Buying+a+musical+instrument

=__Buying a Musical Instrument__ = __** WHAT INSTRUMENT SHOULD MY CHILD PLAY? **__ Ideally, the child should choose the instrument, however, the physical characteristics of each child must be considered. The structure of the mouth and teeth are very important. There are times when a child will develop problems not readily visible at the time he/she starts instruction and many times these problems can be remedied by switching to another instrument. The instrument testing that occurred last year should help to minimize these problems.

This is the safest and, in my opinion, the best plan to adopt. It takes the financial risk out of buying, and presents the opportunity to exchange instruments, if necessary. There are two basic types of trial-purchase programs.
 * __HOW MAY I OBTAIN AN INSTRUMENT?__ **
 * ** TRIAL –PURCHASE PLAN **

1. **Rental Program** – Instruments are rented for $15 to $39 per month, depending on the instrument selected. Paid rent is usually applicable to the purchase of the instrument. 2. **Lease Program** – Instruments are basically rented for the school year at the total amount of about $80 to $140, depending upon the instrument selected. The first year of lease money is usually applicable toward the purchase of the instrument. = = = = =__The Purchase of a New Instrument__ = Good quality instruments are easier to play and will hold their value as an investment. My tuba was purchased for HALF of what it is worth now. Even a beginning instrument can hold its value, when cared for properly. Instruments are purchased at music stores; toys are bought at club stores and discount locations. I would never buy fruit at an auto parts store.

There are problems with this scenario. Most of these instruments require more money in repairs then a rental would cost. Additionally, instruments that are family heirlooms and are very valuable may not be the best thing to send with your child to school, where risk of damage is greater.
 * “I KNOW THIS GUY WHOSE MOTHER’S DAUHTER’S FATHER’S BROTHER HAS AN INSTRUMENT IN THEIR ATTIC. CAN I USE IT?!?” **

__** SHOULD I BUY A NEW OR USED INSTRUMENT? **__ There is no substitute for a new instrument. A used instrument usually needs repairs, although many can be put into excellent condition by a qualified instrument repair person (A complete repair job may cost anywhere from $50 to $250.) When figuring the cost of a used instrument, please be sure to also include the cost of a repair job in the total purchase price as compared to the purchase of a new instrument. **Again, instruments are bought at music stores. Toys are sold at Target and K-Mart.**

__** WHERE MAY I OBTAIN AN INSTRUMENT? ** __ Nearly all music stores have some type of trial-purchase plan. SHOP AROUND! There are several highly qualified music stores in the Valley. Be sure they carry top quality instruments. If renting or leasing read your contract carefully. If you are unsure, feel free to Email me or any other professional. Impulse buys are usually not the best and I can help you shop. (I know people who help us with these things. Remember, I buy too.) ian.peterson@dvusd.org. Good place to check if you already know exactly what you are looking for. **Have a repair man look at it before purchase and give you an estimate on repair**. Avoid unless you know what you are purchasing and have a good idea how much that brand of that instrument is really worth. (Just like cars all instruments are not created equal)
 * ** Music Stores **
 * **Mail Order Catalog and Discount Houses** (MUSIC123, Giardenilli.com, WWBW.com) Most of these look nice but play poor. Again, ask.
 * ** Newspaper Ads **
 * ** Friends and Neighbors **
 * ** Pawn Shops **

The Deer Valley School District has a limited supply of instruments to use. These are usually the larger and more expensive instruments. Examples are: French Horns, Tuba, and Bari Sax. We also have a very small supply of the smaller instruments.
 * ** School **

Please feel free to e-mail any of the music faculty within the school system for help with your musical problems. We will do our best to see that your child is provided with the training and experience necessary for continued pleasure and personal profit resulting from participation in an elementary, high school, college, and community group for as long as desired. Please visit WWW.DVUSD.ORG

=__Community Involvement__= Free instruction for your child takes place in the classroom but some of the best inspiration for music happens outside of it. There are many community ensembles in the Valley that perform on a regular basis. While many of these are located in the East Valley (Tempe Symphonic Winds, Arizona Academy Wind Ensemble, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra) there are a few out here in the North and West Valley (Pro Musica, Glendale Community College Jazz and Concert Bands). Additionally, the high level of musicianship taking place at the local high schools shouldn’t be missed. Mountain Ridge has a nationally recognized concert band and their marching band performed at the Rose Parade as well as the most recent Presidential Inauguration; Deer Valley has nationally award winning jazz bands, and their marching band was awarded top honors in New Mexico and participated in the Bands of America Festival at the Bank One Ballpark. Sandra Day received superior ratings in marching, jazz, and concert bands. Glenn Hart, the band director at Boulder Creek is very enthusiastic and looking forward to building the same type of quality program up in Anthem. I’m in the process of compiling a list of these groups and their performance schedules so that you may take your children to enjoy live music. **Most of these concerts are free.**

Instrumental instruction for our students typically starts in 5th grade with Beginning Band. Throughout the year these students are encouraged to meet certain criteria to advance into Advanced Band in 6th grade. Some exceptions however are made in 6th to accommodate beginners as well. Our goal is to have these 6th graders move into Advanced Band and join the rest of their peers as soon as possible. Private lessons are always encouraged to accelerate the growth of students in music, but for students who are in 6th grade, it is strongly recommended so that they may fast track back to their friends in Advanced Band.

= __Private Lessons__ =  While instruction is free on instruments at school, having private lessons outside of the classroom gives students an advantage. Music and Arts is located at 53rd Ave and Bell Road on the corner in the same plaza as the Kohl’s. Music and Arts offers lessons with professionals at very reasonable prices. I’ve also included a list of recommended private teachers. Private lessons can be invaluable in assisting your child through the first couple of rough weeks of learning a new instrument. Please do not feel that this is a must, but it is very beneficial. Even one or two lessons can make a huge difference.

Music and Arts 5350 West Bell Road, Suite 132 Glendale, AZ 85308 Phone: (602) 504-0206

List of Local Private Instructors
Kristina Johnson (602) 931-3740 Bonnie Lou Olander (602) 997-9915 Deeanne McAllister (602) 973-5650 Jill Masiello (602) 843-9103 Amy Cull (623) 362-1822 Bill Patterson william.patterson@dvusd.org Gary Flowers (623) 878-7515 Tony Masiello (602) 843-9103 Jack Broughton (623) 979-7043 Jamie Fitzpatrick (623) 825-2775 Tony Vaca (602) 482-2424 Jim Freeda (623) 979-2797 Mike Warner (623) 582-4259 Bud Hilditch (623) 547-5677 Tanya Deutsch - tanya.deutsch@dvusd.org Bob McAllister (602) 973-5650 Glenn Hart glenn.hart@dvusd.org
 * __Flute__ **
 * __Oboe__**
 * __Clarinet__ **
 * __ Saxophone __**
 * __Trumpet__**
 * __French Horn__**
 * __Low Brass__**