| Dear Parents,
In the past few years, I have seen a significant
increase in students and their families purchase instruments
online or at discount department stores. While it's true that
good deals can be found online, it's also true- and increasingly
alarming to band directors nationwide- that there are many instruments
of inferior quality being sold to unsuspecting buyers. These
instruments are referred to by people in the music profession
as ISO's- Instrument Shaped Objects! The instruments- often
new- may look good when the arrive, but due to substandard craftsmanship
and materials, they soon develop problems. Instruments with
metals that are too soft to hold an adjustment cause woodwind
players great frustration and valves that don't fit correctly
can make brass instruments virtually unplayable. An instrument
that does not work properly can be tremendously discouraging
to a student. I, and many of my colleagues, have seen this lead
directly to students quitting band out of frustration. A quality
instrument that plays in tune, stays in alignment, and has a
life expectancy of twenty five years or more is a crucial factor
in the success of students at all levels of the band program.
If you are considering buying an instrument,
you need to follow one simple rule- buy an established name
brand. For example, it has been my experience that instruments
made by Yamaha are well made and are long lasting. Other established
name brands are: Conn, Selmer, Bundy, King and Holton.
Any of the instrumental music teachers in MSAD
75 would be happy to advise you regarding instrument purchases-
online or otherwise. We also have several reputable local music
stores in Maine. With a local dealer, you save shipping costs
(often a substantial savings) and you have service if needed
after the sale. Both Music & Arts in West
Falmouth (formerly Eastern Musical Supply) and Northern
Kingdom Music in Rockland and Bangor, carry a complete
line of high quality instruments from beginner to professional
models. I have no ulterior motive in recommending either company-
there are other fine music stores in Maine, but these two are
in our area and specialize in instruments and service to school
music programs.
I want to assure you that I have absolutely no
business or financial motive in recommending a particular brand
of instrument or company. The opinions stated here are based
on my experiences from more than twenty years of teaching. My
motive is to prevent students from getting stuck with an inferior
instrument. While it may save a few dollars in the short term,
it almost always results in failure over the long term.
Please feel free to contact me if I can assist
anyone or answer any questions with regard to instrument purchases. |
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