Posted on by Sarah Owen

HDMS Band, Let’s GO!

(This blog post is for returning 7th and 8th grade HDMS Band students)

The band room is ready… the instruments are ready… I AM READY… the only thing missing is YOU! I cannot wait to see you this week, and I look forward to a fantastic year of music-making. Please read through the HDMS Band Instrument and  Materials Quick Start Guide below and let me know if you have any questions. Next week, when students have their iPads, I will go over the nuts and bolts of the year in more detail.

Additionally, please look over the HDMS Band Performance Calendar and mark your calendars! You are only required to attend the concerts and performances for your band.

HDMS Band Instrument and Materials Quick Start Guide

It’s time to prepare your instrument for the school year! If you have your instrument at home, take it out, play it, and ensure it is in good working condition. If it needs repairs, take it to Just Joe’s or Bend Instrument Repair (Bend Instrument Repair is by appointment only- call to make an appointment).  Additionally, ensure you have all the accessories you need for the start of the school year (see below). Bring your instrument to school ASAP (this week if you can) so we can start playing!

If you do not have an instrument at home, below are your options for renting an instrument for the school year. If you play a larger instrument (bass clarinet, tenor sax, bari sax, French horn, euphonium/baritone, or tuba), you can rent from HDMS again. I will assign these instruments during the first few days of school. I also have some smaller instruments available (flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone), but they are in short supply. I anticipate running out of instruments for 6th-grade beginners, so if you can, renting from Just Joe’s or Sunday Guitars will ensure everyone has an instrument. 

Rental Options

Rent an instrument from Just Joe’s Music or Sunday Guitars

  • Go to the music store (check websites for hours)
  • Rent your instrument (check websites for prices)
  • Get all your accessories (see below)
  • Bring your instrument to school as soon as you have it!

Rent an Instrument from HDMS

  • Request an instrument from Mrs. Owen.
  • Bring the rental form home and have your parents sign it.
  • Bring the signed rental for and $60 cash or check (payable to HDMS) to Mrs. Owen OR pay online using Touchbase.
  • Get your instrument.

Accessories

Flute

  • Cleaning rod

Clarinet/Saxophone

  • Reeds (always have at least 4, size 2.5 to 3)
  • Swab, end cap/pad saver (saxophone)
  • Cork grease
  • Neck strap (saxophone)

Trumpet/Baritone/Tuba

  • Valve oil
  • Slide grease
  • Cleaning snake (trumpet)
  • Mouthpiece cleaning brush

Trombone

  • Slide oil/cream
  • Tuning slide grease
  • Water spray bottle
  • Cleaning snake

Percussion

HDMS Instrument FAQ

Q: Why is renting from the music store more expensive than renting from HDMS?

A: The instruments at the music stores are MUCH better quality than the HDMS instruments. They are often brand new and are reputable brands that sound good and will hold up to the wear and tear of middle school band. The HDMS instruments are well-loved and work fine, but they are not in as good a condition as an instrument you would get at the music store. Additionally, I anticipate running out of school instruments for the beginning 6th graders. Renting from Just Joe’s or Sunday Guitars will help ensure we have enough instruments for everyone.

Q: What does the $60 HDMS rental fee go towards?

A: Basic repairs and instrument cleaning at the end of the year. 

Q: Can I get an instrument on Amazon (Walmart, Target, etc.)

A: NO NO NO. PLEASE NO. Most instruments sold at big-box stores are low quality, will break frequently, and are often difficult to play well. If you find an instrument online that you think you might want to buy, email me the link and I will let you know if it is good. 

Q: Can I pay the HDMS rental fee ($60) with a credit card?

A: Yes! You can pay the $60 rental fee online using the Touchbase system (the same system used for sports, fees, buying a yearbook, etc.).

Q: Do I need to get accessories for my instrument?

A: Yes, accessories can be purchased at a music store (Just Joe’s or Sunday Guitars) and are required (some come with rentals- check and make sure you have everything you need). See the above list of accessories.

Q: Do I need to purchase a method book?

A: No, you do not need to purchase a method book. I will distribute your method books during the second week of school.