Instrument Information
Being part of the band is an investment in your child’s growth, confidence, and future. We believe in being transparent about the costs associated with band participation, while also reassuring families that we work hard to remain as flexible and supportive as possible.
Our goal is for every student who wants to be in band to have the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. We never want financial hardship to be the reason a child cannot be part of our program.
While the information on this page may feel like a lot at first, we share it upfront so families can plan ahead with confidence. Please know that we are always happy to talk through options and support your child’s journey in band.
Overall Band Fees
Band Activity Fee
The overall band activity fee for beginner students is $50. This is a one-time fee for the school year and helps cover essential materials and experiences for your child, including a binder, music, pencil bag, instrument accessories, and partial funding for field trips and other band activities throughout the year.
We are able to keep this fee low thanks to a large fall fundraiser that helps offset the remaining costs of operating the band program. The Band Activity fee is not due until October 1 (we can be flexible with this date too, if needed).
Starter Supplies for Band
The beginning of the year often includes additional costs to ensure your child has the correct supplies to start band successfully. These starter supplies are also a one-time expense, provided students take care of their materials.
Most of these items are durable and can last your child through their entire middle school band experience, including through 8th grade. The music store does offer a bundle when you set up your instrument rental that may be more cost effective. (Please do not feel like you need to purchase these things now, we will have our Instrument Reveal Party on April 15 from 5:30-7:00pm where you can secure the supplies and instrument for next year.)
Essential Elements book for instrument (~$10-15)
Korg Tuner/Metronome Combo and Pick up Mic (~$60)
Two AAA Batteries for Tuner/Metronome
Wire Music Stand for home practice (~$10-$15)
8”x10x” Acrylic Practice Mirror (~$15)
Instrument Specific Supplies (see below for some details)
About Each Instrument
Sound: Soft, delicate sound; plays the highest notes and often plays the melody.
Physical Traits: Requires all 10 fingers to work independently while holding the instrument off to the side. It takes coordination, lots of air, and practice to produce a clear tone.
Logistics: The smallest instrument (easy to carry). Requires a separate bag for accessories.
Acquisition: Bought or rented through a local music shop. Costs can be between $36-$58/month depending on Brand/Model/ New/Used.
Instrument Specific Supplies: These are generally a one time purchase. This includes, cleaning swab, polishing cloth, key plugs, and PneumoPro Flute Trainer.
Flute
Sound: Unique, rich, prominent sound; often plays melody.
Physical Traits: Held in front of the body but requires a larger finger spread than other woodwinds.
Student Profile: Recommended for dedicated, independent learners who are patient (it is difficult to make a sound at first).
Acquisition: School Owned (Yearly instrument fee paid to KISD ~$125 for the year).
Instrument Specific Supplies: Uses double reeds ($10–$15 each). 4–5 reeds should last a year if cared for. These items are generally a one time purchase: Reed case, Cleaning Swab, Soaker Cup with Stand Clip, Cork Grease, thumb rest/gel cushion.
Requirement: Private lessons are required. Selection is limited.
Oboe
Sound: Low, rich, and unique sound; plays bass lines and harmony.
Physical Traits: Large instrument held to the side; requires independent thumbs and long fingers.
Student Profile: Recommended for dedicated, independent learners willing to work hard.
Acquisition: School Owned (Yearly instrument fee paid to KISD ~$125 for the year).
Instrument Specific Supplies: Uses double reeds ($10–$15 each). 4–5 reeds should last a year if cared for. These items are generally a one time purchase: Reed case, Cleaning Swab, Soaker Cup with Stand Clip, Cork Grease, seat strap.
Requirement: Private lessons are required. Selection is limited.
Bassoon
Sound: Sweet and gentle sound with a large range; plays melody and harmony.
Physical Traits: Held in front of the body; students must cover "tone holes" completely with finger pads. Squeaks are normal in the beginning!.
Logistics: Small, light, and easy to carry.
Acquisition: Bought or rented through a local music shop. Costs can be between $42-$65/month depending on Brand/Model/New/Used.
Instrument Specific Supplies: Uses single reeds (approx. $30 for a box of 10). Students use about 1 box per semester. These items are generally a one time purchase: Reed case, Cleaning Swab, Mouthpiece cap, Ligature, Mouthpiece patches, cork grease.
Clarinet
Sound: Louder and fuller than other woodwinds; plays melody and harmony.
Physical Traits: Larger, but uses a neck strap for weight support. Requires more air than clarinet, but less than flute.
Logistics: Selection is limited due to the loud volume of the instrument.
Acquisition: Bought or rented through a local music shop. Costs can be between $45-$75/month depending on Brand/Model/New/Used.
Instrument Specific Supplies: Uses single reeds (approx. $30 for a box of 10). Students use about 1 box per semester. These items are generally a one time purchase: Reed case, Cleaning Swab, Mouthpiece cap, Ligature, Mouthpiece patches, cork grease.
Saxophone
Sound: High, brilliant, and loud; plays the melody.
Physical Traits: Held in front; works well for students with smaller/thinner lips, though adaptable to most.
Acquisition: Bought or rented through a local music shop. Costs can be between $36-$60/month depending on Brand/Model/New/Used.
Instrument Specific Supplies: These items are generally a one time purchase: Slide Grease, Quick Slide Grease, Valve Oil, Mouthpiece Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Snake, Polishing Cloth.
Trumpet
Sound: Smooth, beautiful, and rich; largest range of all brass.
Physical Traits: Right hand goes into the bell; requires a very "good ear" to hear and sing back notes.
Acquisition: School Owned Yearly instrument fee paid to KISD ~$125 for the year. Pay one fee per instrument (can be broken up by semester or in payments).
Logistics: Families must have one horn at home and one at school to reduce wear and allow for practice.
Instrument Specific Supplies: These items are generally a one time purchase: Slide Grease, Rotor Valve Oil, Mouthpiece Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Snake, Polishing Cloth, Mouthpiece Pouch.
Horn
Sound: Full, low sound; unique ability to play "glissando" (sliding sound).
Physical Traits: Uses a slide instead of valves. Requires coordination to move the slide to specific positions.
Student Profile: Students with a "good ear" (ability to match pitch) are most successful.
Acquisition: Bought or rented through a local music shop. Costs can be between $52-$79/month depending on Brand/Model/ New/Used.
Instrument Specific Supplies: These items are generally a one time purchase: Tuning Slide Grease, Trombone Slide Grease, Mouthpiece Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Snake, 2oz Spray Bottle, Old T-shirt for Cleaning, Polishing Cloth.
Trombone
Sound: Name translates to "beautiful sound." Full and deep, similar to trombone.
Physical Traits: Cradled against the body; slightly larger/heavier, so students must adapt to the weight.
Acquisition: School Owned Yearly instrument fee paid to KISD ~$125 for the year. Pay one fee per instrument (can be broken up by semester or in payments).
Logistics: Families must have one at home and one at school to reduce wear and allow for practice.
Instrument Specific Supplies: These items are generally a one time purchase: Slide Grease, Quick Slide Grease, Valve Oil, Mouthpiece Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Snake, Polishing Cloth, Mouthpiece Pouch.
Euphonium
Sound: The lowest and largest instrument; plays the bass line.
Physical Traits: Sits on the chair (not held up by the student). Requires the most air volume of any instrument.
Student Profile: Great for athletic students who can handle large equipment. Students start on a beginning size and upgrade as they grow.
Acquisition: School Owned Yearly instrument fee paid to KISD ~$125 for the year. Pay one fee per instrument (can be broken up by semester or in payments).
Logistics: Families must have one at home and one at school.
Instrument Specific Supplies: These items are generally a one time purchase: Slide Grease, Quick Slide Grease, Valve Oil, Mouthpiece Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Snake, Polishing Cloth, Mouthpiece Pouch.
Tuba
Role: The "heartbeat" of the band. If you miss a beat, it throws off the group!
Instruments: It is a misconception that students "just play drums." Students will learn snare, marimba, triangle, cymbals, tambourine, and more.
Note: If a student "just wants to play drum set," private lessons are a better fit than school band.
Physical Traits: Requires excellent coordination (hand-eye and body) and a steady internal beat.
Acquisition and Percussion Supplies Students must purchase drumsticks, mallets, stick bag, and a drum pad, plus rent an marimba from a local music shop (~$25-50/Month). As long as these items are take care of, their sticks/mallets can last a lifetime!
Logistics: Mallet/stick collections grow as the student gets older.