • Brands - Holton double horn, Yamaha double horn
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Al Cass FAST valve oil
  • Bach tuning slide grease

Trombone

  • Brands - Yamaha, Jupiter, Bach, Getzen
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Slide-O-Mix trombone lubricant
  • Small spray bottle (with water)
  • Bach tuning slide grease

Baritone

  • Instrument supplied by the school (mouthpiece must be purchased)
  • Bach 6½ AL small shank mouthpiece
  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Al Cass FAST valve oil
  • Bach tuning slide grease

Tuba

  • Instrument supplied by the school (mouthpiece must be purchased)
  • Bach 18 mouthpiece
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Al Cass FAST valve oil
  • Selmer tuning slide grease

Percussion

  • Nametag on case (included with Schmitt instruments)
  • Lesson Book - Essential Elements, Book 1
  • Music stand
  • Snare sticks - Vic Firth SD1
  • Bell mallets - Innovative Percussion F10
  • Bell set with a stand - Yamaha, Ludwig, Pearl
  • Snare drum with a stand or snare pad - Yamaha, Ludwig, Pearl, Innovative Percussion (Pad)

School Instruments

We ask that families make every effort to acquire a band instrument for their student. However, if finances are prohibiting your student from joining, please let us know and we will do our best to provide a school instrument for him or her. Students may be asked to select a different instrument based on our limited supply.

Instrument Maintenance

If you notice something that is not working correctly with your instrument, please inform your director. Do not try to fix the problem yourself. The directors have equipment made specifically for common instrument issues. If it is something the directors are unable to repair, we will send the instrument in to have it repaired professionally. The repair shops will call you with an estimate for the repair so you can decide if it is worth it to go forward with the repair.