Acquiring a Band Instrument for your Child Rental: Don Wilson music rents new, quality band instruments that are covered under a protection program (insurance). It is a rent-to-own program. Rent prices are $25/month for a percussion kit, $30 for flute & clarinet, $45 for alto sax, $55 for oboe, tenor sax, french horn and euphonium. The rental agreement is on a monthly basis and the rental instrument can be returned at any time. PROS: new, high quality instrument, no maintenance/repair expenses, month-by-month lease, equity is often transferable to a different instrument (step-up model or complete change). CONS: usually more expensive in the long run, unpaid or delinquent accounts result in repossession. Purchase: Purchasing a band instrument can be a big investment. Parents should purchase an instrument if they are confident that their child will stick with that instrument for a considerable amount of time. There are many quality dealerships in Kentucky such as Don Wilson Music, Hurst Music and Buddy Rogers that offer school band instruments. There are also online music dealers such as Woodwind & Brasswind (http://www.wwbw.com). Used instruments are available on Craigslist and Ebay. Please beware of instruments that are exponentially cheaper than those of their competitors. These instruments are generally unable to be properly tuned, and most music repair businesses will not service them. Instruments that are offered in flashy colors are almost always of sub-par quality. Please see the table on the back of this for a listing of reputable instrument brands. PROS: less expensive overall cost than rental, quality used instruments can pose a significant savings, wide selection. No risk of repossession. CONS: more permanent investment than rental, consumer needs to be knowledgeable in order to make a wise purchase, repairs are a probable expense. Significant resale depreciation for student-line instruments. School-owned instrument usage: RCMS owns a limited number of public-use instruments. These instruments vary in their age and condition. There is a yearly $40 usage fee that can be waived in very special circumstances. Students are responsible for damage, but routine maintenance is covered by the $40 usage fee. Students who play tuba use school-owned instruments. PROS: Least expensive option. CONS: Older instruments that have been used by many students, not covered under any protection plan, instruments are issued in working condition but often require frequent maintenance. Band Books: $10 (percussion $13) Reputable Instrument Brands Flute: Armstrong, Trombone: Bach, Getzen Artley, Emerson, Holton, King, Ghemienhardt, Yamaha, Yamaha Clarinet: Artley, Buffett, Percussion Kits: Ludwig, Pearl LeBlanc, Selmer, Mapex, Yamaha,Vito, Yamaha Saxophone: Conn, Selmer, Oboe/bassoon: Fox, Renard, Yamaha, Selmer, Yamaha Trumpet: Bach, Benge, Conn, Getzen, King, Jupiter, Yamaha, French Holton, Conn, Horn: Nirschil, Yamaha .