Back to School Band Checklist

Here’s your complete Back-to-School Band Checklist with everything your student needs to start band off right—and stay on track all year.

🎒 Core Supplies Every Band Student Needs

Most students will need the following items for band class. Generally, the band director will give you a list of what they require at the beginning of school or at an instrument tryout/rental night:

🎺 Instrument (includes instrument, case and mouthpiece)

🎼 Method Book (your director will specify the exact book)

🎵 Music Stand (for home practice & occasionally bring to school for a concert)

🧰 Care Kit (instrument-specific maintenance tools and supplies)

📖 What Is a Method Book (And Why Does My Child Need One)?

A method book is the music class version of a textbook.  It’s designed to teach your student how to read music, develop technique, and play their instrument with proper fundamentals. These books include exercises, songs, and lessons that align with what your band director is teaching in class.

Important: Method books are instrument-specific, meaning there’s a different version for each type of instrument — flute, clarinet, trumpet, etc.   —  They’re written in the correct key and range for each instrument and shows fingerings specific to each.

Since there are dozens of method books out there, your child’s band director will tell you exactly which one they’re using in class.

5 of the Most Common Method Books:

1.      Essential Elements for Band

2.      Tradition of Excellence

3.      Habits for A Successful Beginner Band

4.      Sound Innovations

5.      Foundations for A Superior Performance

 

🎵 What About a Music Stand?

A music stand is a must-have for practicing at home—it keeps the music at eye level and helps your student maintain good posture while playing. The most common option for beginning band students is a folding wire music stand, which comes with a convenient carry bag for easy transport to and from lessons or rehearsals. Occasionally, the band director may ask students to bring their music stand to school for concerts. If you're looking for something a bit sturdier that still folds down for storage, we recommend the Nomad Folding Music Stand—it’s durable, adjustable, and built to last well beyond the first year of band.

🧰 What’s in a Care Kit?

Care Kits are pre-packed to meet your band director’s supply requirements and are tailored to each instrument. They usually include:

• Reeds, Reed Guard & Cork Grease (for woodwinds)

• Valve Oil & slide grease (for brass)

• Cleaning cloths, snakes, and/or swabs

• Mouthpiece brush

• Pencil

• Instrument Name Case Tag

  
  

🎁 Optional Extras That Make Life Easier

These items aren’t always required—but they make a big difference for new musicians:

• Extra reeds or backup oils

• Instrument stand (especially for larger instruments)

• Tuner and metronome

  
  

🎶 Final Notes

Band class is more fun (and less stressful) when your student is prepared. At Rocky Mountain Music Repair, we make sure families get exactly what they need—no guesswork, no last-minute scrambling. Still have questions? We’re happy to help you check every item off your list.