Band, Orchestra, Choir FAQs

Where can I rent an instrument?

We partner with a national instrument company, NEMC, which provides very low-cost rentals that you order online and are shipped directly to you. Click here to be routed to their portal for pricing and ordering. If something needs repair, you send it back and they send a new one. This is the lowest-cost option (most instruments less than $30/month) and conveniently delivered to you. Other nice local options for rental are Music Village in San Jose and Kumimoto Fine Strings in San Jose. The instruments from these stores are generally slightly more per month, but you have the convenience of in-person repairs and assistance. Sadly we are no longer recommending Park Avenue Music as clients have had negative experiences. No materials are necessary for participation in Choir.

String instruments need to be the correct size for your student. Stop in our studio to be sized, or check out this helpful website to see which size to order (1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or 4/4). String Sizing

Please note that electric basses are typically purchased rather than rented. (Upright basses are rented.) These instruments are available on Amazon, Guitar Center, or Music Village. We like the brands Fender, Ampeg, and Markbass. Your electric bass student will also need an amp to practice at home (it can be small) and a cable. These accessories are also available on Amazon or the local store options. Elementary school kids usually do best with a “mini” bass such as the Fender Mini Bass (Amazon link), while bigger kids can use a full-size electric bass. Be sure your electric bass has 4 strings.

Drummers in Band will need to rental a percussion kit (snare drum and bell set) from NEMC or another supplier, or purchase a drum pad and sticks (approx $25) such as this one. Amazon drum pad set

Why are there age restrictions for some ensembles?

Some instruments are very difficult (or impossible) to play until one reaches a certain physical size. Our age restrictions ensure that a child will almost certainly be big enough to play the instrument of their choice in that ensemble. String instruments can be smaller, whereas wind instruments do not come in smaller sizes because it would just make them harder to play as well as changing the notes and fingerings.

My child would like to join band/orchestra but has never played the instrument before. Is that okay?

Absolutely!! Unless the ensemble is labelled “Advanced …” square-one beginners are welcome and encouraged. Our faculty is amazingly adept at getting kids up and running on their instrument. At-home practice and private lessons helps speed up anyone’s progress, of course, but no prior experience is necessary to join one of the ensembles (except those labelled “Advanced…”).

Orchestra lists electric bass. Do you mean electric bass like a guitar??

Yes!!! An exciting new trend in Elementary Orchestra programs is to allow kids to start playing bass on an electric bass, since upright basses are extremely large, expensive, and can be difficult to get repaired if damaged. An electric bass is a fun, easier, and more budget-friendly option for elementary kids, and the fingerings and skills they learn will translate directly if they decide to move to upright bass in middle school. (All they need to do is apply the same fingers to the upright bass and add the bow.) Electric bass students will use the Strictly Strings book for upright bass in Orchestra, playing pizzicato. We suggest younger students start on a mini or “short stack” bass. Electric basses are typically purchased rather than rented. Bass students will also need a small amp to use for at-home practice and a cable to bring to class. (Amp provided for rehearsals, but kids are welcome to bring their own.)

What other stuff do I need besides an instrument?

We’re trying to keep it simple! You’ll just need basics. All Band/Orchestra students will need their book (available at AAM, or on Amazon. Your confirmation email will include links to purchase). We use the Essential Elements series for Band and Strictly Strings for Orchestra. Teachers will also supplement with additional sheet music as they see fit, which is provided at no charge. Clarinet and saxophone students will also need reeds, available at AAM or Amazon. Recommended brands are Vandoren or Rico in size 2. DO NOT buy the cheapest ones available on Amazon, they will not play.

What happened to Percussion Ensemble?

This year we’ve decided to roll our drummers into Band, and to offer Choir at Graystone for our youngest musicians. We’ll bring back Percussion Ensembles if there is demand. In middle school, percussionists are part of the Band so this is great practice.

Why is there a price discrepancy between the schools?

Schools have varying levels of subsidies that the parent organizations are able to provide based on their by-laws, mission statements, and resources. We thank all the schools for the opportunity to share music with their communities and for their partnership.