ALTERNATIVES FOR STRAINED BUDGETS
Our student is interested, but our budget is really strained. How can our
student participate in music classes at school?
In a perfect world, music programs and musical
instruments would be
available for any student who has an interest and desire to participate.
In the real world, we find that programs vary from community to community, and
the majority of students are asked to provide their own instruments if they choose to
be involved in band or orchestra.
Our experience continues to show that a
well-informed investment of a good quality musical instrument can take a student through many years of their
education and beyond. Ownership rewards and encourages the student.
Where district budgets alone cannot outfit music
programs, there are many involved citizens in booster clubs and advocacy groups
working to assist the school programs and provide instruments.
Here are some ideas if your finances cannot add one
more expense:
 | Check with the music teacher to see if any school
instruments are available to borrow. Even
if your student's first choice of instrument isn't available, choosing one that
is available may be an option to get them into to the music program. Students will learn valuable
skills on any instrument that can later be transferred to another instrument
if desired.
|
| If you are interested in borrowing an instrument
from the school, check with the teacher as early as you can.
The school owned instruments are assigned quickly. If all the instruments
have been designated to other students, perhaps you can find an option for
this term, while planning ahead for the next year. In rare cases, a teacher
may allow two students to share an instrument if they have band at different
times of day and each has their own personal mouthpiece.
|
| Talk with friends, relatives or neighbors who may have an
unused band or orchestra
instrument sitting around that you might borrow. You never know
unless you ask. Perhaps all you'll need is to buy is a new mouthpiece and
maintenance supplies.
|
| If a borrowed instrument needs minor repair, that
should not be a problem any time of year at a reputable repair shop. If
it needs major work, the back to school season is not a good bet for fast
turnaround on repairs.
|
| You might be able to find a good quality used instrument to purchase. Ask around at school or post a card in the office. Someone may have an
instrument or know of someone who has a used instrument for sale. As for
internet purchases, we have seen both great purchases and terrible purchases
made.
|
| Depending on the time of year, ABI (and other
reputable stores) may have a used instrument for sale. If you purchase
one, make sure it has been serviced and is in good playing condition.
|
| Just a note about used woodwinds: If you are
shopping from a private party, be
cautious with used flutes, clarinets, oboes or saxes as they may require costly repair charges to replace
pads and fix alignment. Take someone with you who knows a bit about
woodwinds.
|
| Perhaps there is a relative who may want to sponsor the child and would be
willing to invest in an instrument purchase for him / her. We have seen
many grandparents, aunts and uncles who are delighted to be supportive
and involved.
|
|
When finances are a roadblock,
many schools offer vocal music.
This may be a good way for the child to become involved in music education.
They may love singing in the choir. If the student remains interested in instrumental music,
you will have more time to make arrangements for acquiring an instrument. |
