Gift & Upgrade Guide

The links provided are for reference only and are not an endorsement for a specific manufacturer or retailer. The brands listed have been approved by fellow educators and musicians for quality, features and value. We always recommend shopping your local music stores as well as browsing options online.

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All Students

1. Private Lessons (See local music stores or email Mr. Lemons)
2. Music Stand for Home https://www.musicarts.com/manhasset-m48-symphony-music-stand-main0001455
3. Metronome/Tuner https://www.musicarts.com/korg-tm-60-tuner-metronome-main0383336
4. Luggage Tag for Instrument Case
5. Books - solos, movie music, jazz improv, etc.
6. Instrument Bag/Gig Bag https://altieribags.com/
7. Instrument Specific Items (see details below)

 
 
Flute

1. High quality swab (silk or chamois) https://www.musicarts.com/search?q=flute%20swab
2. Flute Stand https://www.musicarts.com/flute-piccolo-stands
3. Flute Bag https://www.fluterscooter.com/collections/flute-bags
4. Flute Flag Swab https://www.flutistry.com/collections/cleaning/products/flute-flag-wand?variant=19492729323613

 
Clarinet

1. Reeds (Vandoren) https://www.musicarts.com/clarinet-reeds?terms=BrandName:Vandoren
2. High quality swab https://www.musicarts.com/jewel-silk-clarinet-swab-main0028370
3. Thumb cushion https://www.musicarts.com/search?q=clarinet%20thumb%20cushion
4. Upgraded Mouthpiece – Vandoren M13 Lyre https://www.musicarts.com/vandoren-series-m13-lyre-bb-clarinet-mouthpiece-main0000673
5. Rovner Dark Ligature https://www.musicarts.com/search?q=rovner%20dark
6. Mouthpiece Cushion https://www.musicarts.com/bg-mouthpiece-patches-main0025103
7. Clarinet Stand https://www.musicarts.com/search?q=clarinet%20stand
8. Reed Case https://www.musicarts.com/search?q=clarinet%20reed%20case

 
Saxophone

1. Neoprene neck strap https://www.musicarts.com/protec-neoprene-less-stress-neck-strap-for-alto-tenor-baritone-saxophone-main0108671
2. Reeds (Vandoren) https://www.musicarts.com/saxophone-reeds?terms=BrandName:Vandoren
3. Upgraded Mouthpiece (Selmer C*) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=selmer+c+star+mouthpiece&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
4. Rovner Dark Ligature  https://www.musicarts.com/search?q=rovner%20dark
5. High quality swab https://www.musicarts.com/jewel-saxophone-swabs-main0028975
6. Reed Case https://www.musicarts.com/search?q=saxophone%20reed%20case
7. Mouthpiece Cushion https://www.musicarts.com/protec-large-mouthpiece-cushions-4mm-qty-6-main0109213

 
Brass

1. Valve Oil (Blue Juice, Al Cass Fast) https://www.musicarts.com/valve-oils
2. Trombone Slide-O-Mix https://www.musicarts.com/slide-o-mix-rapid-comfort-trombone-lubricant-main0028040
3. Instrument Stand https://www.musicarts.com/brass-instrument-stands

 
 
 
Percussion

1. Mallet/Stick Bag https://www.musicarts.com/humes-berg-galaxy-grip-orchestral-mallet-bag-main0001488
2. Marching High-Tension Drum Key https://www.musicarts.com/yamaha-dk30-power-drum-key-main0013095
3. Snare Drum Sticks (Cooperman Graham C. Johns #1) https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/cooperman-graham-c-johns-1-drum-sticks/concert-snare-drum-sticks
4. Bell Mallets (IP906) https://www.musicarts.com/innovative-percussion-ip906-brilliant-mallets-with-rattan-handles-main0025273
5. Med Soft Xylo/Bell Mallets (IP902) https://www.musicarts.com/innovative-percussion-ip902-medium-soft-xylophonebell-mallets-main0020077
6. Marimba Mallets (IP300, IP240, Van Slice) https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/marimba-mallets
7. Timpani Mallets (IP CT3, CT4) https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/timpani-mallets
8. Vibraphone Mallets
   1. Concert Band: https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/vic-firth-m25-gary-burton-vibraphone-mallets/vibraphone-mallets
   2. Concert Band: https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/innovative-rs251/vibraphone-mallets
   3. Jazz Band: https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/balter-expression-46r-mallets/mike-balter-mallets
9. Jazz Band Drumset Sticks
   1. VF Stanton Moore, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, 5A, 7A, SD4 Combo
10. Jazz Band Wire Brushes (VF Heritage) https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/brushes