Instrument Supplies

Each band student will need certain supplies to maintain their instrument in top playing condition. Please have your child check with you regarding which supplies they need and whether they have them already or will need to purchase them. All students should have a metronome (suggest the “credit card” size – they make great gifts), music stand, straight-backed chair and a luggage type ID tag for their instrument case.  Clarinet and Saxophone reeds are available for purchase at school in emergency situations (we will sell only 2 reeds at a time).

Required supplies by instrument:

Flute - cleaning rod and cloth OR drop swab

Oboe and Bassoon - 2 working reeds, reed holder, swab (oboe) OR bocal cleaner (bassoon)

All Clarinets - 4 working reeds (Mitchell Lurie #3 or Vandoren #2 1/2 - strengths are a minimum requirement), reed keeper, cork grease and drop swab *** 2nd and 3rd year clarinetists should make a mouthpiece upgrade – good gift idea***

All Saxophones - 4 working reeds (Vandoren #2 1/2 or LaVoz Medium - strengths are a minimum requirement), reed keeper, cork grease and mouthpiece swab

Trumpet – 5C mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease (Vaseline), mouthpiece brush and mute* *Required only for 2nd and 3rd year players

Horn - rotary valve oil, tuning slide grease (Vaseline), mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth (no polish – an old cotton t-shirt works great), cleaning rod and snake and Holton Farkas MDC mouthpiece (no exceptions on brand and type – you can purchase them from the school)

Trombone – mouthpiece brush, tuning slide grease (Vaseline), either a cleaning rod or snake, Conn “Super Slick/Formula 3 OR Selmer Cleaning Kit (throw slide oil or “Sure Slick” away or get them to swap it for “Super Slick”)

Baritone/Euphonium – Bach or Benge 6 ½ AL mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease (Vaseline) and mouthpiece brush

TubaConn Helleberg mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning slide grease (Vaseline) and mouthpiece brush

Percussionists - one pair of Vic Firth SD1 General drumsticks (or any with wooden tips), one pair of medium hard rubber mallets, a stick bag (to hold sticks and mallets) a bell kit and a practice pad


Recommended Music Dealers :

Music and Arts, Yorktown, VA

Washington Music Center   www.washingtonmusic.com

Interstate Music   www.interstatemusic.com

The Woodwind and The Brasswind    www.wwbw.com

Steve Weiss Music (percussion)   www.steveweissmusic.com

Musician's Friend   www.musiciansfriend.com

Giardinelli   www.giardinelli.com

National Educator's Music Company (NEMC)  www.nemc.com

Please understand that our experiences with these companies has been positive but that doesn't guarantee your experience.  We cannot be held responsible for a company's service and prices.  Use them at your own risk.  If you have a negative experience please let us know.



(Website Comments or Questions)
Grafton Middle School Clipper Bands
Created and Maintained by Beth Stone
Last Updated
February 2006