Time to Replace the Toys?
Most band directors know how to spend their annual budgets (and then some…)!
However, this time of year districts are looking at last-minute purchases to use leftover instructional funds before the end of the fiscal year. This is a great time to put together a wish list and send it to your admin.
Throughout the year you’ve used the bulk of your funds on sheet music, instrument repairs, maintenance, and instrument replacement. Take a few minutes to think about the percussion section and replacing or supplementing the supply of percussion “toys.”
$200 to $300 can add a lot to your percussion cabinet!
Here are a few cool (but affordable) percussion items I found on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3TZHpEK
This 4-pack of OCean Drums comes with a 6-Inch, 8-Inch, 10-Inch, and a 12-Inch drum. For $29 bucks this is a great deal to restock the percussion cabinet.
https://amzn.to/3K2bOxJ
This 10-inch shaker is a great addition to the percussion cabinet. Clean, crisp sound at home in the wind ensemble, jazz ensemble or percussion ensemble. Great value at $16!
https://amzn.to/40RWdrr
If you’re like most band directors, it’s been a while since you’ve replaced these (...and it shows). This is an affordable two-tone Agogo Bell at $19!
https://amzn.to/3KpBWnC
This is a classic wood pair of 8.5” claves. This design gives the classic sound you're looking for in authentic latin percussion.
https://amzn.to/3U2L6K2
The Percussion Box is starting to pop in contemporary wind band repertoire. Not only is it necessary for some rep, it’s a great instrument to have for percussion ensemble and jazz combos/jam sessions.
https://amzn.to/3nI5Yde
This is another great percussion toy to add to the cabinet. The spoons are a part of American Folk music and have been incorporated by some composers.
https://amzn.to/3JZBGdH
This is also an instrument that often gets overlooked when re-stocking the percussion cabinet. This is a great value at $25!
https://amzn.to/40Q1QGG
This is an affordable stainless steel guiro from EastRock. Great to add a different timbre or to replace an old guiro.
For more fun and interesting percussion toys check out Wind Conductor’s Amazon List:
