Reeds

Even with the best of care, reeds only last a few weeks before they deteriorate--and that's if they don't become cracked or chipped first!  To ensure that each student has access to playable reeds, Mrs. Donovan has a supply of reeds in the music room that can be purchased at a discount price. Note: The flavored reeds are VERY appealing, but are extremely poor quality cane. Please try to avoid them!

Reed brands in order of quality are:

1. Vandoren (the best, but expensive)

2. Mitchell Lurie

3. LaVoz, Rico Royal

4. Rico

5. Flavored Reeds

OTHER REED FACTS:

♪ REEDS ARE GRADED ACCORDING TO THICKNESS, OR “STRENGTH”.

♪ A #5 REED IS THE HARDEST TO BLOW AND A #1 REED IS THE EASIEST.

♪ TO PRODUCE THE BEST SOUND, THE STUDENT MUST FIND THE PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN THE OPENING OF THE MOUTHPIECE, THE STRENGTH OF THE EMBOUCHURE (MOUTH MUSCLES) AND THE STRENGTH OF THE REED.

**IN GENERAL, FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADERS SHOULD USE 2/12**

Mrs. Donovan has clarinet reeds for sale for $1.50 (Rico # 2 1/2)

Alto Saxophone reeds are $2.50 (Rico # 2 1/2)

Clarinet Swabs

Clarinet handkerchief swabs are also available in the music room. The cost is $5.00.  These swabs are essential to keeping your clarinet in good repair: they prevent pads from wearing prematurely, keep tone holes clean so the instrument stays in tune, and keep the body of the instrument clean and resonant.

Lesson Books

If you have difficulty purchasing your lesson book (or have lost the one you purchased), please e-mail Mrs. Donovan at ddonovan@ycds.org.  Extra books are available for purchase in the music room. Additional Page