Here are some Frequently Asked Questions from the Band Room:

1.  Are all instruments of the same quality?  No, they're not.  Name brand instruments hold their value over the long haul.  If you're interested in knowing specific good quality brand names for any instrument, please contact Mrs. Swan-Eagan or Miss Morgan, we're happy to help.  There are many instruments out in the market place that are not of sufficient quality to hold value (or playing ability) for very long.  Also, off brand instruments are very difficult to repair!  Off brand instruments are often very, very hard to play in tune, and that is why sometimes they are not acceptable for ensemble performance - while great for "at home" practice, instruments that are not easily played in tune are not suitable for ensemble performance (or practice).

There are instruments that come in colors now - we don't recommend those instruments as they are often harder to maintain & harder to tune well.  

If you'd like to know some brand names that have a good reputation, good resale value, and good repair records, simply contact Mrs. Swan-Eagan - she can help you!

2.  I'd like to donate a pair of marching shoes to the band - do you accept them?  Realistically, we have only a small amount of storage space available in the high school band room, and therefore we don't accept donations of shoes any longer.  What we will do, however, is list your shoes on the "Trading Post" page of our website - lots of people get their band shoes from the trading post!

3.  Will any pair of white shoes work for the MHS Marching Band?  No, we'd like everyone wearing uniform shoes - they're Drillmasters, and available from several vendors, or through the band office.  

4.  Will any reeds do for my student?  We recommend the following reeds:

Clarinet - Mitchell Lurie or VanDoren

Saxophone - Henke or Hemke Professional

Although other reed types are out there, and many do just fine, these are my personal favorites to have students using.