1.1 School band expectations

Band programs can vary greatly from one school to another, but across the U.S. there is a typical set of expectations for students (and parents) involved in a school band. Please note that the monetary responsibilities assume a middle-class income. If your child would like to be in band but you are not sure you can afford it, please talk to your band program director. Most directors will want to work with any and every interested student, and will be able to find ways to get your child involved using borrowed equipment, band booster "scholarship" money, or other available help.

Instruments and equipment

Most school band programs have some instruments available to loan out to students, but most do not have nearly enough for every student to use a band-owned instrument. School programs tend to focus on supplying instruments that are either too expensive for the average student, or are too bulky and difficult to move or store at home. Large percussion equipment, sousaphones for marching, and contrabass clarinets are examples of instruments you will probably not be expected to supply. On the other hand, most players of flutes, trumpets, and regular (B flat) clarinets will be expected to supply their own instrument.

You can find reasonably-priced student-quality instruments at music stores, or you may want to look for second-hand instruments. You may also want to consider renting an instrument, particularly if your child is just starting to play. In a year or two, you and your child may know much more about what you need from an instrument. Some students even change instruments after a year or two to something that suits them better or that the band has more need of. When you are ready to buy an instrument, get specific advice from your child's teacher or band director, or from more experienced band members.

Most instruments will come with a case. Hard cases are heavier but provide more protection and are usually a good idea for younger, less careful players. Soft cases and "gig bags" are much lighter and easier to carry, but do not protect the instrument as well. They are popular with older, serious musicians who play often, and usually must be bought separately.

Wind instruments require mouthpieces , which may or may not come with the instrument. A teacher or director may recommend a different mouthpiece for your child than the one that came with the instrument, and some wind players end up with a small collection of mouthpieces to be used in different situations. Except for flutes , woodwind instruments also require a steady supply of reeds .

Most drums and percussion equipment for rehearsal and performance will be provided by the band, but percussion players will need enough equipment to practice at home. At first, sticks and a practice pad (which is very quiet compared to a real drum) will probably be enough, but the enthusiastic percussionist will eventually want to own more equipment.