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1) Why Upgrade? The recommended instruments that Downing students have started on this year are very high quality instruments. Even in their first year, this has allowed them to be more successful on their instrument than if their equipment was of a lesser quality. Like most purchases, there is always something that can be improved on. With band instruments, there are “Step-up” instruments that we recommend for each instrument that will allow our students to progress even further. Instruments are also and investment. My saxophone I purchased in the 8th grade (198?) for $1200 was worth $2700 when I sold it to purchase a new instrument in 1995. With great care, the instrument’s resale value will remain quite high or possibly increase over time. Instrument upgrades when moving from the 6th to the 7th grade are a key element in the development of students at that time in their musical lives. Along with jump starting their practice time (which happens when instruments are purchased), it is also a great time for them to get used to these larger and more advanced instruments. When they go to the high school level, they will be very comfortable performing on their upgraded instruments. 2) Do all instruments need to be upgraded? Some instruments have significant differences between the beginner model and the upgrade. As a students abilities increase, these upgrade instruments will allow the students to produce the best sound possible. In the same manner, their beginning instruments may hinder a students playing and possibly cause frustration. The most vital instruments to upgrade are:
- Cornet to Trumpet - Beginner Trombone to F-Attachment Trombone Performance and enjoyment will be greatly enhanced with an upgrade on the following instruments: - Flute - Clarinet - Saxophone These instruments are essentially the same instruments, but upgrades will enable students to perform at a much higher level. Students who show considerable aptitude for their instrument should definitely upgrade. 3) Should I keep the instrument I have now if I already own it or can pay it off? If possible, yes. When a child gets to high school and performs in the marching band, they will rehearse outdoors on concrete 80% of the time. While they should be careful with any instrument they perform with, marching band does have some risks with regard to instrument care. Having their beginner instrument to use on a regular basis is strongly encouraged. 4) Are there specific instruments to upgrade to? Yes. For the value and quality, the instruments listed on the Downing Approved Instrument List are quality instruments that are approved and recommended by the directors at Downing and at Marcus High School. They should last them through their high school and possibly even college days. Are their instruments that are better than these? Yes; however, these are very high quality instruments and should further their success. 5) Is it possible to purchase an instrument that is worse than the one my child already plays on?
Yes. The beginning band instruments that Downing students play during their first year are not cheap instruments or low in quality. Instruments, like many things, follow the motto: “You get what you pay for.” Some of the recommended instruments can be found at discounts or used for less money. However, most of the non-recommended instruments that have prices that look too good to be true, are usually too good to be true. Also, be careful of purchasing an instrument that “looks cool”. There are many variations of instruments (even colored clarinets) that look great, but are not good instruments. While your child might like the look of a blue clarinet, they will not enjoy playing on one. 6) Using the Downing Approved Instrument List, can I purchase an instrument from any store? Yes you can; however, instruments are not necessarily consistent in their quality, even with instruments of the same manufacturer and model. We are happy to look at any instruments purchased to make sure they are of the best quality. Either a director or private lesson instructor will play on several instruments to make sure you purchase the best one. Music and Arts (and most music stores) will send several of the same instruments to be tried out to find the correct one. Again, this is an investment and we want to make certain that your instrument is of the highest quality possible. Often, private lesson teachers and directors are made aware of instruments that are on this list, but used. We can check these out and recommend them for purchase. More often than not, these used instruments have already been through the checks we recommend. If you have any questions, please give us a call or send us an e-mail. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions regarding this important matter. I will have more specific information with regards to prices of instrument upgrades in a short time.

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