SUPPLIES

     My goal here is to make it easy for you to find recommended supplies and accessories for your instrument.  Most of these can also be purchased at local retail stores like Hills Music Shoppe and Music & Arts Center.

FLUTE

   Swab – you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge.  They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like.  You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

CLARINET

   Reeds – 6th graders should get the blue box Royal brand reeds, size 2.5. 
                  7th and 8th graders should get size 3.0.

   Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week.  Be aware it will melt if left in the sun or in a hot car.  You should not leave your instrument in a hot car anyway.

   Swab – you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge.  They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like.  You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

   Rico Reed Gard IV – These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage.  The plastic sleeves your reeds come in do not do this.  Get the Rico brand.  The ridges on the D’Addario brand reed guard are too far apart and they mess up your reeds, do not get it.  

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush your mouthpiece inside and outside once each week with soap and water.  Be very careful not to scratch or chip your mouthpiece while cleaning it.

   Rovner Dark Ligature – if you need a new ligature, or if you want to upgrade from the basic ligature that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Neck Strap - this one by Neotech comes with a clip that attaches to the thumb rest on your clarinet.  A neck strap makes it more comfortable to hold the clarinet, and makes it easier to play the keys with your right hand.

   Hite Premiere Clarinet Mouthpiece – if you need a new mouthpiece, get this one.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

BASS CLARINET

   Reeds – 6th graders should get the blue box Royal brand reeds, size 2.5. 
                  7th and 8th graders should get size 3.0.

   Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week.  Be aware it will melt if left in the sun or in a hot car.  You should not leave your instrument in a hot car anyway.

   Swab – you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge.  They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like.  You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

   Rico Reed Gard IV – These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage.  The plastic sleeves your reeds come in do not do this. I know this one says “tenor sax” but bass clarinet reeds are the same size.  Get the Rico brand.  The ridges on the D’Addario brand reed guard are too far apart and they mess up your reeds, do not get it.  

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush your mouthpiece inside and outside once each week with soap and water.  Be very careful not to scratch or chip your mouthpiece while cleaning it.

   Rovner Dark Ligature – if you need a new ligature, or if you want to upgrade from the basic ligature that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Hite Premiere Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece – if you need a new mouthpiece, or if you want to upgrade from the basic mouthpiece that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

ALTO SAXOPHONE

   Reeds – 6th graders should get the blue box Royal brand reeds, size 2.5. 
                  7th and 8th graders should get size 3.0.

   Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week.  Be aware it will melt if left in the sun or in a hot car.  You should not leave your instrument in a hot car anyway.

   Swab – you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge.  They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like.  You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

   Rico Reed Gard IV –  These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage.  The plastic sleeves your reeds come in do not do this.  Get the Rico brand.  The ridges on the D’Addario brand reed guard are too far apart and they mess up your reeds, do not get it.  

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush your mouthpiece inside and outside once each week with soap and water.  Be very careful not to scratch or chip your mouthpiece while cleaning it.

   Rovner Dark Ligature – if you need a new ligature, or if you want to upgrade from the basic ligature that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Hite Premiere Alto Sax Mouthpiece – if you need a new mouthpiece, or if you want to upgrade from the basic mouthpiece that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Neck Strap - Lots of options out there.  Protec is a fine brand, and they offer three sizes with a nice padded neck and metal hook: 20 inch "junior", 22 inch, and 24 inch.  Another option is the harness style strap, which would be great for marching band or for tenor or baritone sax.  Notice there are two sizes of the harness strap.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture. 

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

TENOR SAXOPHONE

   Reeds – 6th graders should get the blue box Royal brand reeds, size 2.5. 
                  7th and 8th graders should get size 3.0.

   Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week.  Be aware it will melt if left in the sun or in a hot car.  You should not leave your instrument in a hot car anyway.

   Swab – you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge.  They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like.  You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

   Rico Reed Gard IV – These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage.  The plastic sleeves your reeds come in do not do this.  Get the Rico brand.  The ridges on the D’Addario brand reed guard are too far apart and they mess up your reeds, do not get it.  

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush your mouthpiece inside and outside once each week with soap and water.  Be very careful not to scratch or chip your mouthpiece while cleaning it.

   Rovner Dark Ligature – if you need a new ligature, or if you want to upgrade from the basic ligature that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Hite Premiere Tenor Sax Mouthpiece – if you need a new mouthpiece, or if you want to upgrade from the basic mouthpiece that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Neck Strap - Lots of options out there.  Protec is a fine brand, and they offer three sizes with a nice padded neck and metal hook: 20 inch "junior", 22 inch, and 24 inch.  Another option is the harness style strap, which would be great for marching band or for tenor or baritone sax.  Notice there are two sizes of the harness strap.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

BARITONE SAXOPHONE

   Reeds – 6th graders should get the blue box Royal brand reeds, size 2.5. 
                  7th and 8th graders should get size 3.0.

   Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week.  Be aware it will melt if left in the sun or in a hot car.  You should not leave your instrument in a hot car anyway.

   Swab – you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge.  They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like.  You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

   Rico Reed Gard IV – These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage.  The plastic sleeves your reeds come in do not do this.  Get the Rico brand.  The ridges on the D’Addario brand reed guard are too far apart and they mess up your reeds, do not get it.  

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush your mouthpiece inside and outside once each week with soap and water.  Be very careful not to scratch or chip your mouthpiece while cleaning it.

   Rovner Dark Ligature – if you need a new ligature, or if you want to upgrade from the basic ligature that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Hite Premiere Baritone Sax Mouthpiece – if you need a new mouthpiece, or if you want to upgrade from the basic mouthpiece that may have come with your clarinet, get this one.

   Neck Strap - Lots of options out there.  Protec is a fine brand, and they offer three sizes with a nice padded neck and metal hook: 20 inch "junior", 22 inch, and 24 inch.  Another option is the harness style strap, which would be great for marching band or for tenor or baritone sax.  Notice there are two sizes of the harness strap.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

TRUMPET

   Valve Oil – Monster original valve oil is my personal favorite.  Another synthetic option I recommend is Hetman Piston Lubricant #2 .  A natural petroleum-based oil is Al Cass Oil.  I have personally used all of these.  I prefer synthetic oil, because petroleum-based valve oil leaves dirty residue in your instrument.  

   Slide Grease –  Monster  or  Superslick  or  Venture grease  are all fine.  The main ingredient in some slide grease is anhydrous lanolin, so you could also get a jar of that (must say "anhydrous"). 

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water.  You can brush the cup with a regular toothbrush, and use this special brush to clean inside the backbore.

   Snake Brush – use this to clean out the inside of the pipes.  This must be done under water.

   Straight Mute - this is the straight mute I recommend, the Bach 1860.  I got one after I saw the trumpet section of the North Carolina Symphony using them.  They have a good sound and play in tune.

    Cup Mute -- this is the cup mute I recommend, the Humes & Berg Stonelined cup mute.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture. 

   Mouthpieces, okay... so, you have to find the shape that fits your mouth the best.  I can help you with that because I have a small collection.  But a good mouthpiece that works for almost everybody is the Bach brand, size 3C.  Do not get a cheap imitation brand online, they are not the same, please trust me on this.  I have been playing the trumpet for 30 years, I have tried easily 100+ mouthpieces, I know what I am talking about.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

FRENCH HORN

   Rotor Oil – Hetman Medium Rotor Lubricant #11.5 is recommended.  I recommend synthetic oil, because petroleum-based valve oil leaves dirty residue in your instrument.

   Slide Grease –  Monster  or  Superslick  or  Venture grease  are all fine.  The main ingredient in some slide grease is anhydrous lanolin, so you could also get a jar of that (must say "anhydrous"). 

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water.  

   Snake Brush – use this to clean out the inside of the pipes.  This must be done under water.

   Holton Farkas MDC Mouthpiece – this is the most highly-recommended mouthpiece for French Horn.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

TROMBONE

   Slide Lubricant – Yamaha makes lubricant that is very easy to use, and it is highly recommended.

   Spray Bottle – as you use your slide, you will need to “cut” the Yamaha lubricant with water.

   Slide Grease –  Monster  or  Superslick  or  Venture grease  are all fine.  The main ingredient in some slide grease is anhydrous lanolin, so you could also get a jar of that (must say "anhydrous"). 

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water.  You can brush the cup with a regular toothbrush, and use this special brush to clean inside the backbore.

   Snake Brush – use this to clean out the inside of the pipes.  This must be done under water.

   Straight Mute - this is the straight mute that I recommend, the Bach 1862.  I personally bought the trumpet version after I saw the North Carolina Symphony trumpet section using them.

   Bach 7C small shank Trombone Mouthpiece – this is the most highly-recommended trombone mouthpiece.  Hills Music Shop can order it for you, just email Tiffany@HillsMusicShoppe.com .  Do not waste your money on other cheaper brands of mouthpieces, they are not the same as a Bach and they are cheap for a reason.  If you got a Yamaha trombone, it probably came with a Yamaha 48, which is also good.

    Snark clip on chromatic tuner.  This can help you see if your slide is in exactly the correct position, to make sure your notes are right in tune.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

BARITONE

   Valve Oil – Monster original valve oil is my personal favorite.  Another option I recommend is Hetman Piston Lubricant #2 .  I have personally used both.  I recommend synthetic oil, because petroleum-based valve oil leaves dirty residue in your instrument.  The valves of some baritones, particularly the Jupiter brand, seem to do a lot better with Blue Juice brand oil.

   Slide Grease –  Monster  or  Superslick  or  Venture grease  are all fine.  The main ingredient in some slide grease is anhydrous lanolin, so you could also get a jar of that (must say "anhydrous"). 

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water.  You can brush the cup with a regular toothbrush, and use this special brush to clean inside the backbore.

   Snake Brush – use this to clean out the inside of the pipes.  This must be done under water.

   Bach 6 1/2 AL Mouthpiece – this is the most highly-recommended baritone / euphonium mouthpiece.  Do not waste your money on other cheaper brands of mouthpieces, they are not the same as a Bach and they are cheap for a reason.  Get a Bach 6 1/2 AL mouthpiece. 
**** You need to check if you need a Large Shank or a Small Shank mouthpiece.  If you get the wrong size, it will not fit in your instrument.****

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

    Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

TUBA

   Valve Oil – Monster original valve oil is my personal favorite.  Another synthetic option I recommend is Hetman Piston Lubricant #2 .  A natural petroleum-based oil is Al Cass Oil.  I have personally used all of these.  I prefer synthetic oil, because petroleum-based valve oil leaves dirty residue in your instrument.  

   Slide Grease –  Monster  or  Superslick  or  Venture grease  are all fine.  The main ingredient in some slide grease is anhydrous lanolin, so you could also get a jar of that (must say "anhydrous"). 

   Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water.  You can brush the cup with a regular toothbrush, and use this special brush to clean inside the backbore.

   Bach size 25 Mouthpiece – this mouthpiece is designed for younger players and is highly recommended.  An alternative is the Kelly size 25 tuba mouthpiece, which is made of plastic which is better for cold marching band performances.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

   Korg Chromatic Tuner and Korg Pickup Clip - You only need the pickup clip if you want to use the tuner while other people are playing at the same time.  If you are only going to use the tuner at home alone, then you do not need the pickup.

XYLOPHONE

   Vic Firth Orchestral Medium Poly mallets – these are good general purpose mallets for xylophone and bells.  These are made of very durable materials and should last for many, many years. Please do not waste your money on cheap mallets, they sound bad and are cheap for a reason.  Yes, it really makes a difference.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

SNARE DRUM

   Drum Sticks – Vic Firth SD1 snare drum sticks are the only sticks that our percussionists should be using in concert band.

   Practice Pad – keep a Remo practice pad at home so you can practice without having to bring your drum back and forth to school.  Any size is fine.

   Small Lock – Use a small lock like this to lock the zippers of your case together.

   Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.