Gift ideas for Brass players 2011
Here are some useful ideas of ways to support your child’s learning through giving useful presents….shop around to get the best price.
Music Stand £5-10 This is an essential for all practice. Many music shops stock a good range. Certainly, the folding stands represent good value and plenty of practical usage for the future.
Music Bag £2-10 Another essential to store music/practice diaries/etc . A ‘book’ bag is adequate, but there are some nice music ones available
Valve Oil £2-5 I normally maintain valves during lessons, but older pupils (Year 9+) sometimes get their own oil and have been taught how to oil valves correctly. Valve oil is poisonous, so this is not appropriate for young children.
Slide-o-mix (all-in-one rapid comfort) £5-8 Every trombonist should really have their own supply. Like valve oil, this should be used with adult supervision. Get the white bottle with the black lid, not the set of two with red lids.
Mouthpiece cleaning brush £2-3 These are inexpensive, and effective.
Music (for Grade 1+) £8-£15 I advise via practice diaries on any examination resources required, but there are lots of other fun music resources out there with great CD backing tracks….e.g. film themes from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Disney, etc, etc. These can range in standard, but this should be indicated on the product.
Practice Mute £20+ This is a really practical present, and one that your neighbours might also thank you for….! The mute reduces the sound levels by about 80%, whilst still allowing effective playing. Whilst I would not suggest always using a practice mute for practising, there are numerous times when I would want to show consideration to others.
Be sure to get the right one though… ‘Denis Wick’ recommended, but others available. Cornet/Trumpet £20-£25, Trombone £25, Tenor Horn £35, French Horn £40
Unfortunately, the larger instruments are a little more expensive: Baritone £53, Euphonium £78, Tuba £173 !!
Lip products £1-2 All brass players need to look after their vital assets…so Vaseline, lip salve, and Blistereze are essential products especially during the winter for all brass players.
If you cannot purchase items locally (e.g. PMT music shop on the ring road near St Andrews, try Ackerman Music mail order 01273 702444 or www.ackermanmusic.co.uk – they always have lots of things in stock and will post out for free).
Alternatively www.amazon.co.uk have most products in stock and will post out for free as well.
If you are lucky, you may find some of these available 2nd hand on Ebay, it’s worth a look.
