The start of the year goes smoothest when a student arrives with everything they need and nothing they don't. Directors hand out their own required-supplies lists, and that list always comes first — but the essentials below cover what nearly every band and orchestra student needs.
Get the consumables specific to your student's instrument early; band halls run out of common reeds and oils fast in late August.
Every student needs
- The instrument and a sturdy case (rentals include the case).
- A folding wire or sturdy music stand for home practice.
- A clip-on chromatic tuner (and a metronome — many tuners include one, or use a free app).
- A pencil for marking music (directors insist on this — pen is forbidden).
- A labeled name tag on the case and a music folder for handouts.
- Cleaning supplies appropriate to the instrument (see below).
Woodwind players add
- A box of reeds in the strength your director recommends (clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon) and a reed guard.
- Cork grease (clarinet, oboe).
- A cleaning swab sized to the instrument.
- Flute players: a cleaning rod and cloth (no reeds needed).
Brass players add
- Valve oil (trumpet, euphonium, tuba) or rotor oil (horn).
- Tuning-slide grease.
- Trombone players: slide cream or spray and a small water spray bottle.
- A soft cloth and a mouthpiece brush.
String players add
- Rosin for the bow (so it grips the strings).
- A shoulder rest (violin/viola) or rock stop / end-pin anchor (cello/bass).
- A soft cloth to wipe rosin dust off the strings and body.
- A spare set of strings for the year is a smart backup.
Percussionists add
- A bell kit or practice-pad kit as assigned (not a full drum set — schools provide the large percussion).
- A pair of snare sticks and general-purpose mallets in a stick bag.
- A small drum key.