Dear Parents,
In the past few years, I have seen a significant
increase in students and their families purchasing 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 they 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 thirty 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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